How do telomeres affect aging?
Telomeres are the repetitive DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes that shorten each time a cell divides. When they become critically short, the cell can no longer divide properly and enters a state called senescence or dies—this is a key aspect of cellular aging. The data are quite clear on this point: shorter telomeres are linked to increased risk of age-related diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. However, it's not just genetics; it's also about how we live. My research, including work from my lab and the book 'The Telomere Effect' with Elissa Epel, shows that chronic stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep can accelerate telomere shortening, while exercise, meditation, and healthy eating may help maintain telomere length. We need to look at the underlying mechanisms to understand how these factors influence telomerase activity and cellular health.
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