Science, Simply
Longevity glossary
We translate the language of science into something magical yet clear. From ancient concepts to lab terms, the A to Z of a long life.
A
- Autophagy
- The cell’s “inner cleaning” process, in which damaged components are broken down and recycled. It slows with age; its links to exercise and eating patterns are being studied.
B
- Biohacking
- Trying to optimize one’s own health and performance through measurement, technology and lifestyle experiments. Telling the evidence-based from the unproven is essential.
- Biological age
- An estimate of how much the body has aged at the cellular and physiological level. It can differ from calendar age and is estimated with tools such as epigenetic clocks and blood markers.
- Blue Zones
- Communities such as Okinawa, Sardinia, Ikaria, Nicoya and Loma Linda reported to have unusually many long-lived people. Some age records are debated, but their shared habits are inspiring.
C
- Caloric restriction
- Reducing energy intake without malnutrition. It extended lifespan in many animal models; an effect on human lifespan has not been proven.
- Cellular senescence
- “Zombie” cells that stop dividing but do not die, releasing inflammatory signals. Their accumulation with age may impair tissue function.
- Circadian rhythm
- The roughly 24-hour internal biological clock. It governs sleep, hormones, digestion and body temperature; its strongest regulator is morning light.
E
- Epigenetic clock
- Algorithms that estimate biological age from DNA methylation patterns. A valuable research tool; their meaning for individual health decisions is still limited.
- Epigenetics
- Chemical marks that switch genes on and off without changing the DNA sequence. They can change with age, environment and habits.
H
- Healthspan
- The part of life lived healthy and independent, free from serious disease and disability — the true goal of longevity.
- Hormesis
- The principle that small, controlled stresses (exercise, cold, heat, brief fasting) strengthen the body’s defense and repair mechanisms.
I
- Ikigai
- An Okinawan concept meaning “a reason for living.” A sense of purpose stands out as a shared trait of long-lived communities.
- Inflammaging
- Chronic, low-grade, symptom-free inflammation that rises with age. It is linked to many age-related diseases, from cardiovascular disease to neurodegeneration.
- Insulin sensitivity
- How well cells respond to the hormone insulin. It is strongly linked to movement, muscle mass, sleep and diet.
- Intermittent fasting
- Eating patterns that limit eating to certain hours. It may improve some metabolic markers; its long-term effect on human lifespan is not yet clear.
L
- Lifespan
- The total length of life, from birth to death.
M
- Metformin
- A drug used to treat type 2 diabetes. Whether it slows aging is under study; it is not recommended for this purpose in healthy people.
- Mitochondria
- The power plants of our cells. Their declining function with age is considered a hallmark of aging; regular exercise supports mitochondrial health.
- mTOR
- A signaling pathway that regulates cell growth and nutrient sensing — one of the most studied targets in aging research.
N
- NAD+
- A coenzyme essential for cellular energy production and repair. Its levels decline with age; evidence that its precursors slow aging in humans is limited so far.
- Neuroplasticity
- The brain’s lifelong ability to form new connections and reorganize itself, supported by learning, movement and social interaction.
P
- Proteostasis
- The balance of correctly folding, protecting and clearing proteins in the cell. Its breakdown is linked to diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
R
- Rapamycin
- A drug that inhibits the mTOR pathway. It extended lifespan in mice; its use against aging in humans is experimental and requires medical supervision.
S
- Sarcopenia
- The age-related loss of muscle mass, strength and function. Regular strength training and adequate protein can slow it considerably.
- Senolytics
- Compounds designed to selectively clear senescent cells. Animal studies are promising; human trials are at an early stage.
T
- Telomere
- Protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. They shorten with each cell division; their shortening is one of the hallmarks of cellular aging.
V
- VO₂max
- The maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during exercise — a measure of cardiorespiratory fitness strongly associated with lifespan.