In this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Andrea Maier, Co-Director of the Centre for Healthy Longevity at the National University of Singapore, discusses the biological mechanisms of aging and how longevity medicine can be integrated into mainstream healthcare. A leading physician-scientist in gerontology and internal medicine, she shares insights on aging biomarkers, senescent cells, and how lifestyle and environment shape our biological age.

Key Points:

Dr. Andrea Maier reveals how science is shifting from treating disease to preventing aging itself. By measuring biological age and targeting aging mechanisms, longevity medicine seeks to extend healthspan. Her advice is simple: stay active, stay connected, and find joy in what you do — that’s true longevity.

• From Geriatrics to Longevity Medicine: Trained as a physician and geriatrician, Dr. Maier explains how traditional medicine focuses on treating diseases, while longevity medicine aims to detect and slow aging processes long before illness develops.
• Defining Longevity Clinics: Longevity clinics combine preventive care with cutting-edge diagnostics like biological age clocks, molecular biomarkers, and omics technologies to monitor healthspan, not just lifespan.
• Hallmarks and Mechanisms of Aging: Aging arises from multiple interacting mechanisms such as cellular senescence, DNA damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Each individual—and even each organ—ages at a different pace, influenced by environment and genetics.
• Senescent Cells and Disease: Senescent cells, which stop dividing but secrete harmful molecules, accumulate with age and drive diseases such as heart failure and diabetes. Lifestyle factors like regular exercise can reduce their number, while new senolytic drugs are under study.
• Aging Clocks and Biomarkers: Biological clocks, especially epigenetic clocks, estimate biological age by analysing DNA methylation or clinical markers. However, Dr. Maier cautions that these tools are still being refined and should complement, not replace, traditional medical assessments.
• Living Younger, Not Just Longer: Beyond supplements or drugs, Dr. Maier emphasizes that emotional well-being, social connections, physical activity, and green living environments are powerful determinants of a younger biological age.