Telomeres and the Science of Aging: Why Lifestyle Matters More Than You Think
Source: Eliot Reyna/unsplash In today’s modern world, the pursuit of longevity and youth has become a collective obsession. People chase rejuvenation through skincare routines, dietary supplements, and even stem-cell therapy. Yet, one crucial aspect often goes unnoticed: aging begins at the very foundation of our bodies—the cell. What Are Telomeres? One of the key markers of cellular aging is the telomere. Although invisible to the naked eye, telomeres play a decisive role in how well we age and how healthy we remain in later years. Telomeres are protective caps located at the ends of chromosomes. They consist of non-coding DNA sequences that safeguard genetic information during cell division. Think of them like the plastic tips at the ends of shoelaces that prevent fraying. With each cell division, telomeres shorten slightly. Once they become too short, the cell loses its ability to regenerate and eventually stops dividing (Blackburn et al., 2006). This shortening process is part...
