Aging Hallmarks

The hallmarks of aging are presented as mechanisms that drive biological decline. The source says identifying hallmarks is not enough without identifying why they became dysfunctional. Telomere length is presented as an interesting but imperfect aging marker for pets. The article argues that the hallmarks of aging operate as an interconnected web rather than isolated compartments. Cellular senescence is a major longevity-research target because senescent cells accumulate and secrete inflammatory proteins. Mitochondrial dysfunction is treated as central because poor cellular energy production affects multiple aging processes. Epigenetic aging involves chemical DNA changes that affect gene expression. Genomic instability is driven by DNA mutations that occur throughout life and can contribute to dysfunction and cancer. Proteostasis declines when damaged or unneeded proteins are not recycled effectively. Genomic instability in pets is described as accumulated DNA errors that impair biological function over time. Mitochondrial dysfunction reduces energy and function with age. Insulin resistance is given as an example of one hallmark-related dysfunction worsening multiple other aging m…