Is aging really a disease?

The concept of aging as a disease is a topic of ongoing debate among experts. Some argue that it should be viewed and treated as a disease to better address the health issues associated with it.

1. David Sinclair argues that aging fits the definition of a disease as it leads to loss of function and death. He points out that traditionally, if more than 50% of the population is affected, it is considered aging; otherwise, it's a disease. Sinclair believes this distinction is arbitrary and calls for reclassifying aging to enable better regulatory and medical approaches to combat it 1 2.

2. George Church acknowledges that the aging process is intricately linked to various diseases, affecting morbidity and mortality rates significantly. Although he supports treating the underlying causes of age-related diseases, he is cautious about categorizing aging strictly as a disease due to its broader, more complex nature 3.

   Aging as a Disease

   Rich Roll

   David Sinclair

   David and Rich discuss the concept of aging as a disease, challenging the notion that certain conditions are just a part of life. They explore the impact of classifications on regulation and the potential for treating aging as a condition worth addressing.

   

   Rich Roll

   David Sinclair Is Extending Human Lifespan | Rich Roll Podcast

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3. Aubrey de Grey shares similar hesitations, emphasizing that aging should not be treated like a disease that can be cured with a single therapy. He suggests focusing on repairing and staving off the biological damage that occurs with aging 4.

4. Vonda Wright challenges the disease classification from a practical perspective, highlighting the importance of lifestyle choices in maintaining health and vitality during aging. She emphasizes that aging itself is a natural process and should be managed with proactive health investments rather than pharmaceutical interventions 5.

5. Other experts, like Serena Poon, believe that recognizing aging as a disease could change the approach to managing chronic degenerative conditions that typically arise later in life, pushing for more innovative preventive care strategies 6.

The debate thus revolves around whether reclassifying aging as a disease can enhance medical research, regulatory approaches, and overall health strategies, or whether it oversimplifies a complex, natural process that requires comprehensive lifestyle and health management strategies.