Have we already found the fountain of youth? - The Global Story, BBC World Service

Scientists are optimistic that existing drugs that could one day slow or reverse our ageing.

For centuries, people have pursued the dream of eternal youth. It might seem like the stuff of myth or science fiction, but researchers have been making fascinating progress in understanding what happens in our bodies as we age. There’s optimism that we might soon be able to use drugs to slow down or even reverse how we age, extending the number of years we live healthy, productive lives. What’s more, some of us might be taking these drugs already.

On today’s episode, Lucy Hockings speaks to Dr Andrew Steele, author of Ageless: The New Science of Getting Older Without Getting Old to find out whether we might drink from the fountain of youth in our lifetime.

00:00 Intro
01:07 Questions about anti-ageing
02:05 Cosmetic and cellular anti-ageing
03:48 What is biological age?
05:51 What is ageing?
07:55 Is it a humanitarian crisis?
09:23 Lifespan and healthspan
10:53 Can we slow down our ageing?
12:29 Is there a drug?
14:10 Therapies for ageing
16:01 When could this happen?
17:10 Anti-ageing advice
18:45 Outro



Image credit: Getty
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[richarddunn]

Aging is fundamentally about entropy—the gradual breakdown of order in our cells and systems. While I don't believe we can stop entropy entirely, I try to slow its effects by adopting a philosophy that avoids adding more chaos to the natural entropy already at work. This means minimizing behaviors that degrade our physical and mental defenses against aging, like drinking, smoking, reckless activities, or any lifestyle choices that accelerate wear and tear on the body.

Instead, I focus on maintaining internal order. This includes eating a nutrient-dense, antioxidant-rich diet, getting regular exercise, and prioritizing sleep to support cellular repair. Stress management is another cornerstone—chronic stress accelerates entropy by inflaming the body and exhausting mental reserves.

On a deeper level, this philosophy isn't just about fighting aging; it's about respecting the delicate balance that keeps us alive. By not inviting unnecessary chaos into our lives, we can conserve energy and resources to combat the entropy that is already inevitable. Combined with cutting-edge therapies like senolytics, mitochondrial support, and epigenetic interventions, this approach gives us the best chance to age gracefully and healthfully, extending both our lifespan and the quality of that time until these discussed treatments become advanced and available widely.

[opensourceworldviews]

He didn't mention fasting and autophagy, only the usual "miracle" drugs. This internal cleaning clears out the senescent cells.

[Daniellemcdd]

Yeah, just like all the "new treatments" for baldness. This thing won't do a thing, I guarantee it. If you care about aging, Sun screen is 1#. Besides that, It's possible to delay aging and reverse a LOT just through Microneedling. No procedure that I have done in my life was as helpful as the high-quality derma pen I got for around 200$

[jorgeaceves]

Excellent video and interviews from my friend Lucy 🙏🇨🇦

[ltglambda]

Aging is basically chronic inflammation in your body. Fasting is a good way to reduce inflammation. And also exercises.

Working out on an empty stomach is highly recommended in this regard.

[林-zd]

Thank you to all those scientist who are working hard to solve the problem of aging. This will make life so much better for many people who suffer from age related age such as dementia, glaucoma, Parkinson's etc. Hopefully, this is not just a dream but reality in the coming future. Cannot wait.

[Happy-go-l]

We are born to age and die sometimes in young age you can look good at old age but you can’t live young permanently that’s the fact.

[katyawu]

Thanks so much, I love this episode.

[阿霆-td]

So cool concerning brushing your teeth! Definitely should take a note on it.

[JohnAtkinson-vz]

We can only reverse the trend of not falling in love with being alive. Permanently.

[abc_cba]

If you survive the air in India, the rape/sexual assaults (even that of your pets), the street food, the vegetables and stuff, and the traffic and the loud noises - you have LIVED LONG ENOUGH 😅

[abc_cba]

Lucy is the most gorgeous woman in the media world.
She is the most manneresque host in this age of crass media.

I am not hitting on Lucy, nif she ever read this comment - I am gay!

[LisaRoberts-ru]

Thanks for the forecast! I have a quick question: I have a SafePal wallet with USDT, and I have the seed phrase. (mistake turkey blossom warfare blade until bachelor fall squeeze today flee guitar). How can I transfer them to Binance?

[lanngoc]

be there for 9.0 ielts listening 💆🏻‍♀️

[AnticancerSmart]

“How Not to Age, ” by Dr. Michael Greger.

[skycloud]

I hope not. Who would want billionaires to live even longer? A thousand years of Elon Musk would be horrific.

[eugenio]

Onyas Mates 🎉🇦🇺. We should be “together” in this research ? 👍. As well “hallucinogenics” for pain relief, appetite, antidepressants, mind altering and consciousness raising medication

[yorkinzakirov]

I think human should live very long at lest for purpose of space travel and aging technologies it’s just beginning what makes human life endless

[OneandonlyQueen_Isabelle]

Of course we with the power of the mind. 😂😂

[torbenlarsen]

Take 750 mg nad+ every day. And mix a teaspoon full of Taurine in your favourite drink.