Human aging is a multifactorial process controlled by both environmental and genetic factors. Our mission is to understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie the aging process and that lead to age-related diseases. We hope that eventually this knowledge can contribute to a more healthy aging of people. The central question we are aiming at answering is «What are the mechanisms that lead to the development of tissue dysfunction and diseases in the elderly?». Answering this question will contribute to the extension of healthy lifespan, thus minimizing the burdens on society and the individual, and enriching our society's future development by the wealth of knowledge and experience that is the gift of the older generation.