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Published on: August 8, 2019
Chronogeroprotection: Circadian Action Bundles for Healthy Aging
Jasmin Weninger1, Shadab Rahman2,3, Mustafa Özcürümez1
1Department of Medicine, Knappschaft Kliniken Universitätsklinikum Bochum GmbH, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
Abstract:
Aging is a multidimensional biological process characterized by a progressive decline in physiological resilience to stressors, shaped by molecular dysregulation and cumulative behavioral and environmental challenges, and accompanied by an increased risk of disease. Despite advances in geroscience, biological time remains underused in prevention, clinical care, and public-health strategy. Here we propose chronogeroprotection as a novel circadian-informed perspective on the preservation of physiological resilience across the life span. We synthesize evidence showing that circadian regulation coordinates near-24-hour rhythms in metabolism, immune function, DNA repair, and sleep-wake regulation, thereby influencing vulnerability to age-related diseases. We then translate these insights into a prevention-oriented model for healthy aging. We suggest that chronogeroprotective action bundles, which consist of interventions, properly synchronized to light exposure, sleep, meal timing, physical activity, pharmacology, diagnostics, and patient care workflows according to biological time, will help bridge the hallmarks of aging and healthcare system redesign. Through integration of circadian principles into diagnostic procedures, electronic health records, clinical workflows, educational programs, research networks, and public-health policy, biological time can become a tangible preventive and therapeutic factor relevant for healthy aging consistent with the WHO Decade of Healthy Ageing priorities.
Insights
Chronogeroprotection leverages circadian rhythms to enhance resilience against aging. Synchronizing lifestyle and medical interventions with biological time offers a novel strategy for healthy aging and disease prevention.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Chronobiology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Aging is a decline in resilience due to molecular and environmental factors, increasing disease risk.
- Biological time, linked to circadian rhythms, is underutilized in aging research and healthcare.
- Circadian regulation impacts metabolism, immunity, DNA repair, and sleep, influencing age-related disease vulnerability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose chronogeroprotection, a novel perspective integrating circadian biology with aging research.
- To highlight the potential of biological time in preventing age-related decline and disease.
- To bridge the gap between aging hallmarks and healthcare system redesign.
Main Methods:
- Synthesizing evidence on circadian regulation and its role in aging.
- Translating circadian insights into a prevention-oriented model for healthy aging.
- Defining chronogeroprotective action bundles synchronized to biological time.
Main Results:
- Circadian regulation influences key physiological processes relevant to aging.
- Chronogeroprotective action bundles can synchronize interventions (light, sleep, meals, activity, etc.) with biological time.
- Integrating circadian principles into healthcare workflows and policy can make biological time a preventive factor.
Conclusions:
- Chronogeroprotection offers a novel framework for preserving physiological resilience throughout life.
- Synchronized interventions based on biological time can mitigate aging processes and disease risk.
- The integration of circadian principles is crucial for advancing healthy aging strategies and public health policy.
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