Researchers in Nizhny Novgorod have developed a system that allows individuals to assess their personal aging risks from a young age and receive recommendations to maintain mental clarity and activity in old age, reports infohub.kz.
According to Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, the new method is based on analyzing biological markers of aging — RNA fragments that reflect levels of age-related inflammation. The researchers link chronic inflammation to the development of many diseases common in old age.
Maria Vedunova, director of the Institute of Biology and Biomedicine at the university, says the system helps determine an individual's aging trajectory and adjust lifestyle well before the first age-related changes appear. This could increase chances of preserving good memory, cognitive abilities, and physical activity even after 80.
The researchers emphasize that heredity does not fully determine one's future. Epigenetic factors such as diet, physical activity, stress, and other lifestyle features significantly influence whether genetic predispositions to diseases are activated or suppressed.
During the work, the team also identified new aging biomarkers, including microRNA, circular RNA, and genome methylation patterns. However, the scientists consider the comprehensive approach to analyzing these indicators as the main achievement.
Particularly interesting were the results of studying long-lived individuals over 85: it turned out that traditional aging markers are barely detectable in many of them. According to the researchers, this may be one reason for their active longevity.