Endocrine Conditions in Older Adults: Anti-Aging Therapies

Sarah Bradford1, Anita Ramsetty1, Scott Bragg1

  • 1Department of Family Medicine MUSC, 5 Charleston Center Drive, Charleston, SC 29425.

FP Essentials
|November 15, 2018
PubMed

Insights

The anti-aging industry lacks robust human trial data for many therapies. Current recommendations focus on healthy lifestyle choices like diet and sleep to promote longevity.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology and Longevity Science
  • Translational Medicine

Background:

  • Growing public interest in anti-aging interventions fuels a large industry.
  • Significant gaps exist in human clinical trial data for many anti-aging therapies.

Observation:

  • Hormonal therapies show limited evidence for safe use and carry inherent risks.
  • Animal models suggest potential molecular targets for aging, but clinical application is distant.
  • Observational data supports lifestyle interventions like diet and sleep for healthy aging.

Findings:

  • Evidence supporting many proposed anti-aging treatments, especially hormonal therapies, is insufficient.
  • Lifestyle factors remain the most evidence-based approach to promoting a healthy lifespan.

Implications:

  • Physicians need to understand anti-aging science to counsel patients effectively.
  • Prioritizing evidence-based lifestyle recommendations can help patients avoid ineffective or harmful treatments.
  • Building trust is crucial for guiding patients toward safe and beneficial healthspan strategies.

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