Medicine is on our side: the goal is not only to live longer, but also to live well

Slovenia is witnessing a shift in medical priorities, with increasing focus on quality of life alongside longevity. The country's health care system is adapting to the growing need for solutions that extend not just lifespan, but also the period of healthy living. Recent developments highlight this transition, as experts emphasize the importance of maintaining vitality well into old age rather than merely prolonging life. The average life expectancy for children born in Slovenia in 2023 is projected to reach around 82 years. However, only about 67 of those years will be spent in good health. This means that a significant portion of life will be marked by chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, hormonal imbalances, and other long-term illnesses. These challenges affect individuals, their families, healthcare systems, economies, and society as a whole. In response, gerontology and longevity medicine have gained prominence in recent years. This field integrates achievements from preventive medicine, genetics, nutritional science, endocrinology, sports medicine, and advanced diagnostics. Experts view it as one of the key developmental steps in future medicine. For Mirjana Sredojević, a cardiologist and vascular medicine specialist who has dedicated her career to longevity medicine, the goal is not simply to extend life but to embrace a philosophy centered on personal choice and decision-making. She explains that aging is often associated with visible signs such as gray hair and physical decline, but it is actually a complex biological process. Longevity medicine focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind aging rather than its outward manifestations. Sredojević emphasizes the importance of identifying early indicators of disease and intervening before they become severe. Advances in science and technology allow researchers to study processes previously considered inaccessible. For instance, analyses of epigenetic changes, gut microbiomes, mitochondrial function, telomeres, inflammatory processes, and other biological markers provide a more accurate understanding of how quickly the body ages. Research indicates that the composition of bacteria in the gut influences blood pressure, metabolism, sleep quality, mood, and even the rate of biological aging. Increasing attention is being given to chronic silent inflammation, known as inflammaging, which gradually burdens blood vessels, metabolism, and the brain, making it a crucial factor in aging. Sredojević notes that the reason there is so much discussion about longevity today is because we can achieve it. We possess knowledge and technologies that make it possible. One fundamental concept in longevity medicine is the distinction between chronological and biological age. Two people of the same age might not necessarily be biologically the same age. Biological markers indicate whether someone is aging faster or slower than their chronological age suggests. According to Sredojević, this does not refer to a single number, as each organ system can have its own aging rhythm. For example, a person could have a cardiovascular system younger than their chronological age while experiencing chronic inflammation in other parts of the body that causes problems elsewhere. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is necessary to address these complexities effectively. Experts in the field stress the importance of personalized approaches to health maintenance. They argue that interventions should be tailored to individual needs based on genetic predispositions, lifestyle factors, and environmental influences. This includes dietary modifications, exercise regimens, mental health support, and targeted medical treatments aimed at preventing or delaying the onset of age-related diseases. The integration of interdisciplinary research is essential for advancing longevity medicine. Collaboration among scientists, clinicians, and technologists is fostering innovations in areas such as regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy, and precision medicine. These advancements aim to enhance cellular repair mechanisms, reduce oxidative stress, and promote overall physiological resilience. As the population continues to age, the demand for effective strategies to maintain health and independence in later life will grow. Policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers are working together to develop sustainable solutions that ensure individuals can enjoy a high quality of life throughout their extended lifespans. The focus is shifting from merely treating diseases to proactively managing health through prevention and early intervention.