IX — Secrets of Longevity
Dedicated to the science of aging, this conference explored the biological mechanisms of longevity, the genetics of aging, and the medical and social challenges of an aging population.
Key Themes
With life expectancy rising across the developed world, this edition explored the biological, medical, and social dimensions of aging. Researchers presented discoveries about the genes and molecular pathways that regulate lifespan, from telomere biology to caloric restriction and senolytics.
Pier Giuseppe Pelicci presented his research on oxidative stress and its role in both cancer and aging, revealing surprising connections between the two processes. Other speakers addressed the demographic challenges of aging populations, including healthcare costs, pension systems, and the need for age-friendly urban design.
The conference struck a balance between the optimism of anti-aging research and the realistic assessment of its limitations, emphasizing that extending lifespan without maintaining quality of life would create as many problems as it solves.