Aging: Why We Age

Biological mechanisms of aging are one of the most actively developing areas of modern science. Understanding why and how cells and tissues lose function over time is directly related to quality of life in older age and to the development of strategies for preventing age-associated diseases. This course provides a systematic overview of the key processes underlying aging, without oversimplification but with accessible explanations. The course covers four central mechanisms: telomere shortening, oxidative stress, cellular senescence, and mitochondrial dysfunction. You will examine how these processes are interconnected and how they contribute to age-related changes at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. Special attention is given to experimental data and clinical studies that confirm or refute the effectiveness of various interventions—from dietary restrictions to pharmacological agents. You will learn why some approaches actively marketed as “anti-aging” lack scientific grounding, while others show promising results in controlled experiments. The course also addresses the concept of “hallmarks of aging” and modern theories such as epigenetic clocks and inflammatory senescence. The course methodology is based on analyzing primary sources and critically evaluating scientific literature. You will learn to distinguish correlation from causation, assess study design, and interpret statistical data. Particular emphasis is placed on common errors in interpreting results—for example, extrapolating data from model organisms to humans or ignoring side effects. The course does not provide ready-made recipes, but builds the skill to independently evaluate information about aging and longevity. The course is intended for specialists in biology and medicine who want to deepen their knowledge in gerontology; for physicians and clinicians dealing with age-associated pathologies; for PhD candidates and senior-year students in biological and medical fields; and also for science journalists and editors writing about aging and longevity. Upon completion, you will master the terminology of modern biology of aging, be able to explain the key mechanisms and their interrelationships, and critically evaluate scientific publications and popular articles on this topic. You will be prepared to formulate well-grounded questions for further study and to distinguish scientifically supported data from speculation.