Speaker: Glenn Bingle
This talk will be an update to an earlier talk on the Science of Aging. It will include new findings on the role of the immune system and innovative anti-aging therapies. The subtitle will be Who do you believe and follow: Drs Ko and Bingle or Dr. Eric Topol or Peter Attia.
Glenn Bingle was the chief medical officer of the Community Health Network, retired and chief of Medical Genetics. He also was a volunteer Clinic Professor of Medicine and Medical Molecular Genetics at the IU School of Medicine.
Program: How to Live Past 60 with the Best Quality of Life – By an Old Doctor
Scientific Insights on Aging and Longevity
Speaker: Dr. Glenn Bingle, assisted byDr. Benny Ko
Introduction By: Bill Halsema
Attendance: NESC: 110; Zoom: 30
Guests: Mary Conway, Diana Yung, Michelle Pleasant, Trilce Schneiller, Bob Stanis, Peggy LeVera, Ramond Malenki
Scribe: Benny Ko
Editor: Ed Nitka
Talk’s Zoom recording found at: https://www.scientechclubvideos.org/zoom/09142026.mp4
Chronological age is a person's actual years lived. Biological age is a functional state of one's tissues and organs; it often varies independently from chronological age.
A super ager is an elderly person who’s cognitive and memory function match his/her abilities as a 35-year-old.
Aging is not accepted by the FDA as a disease; this hampers research to some extent, but more clinical trials are emerging. Research found that our epigenomic function (gene regulation) is more crucial than our DNA coding itself. And inflammation, a process that includes cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes, underlies 7 of the top 10 causes of death.
What aging does:
*Senescent cells release pro-inflammatory proteins. Senolytics and rapamycin are drugs in trials that target these cells.
*Cellular Recycling (autophagy) declines with age, leading to cellular debris accumulation that triggers inflammation.
*Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis is an age-associated imbalance between the "good" and the "bad" bacteria in our guts. This change could be mitigated by a diet rich in fiber, fermented foods, and polyphenols.
Blue Zones
Certain regions and certain populations in the world are noted for their exceptional longevity; these include Okinawa, Sardinia, and the Seventh-day Adventists in the US. These people live an active lifestyle, eat plant-based diets, and are socially integrated. Alcohol consumption among them is moderate, and almost none are smokers. Of these traits, social integration, i.e., face-to-face interaction, is the strongest predictor of longevity.
Some notable researchers of aging include David Sinclair, Peter Attia, Eric Topol, and Susan Pinker. They have all written books and articles that are available to the public.
Medicine 2.0 vs Medicine 3.0
We are in a transitional era between the two approaches to healthcare. The former is symptom-based diagnosis and treatment; the latter is more preventive and upstream intervention.
A complete transition still faces the challenge of cost, availability of technology, and trained personnel. Socio-economic status is also a strong predictor of longevity.
Encouraging progress has been made in the understanding of aging, e.g., over 12 epigenetic clocks exist to predict mortality and biological aging. New blood and proteomic markers are regularly discovered and utilized. AI is increasingly used to aid diagnosis. This is complemented by new medications such as the GLP-1 drugs, metformin, statins, etc.
The following are practical recommendations for longevity, and of equal importance, for good health:
*Exercise; stay physically active and stay independent.
*Eat a healthy diet rich in fiber and protein. Always stay hydrated.
*Practice social integration, i.e., person-to-person and community contact.
*Avoid smoking; alcoholic consumption only in moderation.
*Continue to learn new things; stay mentally active.
*Sleep amply and restfully.
*Avoid and manage stress; stay joyful.
Glenn Bingle
Benny Ko
