The sessions on Day 1 ranged from the genetics of Indian populations to the inner life of a senescent cell to the long shadow childhood stress can cast on an aging brain.

Scroll on for insights from the day!

Session 1 — Inaugural

Opening remarks: Pro. Navakanta Bhat (Dean, Division of Interdisciplinary Sciences, IISc), Prof Sathees C. Raghavan (Dean, Division of Biological Sciences, IISc), Dr M Srinivas (NITI Aayog, joining online) and Dr Aravind Sosale (Diacon Hospital, TREAT-DM lead) delivered the opening remarks. They framed the Longevity India Initiative as an effort to bridge lab discovery and clinical care, with the scale of the BHARAT Study reflecting just how diverse India's population really is. Their remarks connected this work to India's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, where the goal isn't simply a longer life but a healthier one, built on prevention rather than cure. Healthy aging, as they framed it, isn't a side conversation in India's growth story but a central part of it.

Panel — BHARAT Study: Learnings So Far

India is aging fast, and by 2100, more than a third of the population is expected to be senior citizens. But Indians spend roughly 13 years of later life in poor health, and we still lack a comprehensive dataset that tells us what biological aging actually looks like in this population. Prof Deepak Saini began by outlining the rationale and progress of Longevity India’s BHARAT Study: building a shared, multiomic baseline repository.

One striking finding: around 30% of participants showed signs of previously undiagnosed diabetes, with rates even higher in urban samples. Blood chemistry also varied more with gender, diabetes status and urban-rural differences than with age itself.

The discussion pointed to how much Indian biology can differ from the populations that have traditionally shaped our reference datasets. Immune and epigenetic signatures both showed meaningful differences from global data, with Western-built epigenetic clocks sometimes placing Indian samples nearly a decade off. The discussion also pointed to how sensitive biomarkers are to food, lifestyle and socioeconomic context, a reminder that a single national reference range doesn't hold up across a country this diverse.

Working with gut microbiome data brings its own challenge: telling genuine biological variation apart from background noise, which matters for how confidently the data can be used.

Running through it all was a more human point, people largely trust the communities they already know when illness strikes, so a study built to work at real scale has to be designed around that trust, not around what's simplest to administer.

Keynote — Ullas Kolthur (ARUMDA, TIFR/TIFRH):

Drawing on work at the ARUMDA (Advanced Research Unit on Metabolism, Development and Aging) centre, Prof Kolthur described India's "multi-burden" malnutrition problem, where micronutrient deficiencies, stunting and rising obesity often exist within the same population and quietly reshape metabolism and cognition over a lifetime. Longitudinal cohort data from the AROHAN (Assessment of Reference Outcomes for Health, Anthropometry and Nutrition in childhood to adolescence) study pointed to ages 5–7 as a critical window where body composition shifts dramatically, a second, underused opportunity for public health intervention beyond the early years. He also flagged a hidden risk in how we currently screen for health: standard BMI measurements mask real danger in South Asian populations, with many people who appear healthy by weight alone actually carrying high visceral fat and low muscle mass.

Session 2 — Diagnostics & Measurement of Aging

Plenary — Hanno Steen (Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School)

Prof Steen's lab is working on scalable plasma proteomics methods to identify protein biomarkers of aging-related disease, a task complicated by the fact that a small number of highly abundant proteins tend to overwhelm the rarer, more informative ones. Comparing young and aged cohorts, his team found that classical plasma proteins showed little difference, while so-called tissue leakage proteins showed a much clearer signal. A central insight was that a single gene can give rise to many different protein variants (Proteoforms), and the team identified one such variant that appeared ten times more often in Alzheimer's samples, substantially improving diagnostic accuracy over standard protein measurements.

Talk — Bratati Kahali (Centre for Brain Research, IISc): Prof Kahali’s talk made the case for population-specific genomics in understanding dementia, Dementia affects more than seven percent of older adults in India, and well-known risk genes such as APOE4 account for only part of that risk, since genetic variants can differ substantially across populations in ways that limit how well findings from largely European datasets . She presented findings from the GenomeIndia project, which sequenced genomes across India’s geographic, linguistic and tribal diversity to identify roughly 130 million high-confidence genetic variants, thousands of them novel, a foundational resource for building precision brain health and precision medicine tailored to India, rather than imported from the West.

Panel — From Measurement to Action: Building the Healthy Aging Ecosystem

Dr Vandana Jain pushed for going well beyond the standard blood panel, grip strength and other functional measures, cardiometabolic markers like ApoB, and gender-specific tests including thyroid profiles, lean mass and bone density for women.

The kidney came up as a surprisingly central player in aging, as Dr Sundar Swaminathan connected kidney hormones, exercise and sodium intake to how fast the body actually ages, and making the case that cystatin C tells a truer story about kidney function than the standard creatinine test.

On the tech side, Prof Sanjiv Sambandan talked about ingestible sensors that could catch falls or muscle loss before they become serious problems, though older populations often resist adopting new technology in the first place.

Talk — Laurent Counillon (University of Côte d’Azur)

Every time a cell makes energy, it also produces a proton (H+), yet most textbooks talk about electrons and forget the H+ that comes with them, even though it's what shapes proteins, DNA and virtually every molecular interaction in the cell.

Prof Counillon’s lab has found that the genes controlling pH are remarkably few and ancient, conserved since before archaea and eukaryotes split apart, and that this regulation quietly underpins everything from bone building to how cells clear cellular waste.

However, this system degrades with age, the kidneys and lungs that normally buffer and expel acid become less efficient, contributing to inflammation and metabolic dysfunction in a feedback loop.

In one striking example from his lab, blocking a key pH-regulating protein extended lifespan in rats, pointing to pH regulation as a promising and underexplored target for future longevity therapies.

Session 3 — Organ Aging & Interventions for Metabolism

Panel — Heal-thy Gut

How should we actually think about food when it comes to healthy aging? was the opening question that Dr. Harshavardhan Rao put to a panel consisting of Darshit Patel, Vishal Rao US and Gurmeet Singh, and the answer went well past the usual talk of macronutrients. Fibre still matters for a healthy microbiome, but so do less obvious players like iron and polyphenols, most of which pass unmetabolized into the colon, where their interaction with gut bacteria is still poorly understood.

On the high-protein diet trend, the panel cautioned that excess protein fermentation in the gut can increase inflammatory sulphate and nitrate-producing metabolites, a reminder that balance matters more than optimizing for any single nutrient.

Sequencing has gotten very good at telling us which microbes are present; the harder, more useful question now is what those microbes are doing, gene by gene. That shift opens the door to real personalization, including microbiome-informed nutrition for cancer patients, and the panel even drew a parallel to the Ayurvedic ideas of Prakriti and Vikriti.

Keynote — Hiroshi Kondoh (Kyoto University Hospital): Prof Kondoh’s keynote focused on why senescent (”zombie”) cells refuse to die, and how to make them. His group found that senescent cells ramp up glycolysis through a non-canonical role of the enzyme PGAM, which partners with chaperone proteins to keep the cell’s energy and survival pathways switched on. A compound called Nutlin-3b was shown to selectively break this interaction, clearing senescent cells in older mice, restoring metabolic balance, and reducing the harmful inflammatory signals these cells secrete, all without the toxic side effects seen with related compounds. In a model of age-related lung fibrosis, this approach reduced damaging immune cell buildup and eased fibrotic symptoms, pointing to a genuinely targeted way to clear senescent cells rather than broadly suppressing them.

Panel — Fix Local or Global? Systemic vs. Organ-Specific Interventions

Should we treat aging organ by organ, or as one connected process running through the whole body? A disease might show up in the liver or the brain, but the biology behind it, chronic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, mitochondrial decline, tends to run everywhere at once.

Chronic stress quietly erodes mitochondrial efficiency across tissues. Nutrition is more nuanced than a simple whole-body-versus-organ split, some bioactive compounds genuinely do target specific organs, with nutrition for age-related macular degeneration as one example, even while general diet still supports the whole system. Autoimmune disease got a more careful treatment: personalized nutrition can't prevent or cure it, but identifying individual food sensitivities may help manage flare-ups. Personalized medicine and nutrigenomics, tailoring interventions to a person's actual biology instead of a population average, came through as the field's clear direction of travel.

Session 4 — The Aging Brain

Talk — Vidita Vaidya (TIFR): Prof Vaidya presented evidence that adverse childhood experiences leave a biological imprint that resurfaces decades later as accelerated brain aging. In mouse models, early life stress led to impaired memory, elevated inflammation both in the brain and body, disrupted mitochondrial function, and a leakier blood-brain barrier in middle age, effects the team could literally see, using a dye that should not normally cross into the brain. Encouragingly, simply supplementing nicotinamide (a form of vitamin B3) in drinking water raised brain NAD+ levels and reversed several of these effects, improving memory, reducing inflammation, and protecting the blood-brain barrier, suggesting a low-cost intervention window even after the early damage is done. Prof Vaidya concluded the talk with a quote by T.S. Eliot: “In my beginning is my end.”

Plenary — Judith Steen (Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School): Prof Steen’s talk traced how Alzheimer’s disease actually spreads at the molecular level — largely through misfolded tau proteins that seed further misfolding in healthy tau. While the APOE4 gene variant raises Alzheimer’s risk roughly eight-fold, genetics alone explain only a small fraction of cases, with lifestyle factors like smoking and diet playing a major role too. Her key point was that gene expression alone doesn’t tell the full story — a single gene can produce many different protein variants, and tools like her lab’s “FLEXIverse” platform use AI and mathematical modelling to map this proteoform complexity alongside real-world lifestyle data, aiming to predict the onset of tau pathology and enable more precise, earlier intervention.

Fireside Chat — Brain vs Blood Biomarkers

This conversation explored how close science is to a genuine, measurable concept of “brain age.” Prof Venkatesh noted that around 320 markers already exist that relate to brain aging, but turning them into something clinically useful will require better ways to capture and combine lifestyle data with molecular biomarkers at scale. This discussion highlighted that brain aging will need many different data points tracked over time — not a single test — and a multimodal view that brings together clinicians, engineers and technologists rather than treating it as any one group’s problem alone.

Talk — Pramila Kalra (Ramaiah Memorial Hospital): Dr Kalra shared that immune function wanes with age, making adult vaccination — not just lifestyle changes — an important and underused pillar of healthy aging. She walked the audience through adult immunization schedules, including considerations for immunocompromised patients, pneumococcal and shingles vaccines.

Panel — Dementia in the Global South — 10 Million Indians, Almost No Infrastructure

The panel opened on an encouraging note: dementia care has genuinely shifted in the last five years, with more focus now going to family caregivers rather than only the person with dementia, and a growing sense that prevention and delay are possible rather than dementia being treated as pure fate. The discussion pushed back on thinking about dementia narrowly as memory loss, pointing instead to behavioural and psychological symptoms as often what actually brings families into a clinic.

A significant part of the conversation focused on caregivers: family caregivers often face long, invisible tolls with little acknowledgment, while young professional caregivers face low pay and high burnout, making caregiving an unattractive profession despite the growing need for it, something the panel framed as needing dignity and respect, not just training. The discussion highlighted the fast-growing biomarker ecosystem and new accessible tools for cognitive assessment as promising signs of research reaching real clinical settings.

Day 1 closed with a poster session, evening networking, and a gala dinner for all participants.

That's a wrap on Day 1! Up next: our Day 2 issue, and a closer look at the workshops, tech presentations and everything else that happened alongside the main stage at RISE 2026.

We are back with our webinar series!

Coming up next week, a panel discussion on the RISE of New Approach Methodologies in Longevity Research.

💻 In this webinar, we shall explore how innovative, human-relevant approaches are transforming the way we study aging and longevity. The panel will discuss the role of emerging methods such as advanced in vitro models, computational approaches, and other alternatives in accelerating longevity research.

With perspectives, spanning research, regulation and technology the discussion will explore how these methodologies can move from the laboratory towards real-world application. Join us to understand the opportunities, challenges, and future of building more predictive and impactful approaches to research.

📅 23 September 2026

🕟 4:30 PM IST

Register for the Webinar

Adding Life to Years: Creating a National Voice for Dementia Care in India

Dementia India Alliance (DIA) is a national alliance of organizations, professionals, caregivers, researchers, and advocates working to improve dementia care and support across India. Through awareness initiatives, caregiver support, training programmes, and policy advocacy, DIA is working towards a future where people living with dementia and their families can access the care, support, and dignity they deserve.

Executive Director Ramani Sundaram shares the story behind DIA, the realities faced by families living with dementia, and why dementia care must be part of the conversation on healthy aging in India.

Could you tell us about the origins of DIA and the need it was established to address?

Ramani: In India, over 1 crore people are living with dementia. Their care falls almost entirely on family, on daughters, sons, spouses, and siblings who love them deeply and are struggling profoundly, often in silence. Families often struggled in isolation, with little access to information, support, or appropriate care.

Dementia India Alliance was born from the lived anguish of family carers who had been through it themselves, who knew what it meant to watch someone they loved disappear into dementia, without a roadmap, without support, and without anyone to call. It was also built by organisations that had spent decades on the frontlines of dementia care in India, and who knew exactly how broken the system was.

Together, in 2023, they came to the same conclusion: India needed a national alliance that would refuse to accept the status quo. That would fight for every family. That would bring help and hope after diagnosis.

The Dementia India Alliance (DIA) was established to bring together organizations, professionals, researchers, caregivers, and advocates working in the dementia space. More importantly, it was created to provide a collective voice for people living with dementia and their families across India. DIA seeks to bridge gaps in awareness, diagnosis, care, support, research, workforce development, and policy advocacy, while promoting a more dementia-inclusive society.

What are some of the most significant challenges currently faced by people living with dementia and their families in India?

Ramani: There is no cure for dementia. In its absence, the impact on individuals and families is profound and relentless. People living with dementia experience severe memory loss, disorientation, difficulty with everyday tasks, losing their identity and a gradual withdrawal from the social world they once inhabited. For their families, this means witnessing someone they love change beyond recognition while simultaneously becoming their full-time carer, often with no training, no break, and no end in sight.

The toll is immense. Family carers sacrifice careers, income, relationships, and their own health. Their quality of life erodes quietly, without acknowledgement, without support, and without the recognition they deserve.

Firstly, awareness remains low, dementia carries deep social stigma, leading to delayed diagnosis and missed opportunities for early intervention. Many families mistake dementia symptoms as a normal part of aging and seek help only when difficulties become severe.

Secondly, access to dementia-specific services remains limited, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. There is a shortage of trained healthcare professionals, caregivers, daycare centres, respite services, and long-term care options. The few organisations working in this space operate in isolation. There has been no national platform to connect, coordinate, and amplify their efforts — until now.

Thirdly, dementia has historically been absent from national health policy. Without political will and public funding, systemic change is impossible.

Photo: Door to Door Community Screening at Davangere

Despite growing awareness, misconceptions about dementia remain widespread. What are some of the myths or misunderstandings you encounter most often, and why is it important to address them?

Ramani: One of the most common myths is that dementia is simply a normal part of aging. While age is the biggest risk factor, dementia is not an inevitable consequence of growing older.

Another misconception is that nothing can be done once a person develops dementia. While there is currently no cure for most forms of dementia, timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, rehabilitation, caregiver support, and environmental adaptations can significantly improve quality of life.

Many people also assume that individuals with dementia are incapable of contributing to society or making decisions. In reality, people living with dementia can continue to lead meaningful lives, particularly when supported appropriately.

Addressing these misconceptions is crucial because stigma delays help-seeking, isolates families, and prevents people from accessing support and services that can make a real difference.

Why has caregiver support become such a key focus of DIA's work?

Ramani: In India, behind almost every one of them is a family carer carrying this weight alone. Caregivers often spend years managing complex physical, emotional, behavioural, and practical challenges, frequently with little formal support.

When caregivers are unsupported, their own health and wellbeing suffer, which ultimately impacts the person living with dementia as well. Supporting caregivers through education, training, peer support, counselling, respite services, and practical resources improves outcomes for the entire family.

India’s population is aging rapidly. How do you see the burden of dementia evolving over the coming decades, and what steps are needed today to better prepare individuals, families, communities, and healthcare systems?

Ramani: By 2050, people over 60 years of age will constitute 19.1% of the total population. The estimated dementia prevalence for people over 60 years of age in India is 7.4%. It’s estimated that in 2036, there will be 1.7 crore Indians with dementia. India is experiencing a demographic transition, with the number of older adults increasing rapidly. Preparing for this future requires action at multiple levels. We need greater public awareness, stronger risk reduction initiatives, integration of dementia into primary healthcare, expansion of diagnostic and support services, and a trained workforce across health and social care sectors.

Policymakers need to prioritize dementia within broader healthy aging and non-communicable disease strategies. Most importantly, we need a coordinated national response that recognizes dementia as both a health and social care priority.

Over the course of your work with DIA, are there any experiences or stories that have particularly shaped your perspective on the importance of dementia care and support?

Ramani: There is one story I return to often, not because it had a perfect ending, but because it showed me exactly why this work cannot wait.

A young woman came to us who was caring for her mother with dementia, entirely alone. She was the only earning member of her family. Her mother’s behavioural changes had become severe. The sleepless nights, the wandering, the moments of not being recognised by someone and she was trying to hold all of this together while keeping her job, which was the family’s only income. She was on the verge of resigning. She was at a point of complete breakdown. She had nothing left.

We stepped in. We offered counselling and we helped arrange day care services for her mother, so that for the first time, she had hours in the day where she could breathe, work, and be herself again. The balance they found, transformed both of their lives. Her mother, with structured care and stimulation during the day, had better quality of life. She was calmer, more settled. And her daughter kept her job, kept the family afloat, and slowly started living again.

They even had moments of joy together. And she got married. Her mother was there.

That wedding matters to me more than any policy document or impact statistic. Because it represents what becomes possible when a family gets the right support at the right moment.

This is why Dementia India Alliance exists. Not just to provide services, but to make sure that no family carer reaches that edge alone. There are thousands of families right now in exactly the position she was in. That is what drives us every single day. Many describe feeling isolated and overwhelmed, yet they continue to provide extraordinary care out of love and commitment.

I have also met people living with dementia who, despite cognitive challenges, continue to express joy, maintain relationships, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. These experiences remind us that dementia is not just about memory loss, it is about people, families, dignity, and quality of life.

They reinforce the importance of creating systems that support both the person living with dementia and those who care for them.

DIA works closely with healthcare professionals, hospitals, community organizations, researchers, and caregivers. What role do such partnerships play in building a more dementia-inclusive and supportive society?

Ramani: We exist as a backbone organisation, which means our job is to connect, coordinate, and amplify.

Each type of partner does something different and irreplaceable. NIMHANS gives us clinical credibility; our support groups and training programmes draw on their neuroscience expertise in ways that genuinely improve outcomes for families. The state governments of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh give us reach into public health infrastructure — when a government partner walks with you, dementia stops being a charity issue and starts being a policy priority.

And our 70-plus community and outreach partners are perhaps the most important of all — because they reach the families we would never find otherwise. The rural carer. The family hiding a diagnosis out of shame. The older adult in a care home who has never been cognitively screened. Those partnerships are how we close the gap between what India needs and what currently exists.

That is what DIA is working toward. And every partnership we build is one more part of that system deciding it does.

Photo: Dementia screening and post diagnostic care at National Centre for Ageing, Chennai

As conversations around healthy aging and longevity gain momentum, where do you see dementia care fitting into the broader healthy aging agenda in India?

Ramani: Dementia care is central to the healthy aging agenda. Healthy aging is not only about living longer—it is about maintaining physical, mental, cognitive, and social wellbeing throughout life.

Many of the actions that promote healthy aging, such as controlling cardiovascular risk factors, staying physically active, remaining socially connected, engaging in lifelong learning, and addressing mental health, also contribute to reducing dementia risk.

At the same time, healthy aging must include support for those who develop cognitive impairment. A truly age-friendly society ensures that people living with dementia can continue to participate, contribute, and live with dignity and purpose.

What are your personal Longevity hacks?

Ramani: I try to keep my routines simple and sustainable. Staying socially connected is very important to me, as it keeps me engaged and grounded. I also enjoy cooking and prefer home-cooked food, which helps me eat mindfully and healthily. I usually try to finish dinner around sunset, get 8–9 hours of sleep, and keep myself moving through the day, even in small ways. These habits help me stay balanced, healthy, and active.

I also believe in balancing professional commitments with time for family, reflection, and self-care. Healthy aging is not a destination, it is a lifelong journey of staying connected, curious, active, and purposeful.

The Cosmic Clock: Decoding Aging, Pregnancy, and Microgravity

Contributed by: Sulekha Gupta

Redefining the “Inevitable”

For centuries, aging has been viewed as a one-way street—a chronological progression of time that eventually leads to the slow accumulation of cellular damage and the exhaustion of our biological reserves. While lifespan measures the total years an organism exists, biological age refers to how old our cells act, often measured by “epigenetic clocks” that track chemical markers on our DNA. Traditionally, these processes take decades to manifest. However, two unique “accelerators”—microgravity and pregnancy—are revealing that the speed of aging is not fixed. By stepping into orbit or the realm of gestation, we are discovering that biological age can be “pushed” forward and, surprisingly, “pulled” back.

Microgravity: The Biological “Fast-Forward” Button

Microgravity, the near absence of gravity experienced in space, serves as an extreme environmental and system- wide stressor. Without the mechanical load of Earth’s gravity, the human body begins to age its cellular markers at a staggering rate.

It has been seen that astronauts experience 1% to 2% loss of their bone mineral density per month – a rate that would take years to occur on Earth.

This primarily happens because the microgravity environment in space removes the constant need to fight Earth’s gravity. Without the resistance needed to stand, walk, and lift, the body gets the signal to break down bone and muscle tissue that it assumes is no longer needed. They do so by increasing the activity of osteoclast (cells that break down old bone) while drastically suppressing the osteoblast activity (cells that build bone). Thus, spaceflight mimics age-related disorders like sarcopenia (muscle wasting) and osteoporosis (bone loss).

Microgravity is also seen to trigger ferroptosis and accelerates senescence in human endothelial cells. The reasoning is, without the gravity pulling blood downward, body fluid shift towards the chest and head. This unloading changes the mechanical forces (shear stress) acting on the cells that line the blood vessels, leading to cellular dysfunction and vascular stiffening. Ionizing radiation from deep space and sun exposes astronauts to high energy rays that damage DNA and triggers premature cellular senescence, where cells stop dividing and starts to release inflammatory proteins – a state known as SASP (Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype). Moreover, experiencing 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets a day disrupts the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle causing further damage. On top of that the chronic, low-grade inflammation that gets triggered due to the abnormal activation of innate immune system due to reasons mentioned above generates a state of persistent inflammation which ultimately damages vascular tissue causing it to resemble the normal, decades long terrestrial aging process.

The Pregnancy Connection: Nature’s Reversible Stress Test

In a paradigm shift, researchers from Yale and Stanford universities have found that though pregnancy causes mother to advance the age by 1- 2.5 years during gestation as fetus leaches calcium for their skeletal development, blood samples taken 3 months postpartum revealed a dramatic about-face, with some mothers measuring 3 to 8 years younger biologically than they were during early pregnancy.

Why Space is the Ultimate Laboratory

These models are “wonderful” for science because they compress long-term terrestrial health declines into manageable research timelines.

• Longevity Studies: Instead of waiting 80 years to see how an intervention affects an elderly population, scientists can observe these changes in astronauts in months or weeks.

• Disease Modeling: By using “tissue chips”—3D bioengineered human organs—on the International Space Station (ISS), researchers can model Parkinson’s disease, cardiomyopathy, and muscle frailty without risking human lives.

Milestones: What Have We Learned?

Decades of research have yielded profound observations:

The NASA Twins Study: Astronaut Scott Kelly spent 340 days in space while his twin, Mark, stayed on Earth. Scott experienced telomere elongation (protective DNA caps getting longer) in orbit, only for them to rapidly shrink upon return, leaving him with more “aged” cells than his baseline.

Rodent Experiments: NASA-NIH studies on pregnant rats showed that while gestation can survive space, the lack of gravity caused mothers to experience twice the labor contractions. Their offspring were born with permanently rewired balance systems, proving gravity is essential for sensory development.

The Astrophysics Connection:

Interestingly, the study of aging extends beyond biology into the stars themselves.

Astronomers have found that “hot Jupiter”—gas giant exoplanets that orbit a star at a distance as close as Mercury or nearer—make their host stars “act” younger through a physical process involving tidal force. As these massive planets orbit so closely, they exert strong tidal forces on their host stars. These forces cause the host star to spin more quickly than it would otherwise. Usually, as stars age chronologically, their rotation naturally slows down. The rapid rotation makes the star more active. This increased activity leads the star to produce more X-rays, which is a marker generally associated with stellar youth rather than an older, slower-spinning star. To confirm this effect, researchers studied binary star systems, where two stars (like twins) formed at the same time. By comparing a star that had a hot Jupiter to its planet-free “twin,” they found that the star with the planet was brighter in X-rays and more active than its companion, proving the planet’s influence in maintaining a “younger” biological profile for the star.

Twin Analogy: This is described as being similar to a study where one human twin lives in a neighborhood that affects their health while the other does not; comparing the two allows scientists to isolate the specific environmental variable.

Health Span and Well-being

Beyond just living longer, scientists are focused on health span—the portion of life spent in good health. Space research has pioneered:

• Immune Resilience: Studying how space stress activates latent viruses helps us design treatments for the immunocompromised-on Earth.

• Therapeutic Hibernation: Insights into spaceflight have led to the concept of “hibernation” as a therapy for terminally ill patients, potentially slowing down metabolic decay.

Limitations and the Way Forward

While the results are promising, significant hurdles remain:

• Sample Size: Studies like the NASA Twins Study have a sample size of one, making it hard to distinguish real effects from outliers.

• Radiation vs. Microgravity: While microgravity-induced damage (like muscle loss) is often reversible, cosmic radiation causes permanent damage that the body cannot easily “snap back” from.

• Interdisciplinary Unraveling: This field is merging astrophysics, molecular biology, and obstetrics. The “way forward” involves creating better radiation shielding and using high-throughput terrestrial simulators, like “Random Position Machines,” to mimic weightlessness on Earth.

Clinostats and Random Positioning Machines (RPMs): These devices continuously rotate samples on multiple axes so that gravity’s vector is constantly changing. Over time, the net gravitational pull-on biological samples (like plants or cells) averages out to near zero, confusing their sensory receptors.

Take-Home Message

Space and pregnancy prove that age is not just a number—it’s a state of stress. Our bodies possess intrinsic “rejuvenation programs” capable of reversing extreme biological shifts. If we can learn to trigger these repair mechanisms without leaving the planet, we may unlock the secrets to thriving with the vitality of youth well into our senior years.

Open-Ending Questions to Ponder:

1. If we can “reset” the biological clock after pregnancy, can we eventually trigger that same mechanism in non-pregnant individuals to treat age-related diseases?

2. As we look toward Mars, will the permanent damage from cosmic radiation “cancel out” any biological insights we gain from microgravity?

3. Does the fact that stars can be “rejuvenated” by their planets suggest a universal law where environmental interaction defines the vitality of all matter, living or not?

References

NASA Twins Study: A multidimensional analysis of a year-long human spaceflight (Science).

Simulated Microgravity Study: Simulated Microgravity Recapitulates Aspects of Biological Aging in Humans (bioRxiv).

Yale University & Stanford Pregnancy Tracking: Does Pregnancy Accelerate Aging? Yale Findings (Cell Metabolism) & Pregnancy Accelerates Biological Aging (Obstetrics & Gynecology).

JAXA Space Embryo: Effect of microgravity on mammalian embryo development (iScience).

NASA Chandra Study: NASA’s Chandra: Planets Can Be Anti-Aging Formula for Stars (Beth Ridgeway).

Rodent Research-20 (RR-20): Ovarian Failure and Transgenerational Epigenetic Traits (NASA Investigation).

Space Shuttle Labor Study: Effects of Spaceflight During Pregnancy on Labor and Birth (NASA-NIH).

Endothelial Cell Aging: Microgravity triggers ferroptosis and accelerates senescence in human endothelial cells (npj Microgravity).

NASA OSDR: GeneLab Database and OSD-915 Study.

Ectogenesis Review: Ectogenesis beyond earth: Engineering and ethics of human embryo incubation in space (MedCrave).

Reproductive Health Review: Reproductive health and development in spaceflight environments (JARB).

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Meet the Scientist

In this edition, we spotlight Dr. Debolina Chakraborty, a postdoctoral researcher in Prof. Deepak Saini’s lab at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.

She completed her B.Sc. in Biochemistry from SRM Arts and Science College, followed by an M.Sc. in Biochemistry from the University of Madras, and earned her Ph.D. in Nanobiotechnology from Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore. She joined the lab in September 2023.

Her current research focuses on understanding the mechanobiology of cellular senescence by investigating how extracellular matrix stiffness, mechanotransduction, and cell–matrix interactions influence senescence progression and age-associated inflammation. Her work aims to uncover the biomechanical mechanisms underlying aging and facilitate the development of novel interventions for healthy aging.

What led you into your career in aging/your area of research?

Debolina: For me, the pull was always toward science that doesn’t stop at interesting. I wanted to work on questions that could deliver in real time, or at least add design value to future therapeutics for aging. Most aging drugs today are built around fixing what’s broken inside the cell. I wanted to approach it with a different lens: the surface signatures of the surroundings that harbour the cell, how they shape its response to a therapeutic, and how carriers can be engineered to recognize an aged cell by the very signatures that aging imprints on it.

What are you currently working on?

Debolina: I work at the interface of substrate mechanics and drug delivery. It basically asks how matrix stiffness mechanoprimes a cell’s plasma membrane. I use compositionally defined liposomes that probe whether this priming is what decides how well a drug works and if it does, whether tuning the carrier to that primed state can translate into real functional gains for treating senescent cells.

What are you thoughts for the Longevity India Initiative?

Debolina: Aging doesn’t look the same everywhere, our genetics, diet, and environment shape it in ways the global literature has largely overlooked. What I appreciate about LII is that it’s taking aging seriously as an Indian scientific question, not just importing the global one. An initiative built around an Indian context isn’t just filling a gap, it’s asking a genuinely different set of scientific questions.

What are your personal longevity hacks?

Debolina: Strength training is my anchor for both physical and mental well-being, and I’m slowly picking up new sports on the side.

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RISE × TREAT-DM 2026

Registrations are now open for RISE for Healthy Aging (6-7 August) and TREAT-DM Conference (8-9 August) at IISc, Bengaluru.

Register for RISE 2026 and receive complimentary registration to TREAT-DM 2026, giving you access to four days of discussions spanning healthy aging, longevity, metabolism, diabetes, obesity, and translational medicine.

📅 RISE for Healthy Aging: 6–7 August 2026

📅 TREAT-DM: 8–9 August 2026
📍 IISc, Bengaluru

Whether you are an aging researcher, healthcare professional, entrepreneur, innovator, policymaker, or someone curious about the future of longevity science and healthy aging, this is the space for you!

RISE 2026 will feature keynote talks, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities that foster interdisciplinary collaboration in aging and longevity research, while TREAT-DM will bring together leading clinicians and researchers to discuss advances in diabetes care, metabolic health, and translational research.

Know more about the sessions on the RISE Conference Website and the TREAT-DM Conference Website

With speakers from academia, industry, healthcare, and policy, RISE 2026 promises two days of insightful conversations. Explore the agenda and speaker lineup to learn more. Conference Agenda

Early Bird Registration Deadline: 05 July 2026

Bring your lab, team, or colleagues along. Groups of five or more receive 15-25% registration discount!

Registration and More Details

Call for Poster Abstracts

We invite students, postdoctoral researchers, and academic researchers to submit abstracts for poster presentations across diverse themes in aging and longevity research.

Abstract Submission Deadline: 3o June 2026

Submit Abstract

Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Longevity India Initiative.

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For more information or contributions that would benefit you and the Longevity India initiative, please write to longevity@iisc.ac.in

A Sustainable Approach to Women’s Hormonal Health

Sia Health is a women’s health platform built to support women through some of the most overlooked and misunderstood phases of their lives. From irregular periods and PCOS to thyroid issues, perimenopause and beyond, they focus on providing continuous, personalized care instead of one-time consultations.

Founder, Aditi talks about how Sia Health aims to support women’s hormonal health.

What is the core philosophy behind Sia Health’s approach to care?

Aditi: At Sia, the goal is simple. Make sure women actually feel better, not just get diagnosed. We combine medical insight, nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle support into one place. With a strong natural focus, we help women make sustainable changes that work for their bodies and their lives. The idea is not to overwhelm, but to guide step by step in a way that is practical and actually doable.

What inspired you to start Sia Health and work specifically with women’s hormonal health?

Aditi: Sia Health, started from a very personal place. I was diagnosed with PCOS even before I turned 15. I never really had regular periods, and hormonal pills became the first line of treatment and eventually the only solution I was given. I stayed on them for close to five to six years. Over time, I realized that while the symptoms were being managed, nothing was really being fixed. It took me almost a decade to understand my body better.

Through consistent changes in nutrition, fitness, and lifestyle, I was able to lose over 20 kilos and bring my cycles back to a more regular state. But it was not easy. It took time, access to the right information, and a certain level of privilege to even be able to figure this out. And that stayed with me.

Sia Health is an attempt to make sure other women don’t have to go through the same long, confusing journey just to feel better in their own bodies. It is about making the kind of care that actually works more accessible, more consistent, and easier to navigate.

What larger trends are you seeing in women’s hormonal health today?

Aditi: Women’s hormonal health is not an easy space to build in. It is complex, deeply personal, and often dismissed until it becomes severe.

But it is no longer a niche problem. Today, nearly one in three women of reproductive age are struggling with hormonal issues. From PCOS and irregular cycles to infertility, thyroid disorders, weight challenges, and rising stress levels, these are not isolated problems. They are deeply interconnected, and they are becoming far more common than we acknowledge. As a society, we can no longer afford to overlook this.

At the same time, there is a clear shift happening. This generation of women is more aware than ever. They are paying attention to their bodies, asking better questions, and actively looking for solutions. They are also more willing to invest in their health when they find something that actually works. We believe this is where change begins.

What unique approaches does Sia Health use to help beneficiaries build confidence and practical work skills?

Aditi: What makes Sia different is how we approach care. We are not just giving plans. We are trying to understand the root cause. We use a combination of AI and expert-led insights to analyze symptoms, reports, and lifestyle patterns, and then build a path that is personalized for each individual.

From there, we support women across nutrition, fitness, and daily habits, with continuous check-ins and guidance. The focus is not just on outcomes, but on making sure the journey itself feels supported.

We are also deeply conscious about affordability. Good health support should not be a luxury. It should be something women can access without hesitation.

How do you envision Sia Health transforming the way women engage with their health over the long term?

Aditi: At Sia Health, we are not just building a service. We are building an ecosystem for women’s hormonal health. One that brings together medical understanding, lifestyle support, and continuous care in a way that actually fits into a woman’s life.

Our goal is to make this kind of support accessible, consistent, and something women can rely on long term. Not just when things go wrong, but as a way to truly take control of their health.

What are your personal longevity hacks?

Aditi: Walking throughout the day, not skipping meals, getting regular blood tests. They seem small but have helped me keep my symptoms in check for year now.

You are Not your Biological Age

How to Interpret Aging Clocks and the Case for an Indian Clock

Contributed by: Amruth Bhat

Cover image: The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí (1931).

Image courtesy: Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York

“And then one day you find, ten years have got behind you.”

- Pink Floyd, Time

Most of us don’t notice aging happening. It arrives not as a single event but as an accumulation. Quiet. Molecular. Relentless. Then one day, (maybe out of curiosity, maybe mild existential panic) you decide to find out. You get a biological age test. (There are, last I checked, rather a lot of companies who will happily sell you one.) Then one day you get a number. And suddenly time, which had been slipping by unnoticed, has a face.

That number is the output of a biological aging clock and it is one of the most exciting, and most misunderstood tools in modern longevity science. This piece is about what it actually means.

You Are Not the Average

Let’s start with what a biological clock actually is. Spoiler: it’s not really a clock. It’s a mathematical model.

Imagine you took blood samples from some ten thousand people (some 30, some 50, some 70, maybe even a couple centenarians) and measured thousands of molecular signals in each sample. Protein levels, patterns of chemical marks on DNA, counts of immune cells. You’d notice something: on average, the molecules of a 60-year-old look different from those of a 30-year-old. Not in one dramatic way, but in hundreds of subtle shifts, each small, together unmistakable.

An aging clock is a mathematical recipe for reading those shifts. Feed it your molecular profile, and it asks: which crowd do you look most like? If your molecules resemble the average 50-year-old in the training dataset more than they resemble the average 35-year-old, your biological age is called 50, regardless of what your Aadhar card says.

That’s it. No mysticism. No secret formula. A clock is a very sophisticated way of measuring your distance from a reference crowd.

This matters, because it means biological age is not an absolute number. It’s relative. It tells you where you fall within a population, not what aging fundamentally is or how long you’ll live.

The Pregnant Pause

Here is where it gets interesting, and honestly a little absurd.

A few years ago, I came across a paper that (in genZ parlance) rage-baited me. Researchers tracking pregnant women with epigenetic clocks found that their biological age accelerated during pregnancy by roughly two years over just twenty weeks. The clocks were, in short, alarmed. These were healthy women in their twenties and thirties. No disease. No unusual stress. Just, you know, painfully growing a human.

Interestingly, three months after delivery, biological age didn’t just return to baseline. For some women, it dropped by as much as eight years. The clock had decided they were suddenly younger than before they got pregnant.

The clock isn’t broken. It’s doing exactly what it was trained to do. The problem is that pregnancy probably produces a massive, coordinated shift in the body’s molecular landscape: immune tolerance, inflammation, epigenetic marks, all remodeled at once. The clock looks at this and says: I’ve seen these patterns before. In older people. It has no concept of “pregnant.” It only knows patterns.

That’s the central problem with all aging clocks. They measure features, not causes. Anything that shifts your molecular profile in the right direction (certain medications, chronic infections, a wild night, high-altitude living, a rough few months at work) can move your biological age reading, sometimes dramatically, without any of it meaning you’re actually aging faster. The clock is answering a different question than the one you think you’re asking.

Built for Someone Else

Now here’s the problem that hits closer to home.

Almost every major aging clock published in the scientific literature was trained on data from European or North American populations. The reference crowd against whom your biological age is compared is overwhelmingly white, Western, and from high-income countries. This isn’t a footnote. It’s the whole game.

Because here’s what that means in practice. South Asians carry higher baseline levels of certain inflammatory markers. Our immune cell compositions differ. Our metabolic profiles, shaped by genetics, centuries of diet, infectious disease history and environment, diverge meaningfully from Western baselines. When a European-trained clock looks at an Indian blood sample, it sees these differences and reads them as accelerated aging. It’s not detecting deterioration. It’s detecting foreignness.

The result: biological age estimates for Indian populations are systematically biased, and almost certainly systematically inflated. Every claim about aging trajectories, intervention effects, or longevity risk built on these clocks is built on a reference population that was never us.

This starts to matter a lot as these tools migrate from research papers into clinical settings. A doctor using a commercially available aging clock to assess cardiovascular risk, or check whether a lifestyle intervention is working, is betting that the clock’s reference crowd looks like their patient. For most Indian patients, that bet is wrong.

Building the Right Clock

Building a good aging clock for an Indian population isn’t just a matter of feeding Indian data into an existing Western model and calling it done. The architecture of the problem goes deeper.

First, you need a large, carefully designed Indian dataset, one that spans age groups, geographies, socioeconomic backgrounds, and health statuses. Not a convenience sample scraped together from hospital records, but a purpose-built cohort with the right molecular measurements taken deeply enough to build a stable reference. That alone is a years-long undertaking.

Then you have to decide what the clock is actually trying to predict. The earliest clocks were trained on chronological age: they learned what a 50-year-old looks like on average, and worked backwards. More recent clocks are trained on outcomes: mortality risk, disease incidence, functional decline. These are far more useful, but they require long follow-up data, which means even more time. We probably need some new math and careful statistical modeling to get reliable insights from cross-sectional data.

And then there’s the harder question: what can any clock actually tell you? A number is not a verdict. A well-built clock, trained on the right population, can tell you something real about your molecular health relative to your peers. It cannot tell you your destiny. It cannot explain why you got the number you did.

So Is Age Just a Number?

A biological age readout is the beginning of a conversation, not the end of one.

If your number is significantly higher than your chronological age, something is worth asking. Are you chronically inflamed? Sleeping badly? Going through a period of illness, stress, or medication that could shift your molecular profile? Or is there something genuinely accelerated about your aging trajectory?

The clock cannot tell you which. But it points you toward the question.

And if the clock was built from a population that doesn’t look like you (which, if you’re Indian and using any widely available clock today, it almost certainly was) then even the question it’s pointing you toward may be the wrong one.

We probably ought to not outright dismiss these tools, but use them carefully, interpret results with caution and healthy skepticism and push for the development of better ones.

References

1. Horvath S. DNA methylation age of human tissues and cell types. Genome Biology. 2013;14(10):R115. doi:10.1186/gb-2013-14-10-r115

2. Levine ME, Lu AT, Quach A, et al. An epigenetic biomarker of aging for lifespan and healthspan. Aging (Albany NY). 2018;10(4):573-591. doi:10.18632/aging.101414

3. Lu AT, Quach A, Wilson JG, et al. DNA methylation GrimAge strongly predicts lifespan and healthspan. Aging (Albany NY). 2019;11(2):303-327. doi:10.18632/aging.101684

5. Pham H, Thompson-Felix T, Czamara D, et al. The effects of pregnancy, its progression, and its cessation on human (maternal) biological aging. Cell Metabolism. 2024;36(4):877-878. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2024.02.008

4. Poganik JR, Zhang B, Baht GS, et al. Biological age is increased by stress and restored upon recovery. Cell Metabolism. 2023;35(5):807-820.e5. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2023.03.015

5. Ryan CP, Lee NR, Carba DB, et al. Pregnancy is linked to faster epigenetic aging in young women. PNAS. 2024;121(16):e2317290121. doi:10.1073/pnas.2317290121

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Meet the Scientist

In this edition, we spotlight Dr. Ayushi Verma, a postdoctoral researcher in Prof. Deepak Saini’s lab at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.

She completed her B.Sc. in Biotechnology from Bundelkhand University, followed by an M.Sc. in Biotechnology from IIT Roorkee, and earned her Ph.D. from IIT Bombay, where she worked on omics-based research. She joined the lab in September 2025.

Her current research, carried out under the BHARAT Study framework, focuses on large-scale proteomics and PTM analysis of clinical samples to identify age-associated molecular signatures and help build an organ-specific aging atlas. Her work contributes to understanding how aging changes different tissues and organs at the molecular level.

What led you into your career in aging research?

Ayushi: My journey into aging and system biology is rooted in my doctoral training in clinical multi-omics, where I applied proteogenomics and metabolomics approach to investigate the pathobiology and heterogeneity of high-grade gliomas. This experience shaped my interest in understanding complex biological systems at multiple molecular layers.

I am particularly drawn to mass spectrometry–based proteomics, as it provides a direct window into the functional state of the cell. Unlike static genomic information, proteomics captures dynamic biological processes, offering actionable clinical insights. This capability is especially relevant for complex conditions such as cancer and aging, where system-level dysregulation drives disease progression.

I strongly believe that multi-omics approaches are central to the future of precision medicine. To develop effective, individualized therapeutics for multifactorial diseases—including high-grade gliomas and age-associated disorders—we must first decode the underlying systems biology. What motivates me is the opportunity to bridge advanced technologies with clinically meaningful discoveries, while continuously exploring both the biological complexity and the analytical power of mass spectrometry.

What are you currently working on?

Ayushi: I am currently applying phosphoproteomics to map disease-relevant signaling networks by identifying and quantifying key phosphorylated proteins that drive cellular pathways underlying disease progression.

Your thoughts for the Longevity India Initiative?

Ayushi: The Longevity India Initiative is a highly impactful and timely effort. There is a critical need for large-scale, Indian population–specific studies that integrate deep clinical metadata with multi-omics and systems-level investigations. Given India’s immense genetic, environmental, and lifestyle diversity, insights derived from Western cohorts cannot fully capture our population dynamics. With approximately 12% of India’s population currently in the elderly demographic—projected to reach nearly 319 million by 2050—there is both urgency and opportunity to systematically study ageing and age-associated diseases. Initiatives like this are essential to generate indigenous datasets that can drive context-specific, precision healthcare solutions for the Indian population.

What are your personal longevity hacks?

Ayushi: I prioritise simple, sustainable habits. During the summer, I focus on staying well-hydrated, which helps maintain overall physiological balance. As a new mother, I’ve also become more mindful of my snacking patterns—opting for healthier, home-prepared options whenever possible. I try to minimise eating out and prefer cooking at home, as it allows better control over ingredients and nutritional quality, while also being more economical.

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RISE For Healthy Aging - Longevity India Conference- 2nd edition

Registrations for the 2nd edition of the Longevity India - RISE for Healthy Aging Conference are now open!

Whether you are an aging researcher, healthcare professional, entrepreneur, innovator, policymaker, or someone curious about the future of longevity science and healthy aging, this is the space for you!

Expect two days of keynote talks, panel discussions, workshops, networking opportunities, and interdisciplinary sessions bringing together longevity and aging research, healthcare, industry, and society under one roof.

Join the conversations driving the future of longevity research and healthy aging.

📅 6–7 August 2026
📍 IISc, Bengaluru

Registration and More Details

Biopeak Live: Episode 11

In the latest episode of Biopeak Live, hosts Prof Deepak Saini and Mr Prashanth Prakash are joined by Prof Matt Kaeberlein for a wide-ranging conversation on the current state and future of longevity science.

Matt reflects on his journey from academia into entrepreneurship and the challenges that shaped projects like the Dog Aging Project and Ora Biomedical
The discussion explores mTOR biology, Rapamycin, caloric restriction, biological clocks, AI-driven discovery, and the limitations of the “hallmarks of aging” framework.

Matt also shares his views on supplement hype, the promise and pitfalls of biological age testing, and why large-scale unbiased discovery science may be key to unlocking the next era of longevity research.

Watch Now

Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Longevity India Initiative.

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For more information or contributions that would benefit you and the Longevity India initiative, please write to longevity@iisc.ac.in

From the community: Spirituality, Service, and the Practice of Living Well

Dr. (Mrs.) R. Chandramani is a former Professor of Physics at Bangalore University with over four decades of teaching experience. She is specialized in electronics, condensed matter physics, and nano-materials, and has guided nearly 45 M.Phil., PhD, and M.D. scholars. She received the Doctor of Science award for her interdisciplinary work, the fingerprint technique for the standardisation of Ayurvedic formulations. She has travelled & presented her papers in Japan, the UK, the USA, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

In this issue, we are extremely delighted to feature her and her philosophy of aging.

LI: You were trained in physics, but your work bridges physics and Ayurveda. How did this interdisciplinary journey begin?

Dr. Chandramani: My work bridges Physics and Ayurveda. My husband, Dr. C.E. Muralidhar, a Professor and Principal, initiated a Medicinal Botany course — a combination of Botany and Ayurveda. To scientifically validate Ayurvedic formulations, I used principles of Physics for standardization.

LI: What has been a defining moment that shifted your perspective toward health, longevity, or self-care?

Dr. Chandramani: Helping others has always been my nature. In many ways, that itself has guided my health, longevity, and self-care.

“They only live who live for others. Others are more dead than alive.” — Swami Vivekananda

LI: Beyond your professional titles—what continues to inspire and drive you today? How have you cultivated mental and emotional strength over the years?

Dr. Chandramani: Spiritual work inspires me. Helping the needy and being of service to others continues to drive me. Shiva Jnane Jeeva Seva.

Mental strength has come from maintaining a positive mindset and continuing to help others through different phases of life.

LI: How would you describe your philosophy of aging, and what role do daily practices play in sustaining your well-being?

Dr. Chandramani: My philosophy of aging is rooted in spirituality — prayer, meditation, positive thinking, and caring for others.

Daily practices play an important role. I attend satsangs or ashram activities and follow a simple routine of eating fresh and healthy food.

LI: What does a typical day in your life look like today, and are there any practices or principles you find especially transformative?

Dr. Chandramani: I wake up early in the morning, begin with prayer and meditation, and attend to household responsibilities. I also spend time guiding the younger generation, including backward children and vendors.

Simple principles such as maintaining a clean and positive mind, along with eating fresh and healthy food, have been most transformative.

LI: As someone who has remained intellectually active, how do you keep your curiosity and creativity alive?

Dr. Chandramani: I listen to good pravachanas, engage in prayer, and participate in meaningful dialogues.

LI: What advice would you offer younger generations who want to build a strong foundation for life?

Dr. Chandramani: Training of the mind and time management are essential.

Ayurvedic Nutrition for Healthy Longevity

Contributed by: Dr. Ankur Kumar Tanwar

Longevity, or Deerghayu in Ayurveda, means a long, healthy life. In today’s fast-paced world, achieving health, happiness, and longevity is more vital than ever. Improved nutrition is key, as it fosters well-being, prevents diseases, and treats them.

Ayurveda’s Ahara concept encompasses nutrition for both prevention and therapy, beyond just a healthy diet.

Understanding the role of nutrition for Healthy Longevity

Nutrition is a key determinant of longevity, supporting not only extended lifespan but also sustained well-being by providing essential nutrients that regulate metabolic and physiological functions. Balanced nutrient intake reduces disease risk and promotes health across all ages, with requirements varying by age, sex, activity level, and individual physiology. However, modernization and urbanization have shifted dietary habits toward processed and convenience foods, contributing to rising rates of obesity and metabolic disorders. Ayurveda likewise emphasizes the foundational role of Ahara (nutrition), viewing the human body as a product of food and highlighting its influence on physical, emotional, and mental health. Classical Ayurvedic texts further detail food classifications, preparation methods, and therapeutic properties, underscoring the long-recognized importance of appropriate nutrition in maintaining health and preventing disease.

Nutrition in Ayurveda

Ahara is described under the Broad Term Tryoupstambha (Sub pillar of life) in Ayurveda, along with Nidra(Sleep) and Brahmacharya (Control the mind). It is mentioned as the best sustainer of life (Vrittikaranam Shreshtam). Following the Guidelines mentioned in classics for Tryouptambha leads to enhancement of Bala (strength), Varna (complexion), and Upacaya (development) in the human body.

Ayurvedic Nutrition aspects for healthy longevity

Nitya Sevaniya Ahara Dravya: The Nitya Sevaniya Dravyas are the food items that are always beneficial to one’s health and should be consumed regularly to maintain health. For example: Shashtika-shali (rice grown in 60 days), Godhuma (wheat), Yava (barley), Mudga (green gram), Saindhava (rock salt), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Ghrita (ghee), cow milk, Madhu (Honey), Pathya (Terminalia chebula), Mrudwika (Vitis vinifera), Patola (Trichosanthus doica), and Dadima (Pomegranate).

Prakriti-based Nutrition:

Prakriti is the novel concept of Ayurveda, defined as individuality. It is one of the most essential Prikshya Bhavas (Examination factor) that aid in determining the right dietetics and lifestyle for a person’s Dosha maintenance. The food preferences of different Prakritis are described in Ayurveda texts. For examples: Individuals classified as Vata Prakriti prefer sweet, sour, and salty flavors in food. Pitta prakriti people like sweet, bitter, and astringent flavors, while kapha prakriti people prefer pungent, bitter, and astringent flavors. Consumption of foods with opposing flavors can lead to a state of imbalance in the body and the occurrence of diseases.

Clinical Nutrition: The prime preventive aspect of Ayurveda is Nidana Parivarjana (Avoiding identified disease-causing factors). For example: In disease Kushta (Skin disorders)-Intake of Virudha (Incompatible), Snigdha (Oily), and guru ahara (Heavy) should be avoided.

Ancient literature clearly mentioned that food or nutrition is the first medicine, and gives the name MahaBhaisajaya (Ultimate medicine) to Ahara. Treatment with proper nutrition leads to the prevention and cure of disease.

Concept of Six Rasa:

Classical Ayurvedic texts describe six fundamental tastes, Madhura, Amla, Lavana, Katu, Tikta, and Kashaya, each dominated by specific Panchamahabhoota elements and exerting distinct effects on the Tridoshas and Dhatus. These tastes support digestion and immunity: sweet, sour, and salty pacify Vata; astringent, sweet, and bitter pacify Pitta; and astringent, pungent, and bitter pacify Kapha. Acharya Charaka further states that regular consumption of all six tastes (Sarvarasa Abhyasa) promotes strength, while habitual intake of only one taste (Ekarasa Abhyasa) leads to weakness.

Nutrition Psychiatric: Diet has a crucial function in maintaining the health of the mind, along with the body. According to Ayurveda, the quality of food consumed, its preparation, appearance, aroma, and freshness have a direct impact on the mind. This link is further explored in terms of three different states of mind: Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. In the Bhagwat Gita, there is a clear description of Sattvika, Rajsika, and Tamasika Ahara. Ayurveda also described the role of diet in the manifestation of mental diseases like unmad and apasmara, etc.

Age-based Nutrition: Ayurveda literature categorised age into three: Balya (Childhood), Madhyama (Adulthood), and Vridha Avastha (Old age). Ayurveda described nutrition based on different ages.

Incompatible diet:

Ayurveda also emphasizes the concept of dietary incompatibilities (Viruddha Ahara), identifying eighteen types based on factors such as the intrinsic potency of ingredients, processing methods, quantity, sequence of ingestion, season, and specific combinations. Examples include mixing sour fruits with milk, combining honey and ghee in equal proportions, consuming milk with horse gram, jackfruit, or fish, and heating honey. Such incompatible food combinations disturb the Tridoshas, impair bodily functions, and can lead to various diseases, particularly disorders of the skin.

Wholesome and unwholesome diet: Food items can be divided into two categories based on their actions, with some having wholesome effects and others having unwholesome consequences. Pathya (wholesome diet and regimen) is defined as the ahara (diet) and vihara (regimen) that supply correct nutrition to the body and mind; Apathya is the opposite (unwholesome diet and regimen).

Diet based on season: Ayurveda recommends a varied diet for each season. For Example, Vasant season- Out of the three Doshas, kapha becomes aggravated during Vasanta (March and April). Heavy, unctuous, sugary diets and daytime sleep should be avoided. light, easily digestible foods. Bitter, hot, and astringent foods are recommended during this season, whereas salty, sour, and sweet foods should be avoided.

Ashta Ahara Vidhi Visheshayatana: Acharya Charak has detailed eight distinct aspects of the Ashta Ahara Vidhi Visheshayatana method of dieting methodically and scientifically. The varied eating practices are explained by ahara vidhi visheshayatana. It is beneficial to understand how to select proper meals, food combinations, cooking methods, food quality, and food amount. One of the most effective ways for reaching the noble goal of sustaining health is Ahara Vidhi Visheshayatana.

Ahara vidhi vidhana: Acharya Charak has provided Ahara Vidhi Vidhana (dietary guidelines) to help us avoid bad eating habits. The following are the important points described under Ahara Vidhi Vidhana:

• The food should be appetizing, warm, high-quality, nutritious, and simple to digest.

• It should not be consumed too quickly or too slowly.

• Only eat the food if you’re hungry, and your last meal has been digested.

• Eat food that is healthy and appropriate for one’s constitution, mental and emotional temperament,

• Include all flavors in one’s daily diet, such as sweet, salt, sour, pungent, bitter, and astringent.

• When eating, it’s essential to concentrate on the food.

• Food should be eaten in a comfortable sitting posture, in pleasant surroundings, with utensils and preparations of one’s choice.

Ayurvedic aspect of Nutrition focuses not only on the quantity of food but also depends upon the quality of food, the digestive power of the individual as well as age and season, etc. Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on different aspects of nutrition for healthy longevity. Ayurvedic health, food, and nutrition beliefs and practices diverge significantly from those of modern nutrition. In Vaidyajeevanam, it is stated that if a person follows a good diet, no medication is required.

Dr. Ankur Kumar Tanwar is an Associate Professor at the Department of Kriya Sharir, Divya Jyoti Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital. He can be reached here.

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Dietary Polyphenols as Geroprotective Compounds: Insights From Blue Zones to the Hallmarks of Aging

Contributed by: Shweta Prakashkumar

Blue Zones and the Longevity Paradigm

Across the globe, regions known as Blue Zones, such as Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Ikaria (Greece), Loma Linda (USA), and Nicoya (Costa Rica), have drawn scientific attention for their unusually high concentration of individuals living beyond 90 and even 100 years with remarkably low rates of chronic disease. While genetics contributes to longevity, a growing body of evidence indicates that lifestyle, particularly diet, is the dominant driver of healthy ageing in these populations. Central to these dietary patterns are plant-based, minimally processed foods rich in polyphenols, which are increasingly recognized as key contributors to extended health span.

Why Polyphenols Matter in Aging Science

Polyphenols are a diverse group of bioactive compounds, broadly classified into flavonoids such as quercetin, catechins, anthocyanins, and isoflavones, and non-flavonoids including phenolic acids, stilbenes, and lignans. This structural diversity enables them to exert wide-ranging biological effects relevant to ageing. They reduce oxidative stress and DNA damage, thereby limiting genomic instability, and help preserve telomere length, a critical marker of cellular ageing. Polyphenols enhance mitochondrial function and energy metabolism, promote autophagy (the cell’s repair and recycling system), and regulate nutrient-sensing pathways such as AMPK, SIRT1, and FOXO3 mechanisms closely linked to longevity and caloric restriction. Additionally, they suppress chronic inflammation (a hallmark of “inflammageing”) and support gut microbial diversity by promoting beneficial bacteria and short-chain fatty acid production. Collectively, these actions demonstrate that polyphenols are uniquely geroprotective, acting across multiple interconnected ageing pathways rather than a single target.

Polyphenols Across the Blue Zones: A Shared Dietary Signature

Despite geographical and cultural differences, Blue Zone diets consistently emphasize polyphenol-rich, plant-based foods. In Okinawa, staples such as purple sweet potatoes (anthocyanins), soy products (isoflavones like genistein and daidzein), turmeric (curcumin), and green tea (catechins) dominate. Sardinian diets include Cannonau red wine (procyanidins and anthocyanins) and coffee (chlorogenic acid). In Ikaria, extra virgin olive oil (oleuropein), wild greens, and herbal teas provide abundant polyphenols. The Loma Linda population relies on fruits, nuts, legumes, and soy, while Nicoya diets feature mango, papaya, squash, and beans rich in quercetin, mangiferin, and anthocyanins. Across these regions, estimated polyphenol intake approaches ~1 g/day substantially higher than typical modern diets, highlighting a shared nutritional pattern underlying longevity.

Linking Polyphenols to the Hallmarks of Ageing

The twelve hallmarks of aging, including genomic instability, telomere attrition, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired autophagy, cellular senescence, chronic inflammation, and microbiome dysbiosis, provide a framework for understanding biological aging. Polyphenols have been shown to influence nearly all these processes beneficially. For instance, anthocyanins protect DNA and support repair mechanisms, genistein modulates epigenetic regulation and telomere stability, and curcumin enhances proteostasis by facilitating the clearance of misfolded proteins. Compounds such as quercetin and procyanidins exhibit senolytic properties, reducing the burden of senescent cells, while oleuropein promotes autophagy and mitochondrial resilience. Catechins like EGCG improve intercellular communication and reduce harmful glycation products, and various polyphenols support gut microbiome balance. Through this broad-spectrum action, polyphenol-rich diets are consistently associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders, frailty, and premature mortality.

Conclusion: A Systems-Level Approach to Healthy Aging

Taken together, the evidence suggests that polyphenols function as powerful modulators of ageing by stabilizing the body’s cellular and molecular networks. Rather than targeting a single pathway, they act across multiple hallmarks of ageing, enhancing resilience and delaying the onset of chronic disease. The dietary patterns observed in Blue Zones demonstrate that consistent consumption of diverse, polyphenol-rich foods is not only a cultural tradition but a scientifically grounded strategy for extending healthspan and achieving healthy longevity.

References: Click Here

Shweta Prakashkumar, a Postdoctoral Research Associate at IISc. She can be reached at shwetapraka1@iisc.ac.in

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Meet the Faculty

Dr. Sanjiv Sambandan is currently a Professor and Chair of the Department of Instrumentation and Applied Physics at the Indian Institute of Science. His research focuses on semiconductor physics and flexible electronics, including device engineering, reliability of flexible systems, and energy harvesting technologies.

He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Waterloo in 2006, following his B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur in 2002. Before joining IISc, he worked at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center from 2006 to 2010. He is also the founder and director of Openwater.in, a clean water startup initiative. In this issue, we are delighted to highlight his research carried out in IISc.

LI: What led you into your career in aging research?

Prof. Sanjiv: I am an Electrical Engineer working in the domain of semiconductor physics, integrated circuits, and flexible electronics. Having said that, a part of my research is polarized towards developing technologies with immediate social impact, as I believe that technology in the hands of the people can level the socio-economic terrain. For example, my lab has in the past developed decentralized wastewater treatment solutions that have resulted in the startup Openwater.in.

At the moment, I feel there is a lot of room for improvement in the experience of aging. I am not a biologist, and therefore, I cannot investigate aging with the deeper insight that an understanding of biological science would give. However, as an engineer, I believe I can contribute in my own manner.

LI: What are you currently working on?

Prof. Sanjiv: We are developing a pill with a ‘digestible radio’, i.e., electronics made of materials that can be resorbed or digested by the body. When swallowed, the pill senses analytes of clinical importance in the gastrointestinal tract. It then relays a low-resolution signal to an external receiver. For example, a 1-bit signal stating whether an analyte is above or below a certain threshold is sent to a belt. The pill, along with the electronics, is then completely digested by the body.

This is still a work in progress. The strategic importance of a medical device such as this is that one can purchase this off the counter and use it to monitor analytes inside the body without the need for a clinician. This enables decentralization of diagnostics and extends medical care to remote areas. To be noted is that this is not a replacement for a more thorough diagnosis. If a person swallows this pill every week, it would record his/her “normal” and warn the individual if parameters go off this normal. The individual can then go to a medical professional for a more thorough investigation. The pill is the in vivo diagnostic equivalent of the smart wearables that measure physiological parameters.

There are other technologies that I am working on to make the life of a geriatric patient easy.

LI: What is your broader goal or vision for aging research and practice in India?

Prof. Sanjiv: My goal is to make aging a more relaxed and rewarding journey. To make geriatrics feel safe, energized, independent, and engaged with society. There is so much a young generation can learn from its elders.

LI: List your personal health hacks

Prof. Sanjiv: I would be a hypocrite to suggest health hacks. I have taken my health for granted for the past couple of years.

However, I find that eating only when hungry, which is my case, is roughly every 18 hours, improves my energy levels. I also like very long walks and lifting weights. I will get back to this lifestyle shortly.

I have also noticed that when my mind is engaged on a problem of great interest, I feel much healthier and energized. The opposite is true as well. I am sure there is a biochemistry explanation!

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Longevity India Bytes- In Conversation with the BHARAT Study Sampling Team

Through everyday interactions, questions, and stories, we see how people understand aging, health, and longevity in their own contexts.

Hear directly from our BHARAT Study sampling team as they share what it really looks like to study aging on the ground. Through them, we see that aging in India is not just biology. It is about work, dignity, relationships, independence, and how people make sense of their own health.

This is a glimpse into those stories, the ones that don’t show up in datasets, but shape the science nonetheless!

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Longevity India Surveys

Aging is something we all experience — in our families, our parents, and ourselves. We often talk about it, but we rarely record it. At Longevity India, we’re trying to change that. Through a few simple questions, we’re trying to capture what aging looks like in Indian homes: our diets, health habits, and everyday lives.

Take the surveys here 👉 Longevity India Surveys

If you can, please take a few minutes to fill out these surveys and share them with your friends and family. Every response adds a small but valuable piece to India’s aging story.

Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Longevity India Initiative.

Follow us on Social Media - Click Here

For more information or contributions that would benefit you and the Longevity India initiative, please write to longevity@iisc.ac.in

From the community:

Building Dignity Through Work: The AMBA Model

AMBA is a social enterprise dedicated to empowering adults with intellectual disabilities through structured skill development and meaningful employment opportunities. Focusing on individuals who are often excluded from mainstream systems, AMBA provides specialized functional computer training, creates inclusive work environments, and connects beneficiaries to real-world projects in data services and technology. By offering training free of cost and fostering dignity, independence, and community, AMBA strives to build sustainable livelihoods while challenging stigma around intellectual disability.

In this conversation, we feature Sugandha Sukrutaraj, the founding patron of AMBA, as she shares the inspiration, motivation, and vision behind starting this mission.

LI: What inspired you to start AMBA and work specifically with intellectually disabled individuals?

Sugandha: We realised, having worked since 1986 with the blind, physically disabled, widows with aids, and heroin needle users, that mainstream disabilities had the acumen and voice to speak for themselves and go forward independently. Creating technology-led employment opportunities for adults with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities and developmental challenges, often resulting from oxygen deprivation at birth, was another level of difficulty, as they cannot co-exist within mainstream learning and earning environments.

Over the years, we have developed a scalable, peer-driven model—with a curriculum copyrighted across India—that transforms lives, particularly in rural India where opportunities are scarce.

LI: At 70 years old, how do you stay motivated and energized in leading such a demanding social mission?

Sugandha: I absolutely love the community we serve at AMBA. They inspire us every day. Even after 25 years of working with this community, I do not have all the answers for AMBA. I do not like leaving things unfinished. My team and I have addressed and automated most verticals, which will enable me to hand over AMBA to the next generation very shortly.

I plan to be around in active service for another decade.

LI: What personal challenges did you face in the early days of AMBA, and how did you overcome them?

Sugandha: Over the last 25 years, AMBA has gone through an absolute roller coaster ride! We overcame global automation and took our community into jobs with an increased degree of difficulty and automated processes to enable them to do the jobs despite their limitations.

The pandemic stretched our thinking to teaching the mothers of our beneficiary community to give them hotspot connectivity and enable training, quality checks, and work from Home, especially in Rural India.

In the last financial year, with the Impact of global tariffs and pitfalls in the market for work, AMBA started business training within the AMBA Certified Partner Centers (ACPCs) and built ongoing business development projects in the backend to support the fluctuation in technology-related business worldwide.

LI: What unique approaches does AMBA use to help beneficiaries build confidence and practical work skills?

Sugandha: To navigate the challenge we have taken on, AMBA has worked since 2004 in collaboration with registered Special Institutions across India. These institutions support our beneficiary community from early childhood through puberty and adulthood (with an average mental age of 6-8 years). However, after this phase, many of them are sent home with limited structured engagement.

AMBA takes over from that point. We support behavioural management during puberty and provide structured vocational pathways through AMBA Certified Partner Centres (ACPCs), which are exclusively designed for the community we serve.

In 2007, AMBA developed a scalable curriculum, copyrighted across India. It is a peer-driven leadership model designed to stimulate cognitive abilities, build confidence, and increase productivity. The curriculum enables functional computing skills, including visual recognition-based learning, where alphabets are processed as images to support effective digital work.

The AMBA Hub — the AMBA Core Centre in Bangalore (ACC) — currently has nearly 100 beneficiary peer trainers and quality check personnel. They drive training, pilot projects, and quality checks for ACPCs across geographies through remote access.

The ecosystem is intentionally designed to operate by them and for them, with minimal mainstream intervention. The AMBA mainstream staff focus primarily on documentation, monitoring, reporting, compliance, fundraising, and building business opportunities.

LI: What misconceptions about intellectual disability and employment do you frequently encounter, and how do you address them?

Sugandha: The biggest misconception is that without formal education — at least up to the 10th standard — employment is impossible for this community. I must admit, I carried the same belief when I first met this community in December 2000. We were all wrong.

Over the years, the AMBA Core Centre (ACC) has directly and indirectly trained more than 13,500 youngsters across India, along with 500+ special educators from collaborative ACPCs. The training goes far beyond functional computing — it includes pilot projects and live work exposure.

Today, they operate within an ecosystem that runs by them and for them.

LI: In your experience, how important is building confidence and dignity among individuals with intellectual disabilities, and how is it built?

Sugandha: Dignity, joy, and confidence are not things that can simply be taught. They emerge through lived experience.

When individuals take on leadership roles at every stage of the learning and implementation process, over the years, that journey shapes them. As society begins to respond positively to their capabilities and contributions, that external validation reinforces their sense of self-worth.

LI: At this stage in your life, what legacy do you hope AMBA will leave behind?

Sugandha: To quote Bill Drayton, Founder of Ashoka – Innovators for the Public: “It is not enough to teach someone how to fish, but to leave behind an independent movement… a sustainable fishing industry.”

That is the legacy I hope AMBA leaves behind — not isolated impact, but a self-sustaining ecosystem.

LI: What are your personal longevity hacks?

Sugandha: Keep busy.
Do not allow negative thoughts to interfere with solutions.
Always believe — nothing is impossible.

1.4 Billion People and One Unwelcome Companion: Loneliness Research as India’s Next Public Health Frontier

Contributed by: Shayna Chandrakant Parekh

How many people feel lonely in India?

We simply do not know.

I have been fascinated by loneliness since childhood; indeed, it has been an unwelcome, lifelong companion.

By my mid-30s, my family and I moved from Los Angeles to Bangalore. I had left behind my birthplace, my friends, my family, my company. I was a new mom of a 1-year-old. As my known life fell away, that ever-stalking companion, loneliness, remained by my side. One night, less than a year into the move, I googled, “I am so lonely. What do I do?”

My journey with loneliness would remain a personal one until 2018. That year, an evening gathering at the neighborhood yogashala would prove to be life-changing. Dr. Nitu Bajekal, MD, had come to give an informal guest lecture. This was the first time I learned about the evidence-based medical specialty known as Lifestyle Medicine (LM). One of the 6 core pillars of LM is social connection; profound emphasis is placed on the impact of loneliness on health.

In an instant, loneliness transformed. My private, lifelong companion was revealed to be pervasive and measurable. Loneliness became research.

I dove deep into the biological, physiological, epidemiological, psychological, sociological, historical, and philosophical dimensions of loneliness. I encountered stunning findings. The 2025 Report of the WHO Commission on Social Connection (2025 WHO Report) summarises the important points as follows:

• Between 2014 and 2023, 1 in 6 people on this planet felt lonely.

• Social disconnection increases the risk of death, with loneliness leading to 871,000 deaths each year (2014-2019).

• Young people (ages 13–29) feel the loneliest. Globally, around 17–21% say they feel lonely, with levels higher in teenagers.

• People in poorer countries are lonelier. In low-income countries, about 24% of people feel lonely. In richer countries, the number is lower—about 11%.

• Up to 1 in 3 older adults are isolated (1990-2022).

• Among teenagers, about 1 in 4 say they are socially isolated (2003-2018).

• On a national level, loneliness costs billions in lost productivity and health care.

• Social disconnection is widespread, in all regions and all age groups.

In India, there have been a few broad-scale attempts to study loneliness, social isolation, and social disconnection. Despite their large sample size, however, such studies have largely been conducted by non-academic or industry actors focused on a particular demographic. For example,

• An Agewell Foundation 2017 study concluded that nearly half of India’s elderly population suffers from profound loneliness.

• The BKPAI (Building a Knowledge Base on Population Ageing in India) 2018 study, a major initiative funded by the United Nations Population Fund, reported that approximately 19.7% of older adults in surveyed states were socially isolated.

• The Plum’s Employee Health Report 2025, a study which analysed over 100,000 telehealth consultations, found that 30% of Indian employees report feelings of loneliness at the workplace, ranking among the highest globally.

India has yet to develop a national plan focused on loneliness and/or social disconnection more broadly. And it is not alone. The 2025 WHO Report states that “only eight WHO Member States had a policy, strategy, action plan, law or advisory that directly addresses social connection.”

To truly advance India’s role in loneliness research, we require rigorously designed, large-scale, nationally representative, cross-demographic epidemiological studies that illuminate the national prevalence of loneliness in India, across all groups, and over time.

Studies like LASI (Longitudinal Ageing Study in India) are paving the way. LASI showed that about 13.4% of India’s elderly report frequent, severe loneliness, while over 20% report moderate loneliness. The prevalence of loneliness was found to be the absolute highest in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (39.1%), followed heavily by the Central region of India (at 17.4%) and the North region (13.7%).

Now, years later, as a scientist in the Jhunjhunwala lab at IISc, I am part of a team seeking to discover the ways in which lifestyle - including loneliness - impacts diabetes in an urban Indian cohort. For perhaps the first time ever in an IISc study, we have included questions to measure loneliness among participants. And this is just the beginning. I believe that India will soon join the world in making loneliness a priority area for study and intervention. To that end, I invite you to consider a few of the questions:

• As India grapples with all manner of health, economic, social, and environmental crises, should loneliness be a priority?

• If we decide to pursue large-scale loneliness research in India, how should limited research funds be allocated?

• What would be the most efficient way to regularly collect country-wide, cross-demographic loneliness data in India?

• How can technology be better leveraged to measure loneliness across this country of a thousand languages?

• What role does loneliness play in the pathology of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, or any of the chronic diseases, in South Asian populations?

• Does loneliness manifest differently in South Asian populations, akin to a “South Asian loneliness phenotype”?

• Do the most widely used loneliness surveys, such as the UCLA or De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scales, make sense in the Indian context, or can we do better?

• Should loneliness scales be updated to capture seemingly modern manifestations of loneliness, such as the use of LLMs for companionship and love?

• What would a national strategy plan on loneliness look like for India?

• Can India bring a novel, rich interdisciplinary approach to the study of loneliness, perhaps combining philosophy, sociology, and anthropology, with ultra-modern scientific and medical disciplines?

• How can India lead the way in the development of novel interventions to address loneliness and social isolation, perhaps inspired by ancient knowledge systems?

• Should the nearly exclusive focus on outward-facing interventions to loneliness be balanced by inward-facing ones as well, guided by ancient wisdom?

• Does Gandhian philosophy have something revolutionary to offer the modern-day approach to loneliness?

• What role can leading academic institutes, like IISc and the Tata-IISc Medical School, play in future studies of loneliness in India?

More than a decade ago, I typed ‘What do I do?’ into a search engine to escape my oldest, most unwelcome companion. Today, as we bring loneliness out of the shadows and into the lab, the search for an answer may one day become a shared, national endeavor.

Shayna Parekh is a Specialist Scientist, Bioengineering, IISc. She can be reached at shayna.parekh@gmail.com.

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Social Connection and Loneliness in Aging: Engagement Is Not Optional

Contributed by: Pavithra Reddy

Longevity is one of the most significant achievements of our time. People are living longer than any generation before them, often well into their 80s and 90s. However, longevity without engagement comes at a cost. Alongside increased lifespans, we are seeing a steady rise in loneliness, social withdrawal, and disengagement among older adults.

Across India, older adults are living longer but are increasingly disconnected. Families are smaller, children migrate for work, neighborhoods are less cohesive, and informal community structures that once anchored daily life are weakening. The intergenerational ecosystem that earlier generations relied on has fragmented, especially in urban and semi-urban settings. Consequently, loneliness is no longer an exception in aging but is becoming a structural risk.

The evidence is clear and consistent: social isolation in later life is linked to poorer physical health, higher rates of depression and anxiety, faster cognitive decline, reduced mobility, and increased mortality. The health impact of chronic loneliness is comparable to well-known risk factors such as physical inactivity or smoking. Yet, loneliness continues to be underestimated, normalized, or dismissed as an inevitable part of growing older, rather than recognized as a preventable and reversible condition.

At Vayah Vikas, our work across communities reinforces a fundamental truth: social connection is not a soft issue but a core determinant of healthy aging.

Loneliness Is About Disengagement, Not Just Living Alone

A common misconception is that loneliness affects only those who live alone. In reality, many older adults experience deep loneliness while living with family. Physical presence does not guarantee emotional connection, purpose, or participation.

Loneliness in aging often stems from progressive disengagement. Retirement removes daily structure, bereavement reduces emotional anchors, and declining health or mobility limits participation. Over time, older adults lose roles, routines, and reasons to step out. Conversations become functional rather than meaningful, and social circles shrink. Days blur into repetition. This erosion affects confidence, motivation, and mental well-being long before it manifests as illness.

Older adults consistently tell us the same thing: they do not want to be passive recipients of care. They want to feel useful, respected, and actively involved in life.

Engagement as Preventive Care:

One of the biggest gaps in India’s aging ecosystem is the absence of accessible, age-friendly community spaces that encourage regular engagement. While public spaces exist, very few are intentionally designed to support older adults in gathering, moving, talking, learning, and participating without barriers. This gap disproportionately affects women, the very old, and those with limited mobility.

At Vayah Vikas, we treat social engagement the way we treat movement: as preventive care. Just as regular physical activity protects strength, balance, and independence, regular social engagement protects mental health, cognitive function, and emotional resilience.

Our engagement sessions are not occasional events or entertainment programs. They are structured, predictable spaces that help older adults rebuild routines, relationships, and confidence. The focus is on participation, not consumption. Conversation, shared activity, learning, light movement, and peer interaction are intentionally built in because consistency matters more than intensity.

Ekta Hub was created to bring this approach closer to where older adults live. As a neighborhood-level engagement platform, it reduces both physical and psychological barriers to participation. What we see repeatedly is simple but powerful: regular local engagement reduces withdrawal, improves mood, strengthens peer bonds, and leads to informal support systems that extend beyond the sessions themselves. Familiarity, dignity, and continuity make the difference.

A Collective Responsibility:

Loneliness in aging cannot be solved by families alone, nor can it be delegated entirely to healthcare systems or policy. It requires a collective response. Governments, workplaces, civil society, communities, families, and individuals all play a role in creating environments where older adults remain visible, engaged, and valued.

This is not about recreating the past, but about rebuilding connection in ways that fit today’s realities.

As India prepares for a rapidly aging population, social connection must be recognized as a core pillar of longevity, alongside healthcare, housing, and income security. The experience from initiatives like those at Vayah Vikas shows that loneliness is not inevitable. With intentional design, regular engagement, and respect for lived experience, connection can be restored.

Living longer matters, but how those added years are lived is determined by relationships, purpose, and participation.

Pavithra Reddy is a gerontologist and COO of Vayah Vikas. She can be reached here.

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Meet the Scientist

Shayna Chandrakant Parekh is a Specialized Scientist in the laboratory of Prof. Siddharth Jhunjhunwala at the Department of Bioengineering, IISc. Alongside her research endeavors, she serves as the Medical School Development Officer at IISc, contributing actively to the institute’s vision of shaping an integrative medical education ecosystem. She is also a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine in the United States, underscoring her dedication to advancing evidence-based lifestyle medicine.

In this issue, we are delighted to feature her journey, perspectives, and vision for the future of healthcare innovation.

LI: What led you into your career in aging research?

Shayna: Hearing about lifestyle medicine in 2018 and feeling instantly that this needs to be shared with every human on the planet!

LI: What are you currently working on?

Shayna: I am currently working on a high-resolution, longitudinal, Type 2 Diabetes study as part of the Jhunjhunwala Lab (IISc), studying nearly 150 biochemical and lifestyle markers in an urban Indian cohort to build a predictive model for who develops prediabetes and diabetes (and who reverses these conditions).

LI: What is your broader goal or vision for aging research and practice in India?

Shayna: My goal is to incorporate more of our native, ancient wisdom, which is beautifully encapsulated by the modern-day practice of lifestyle medicine.

LI: List your personal health hacks

Shayna: Eating before sunset, whole food plant-based (WFPB) diet, daily yoga, walking Bella the dog under a canopy of trees, playing with kids!

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Longevity India Surveys

Aging is something we all experience — in our families, our parents, and ourselves. We often talk about it, but we rarely record it. At Longevity India, we’re trying to change that. Through a few simple questions, we’re trying to capture what aging looks like in Indian homes: our diets, health habits, and everyday lives.

Take the surveys here 👉 Longevity India Surveys

If you can, please take a few minutes to fill out these surveys and share them with your friends and family. Every response adds a small but valuable piece to India’s aging story.

Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Longevity India Initiative.

Follow us on Social Media - Click Here

For more information or contributions that would benefit you and the Longevity India initiative, please write to longevity@iisc.ac.in

From the community:

The Second Wind: How Indira Baikerikar Built ‘Biological Insurance’, from Cannes to her 13th Marathon

Indira Baikerikar is an athlete, sports mentor, fashion designer, writer, and filmmaker. Her debut film, The Second Wind, was showcased at the 2025 Cannes International Film Festival.

More than her professional milestones, she describes herself first as a daughter, a sister, a wife, and a mother. She comes from Assam, specifically the small town of Dibrugarh, and has been living independently since the age of 20. She began working at 21 and has held multiple roles across her life.

Her journey includes working as an air hostess, running a garment export business, and managing a fashion store for over a decade. Alongside this, she is also a certified physical and strength trainer and a committed athlete. This year, she will be running her 13th full marathon at the Tata Mumbai Marathon, completing another 42 km.

In this conversation, we look beyond titles and achievements to understand Indira Baikerikar’s approach to life, health, movement, and longevity.

LI: Were you interested in healthy aging from childhood, or was there a moment that motivated you?

Indira Baikerikar: I come from a typical healthy Bengali family where fish curry and rice are staple meals. Growing up, we believed that being slim meant being healthy, and having a paunch meant you were not.

My father was a foodie and, unfortunately, suffered from jaundice, after which he put on a lot of weight. Watching him, I realised that while I wanted to be like him mentally, I did not want to be physically like that.

When I was in the 10th standard, my mother went to Australia for work and asked me what I wanted. I asked her for a workout VCR. Since the 8th or 9th standard, I started working out and have continued ever since.

If you seed fitness early, when your brain is still learning, it becomes a part of your lifestyle, like eating food every day.

LI: Has your daughter followed a similar path?

Indira Baikerikar: Yes, very much. She is one of the reasons I made the film. She was a national-level swimming champion for many years. From the age of nine, she was trained for about six kilometres of swimming every day.

Our routine involved waking up at four in the morning and sleeping by ten. Seeing her work so hard at such a young age inspired me. I wanted to experience that same hardship myself, so I started running during that period and have continued ever since.

LI: Did you make dietary changes when you shifted into an athlete’s lifestyle?

Indira Baikerikar: I eat homemade food. I never skip breakfast, and I love eggs. Lunch is usually rice, dal, and vegetables. I drink two cups of tea a day or black coffee in the morning, and I try to finish dinner by 7:30 or 8 pm. Because I run and do strength training, I do not miss meals, as that lowers my energy. I take protein shakes occasionally. At times, I take breaks from non-vegetarian food and eat only vegetarian meals. Once a week, I keep a longer gap between meals to give my digestive system some rest.

LI: Do you believe more in strength training or traditional practices like yoga?

Indira Baikerikar: I believe both are important. I practice some yoga, and flexibility and strength go hand in hand.

Strength training helps maintain bone density as we age. We are not lifting heavy weights like bodybuilders, but appropriate weights that our body allows. This helps with daily activities like carrying luggage, walking long distances, and supporting body weight.

Yoga is very good. Even bodyweight exercises are enough if you do not go to the gym. Swimming is also excellent. The key is movement. Your body should be used to moving.

LI: How were your experiences through pregnancy, menopause, and different hormonal phases?

Indira Baikerikar: I got married and pregnant early, which helped. I did have some health issues during pregnancy as I was slightly weak, but I stayed active. I continued working during pregnancy—climbing stairs, cleaning the house, and staying active. Pregnancy does not mean you cannot function normally, unless there are specific medical issues.

As for menopause, because of my workouts, running, and meditation, the phase was relatively smooth. I did experience changes, but I was able to handle them.

LI: Is meditation a big part of your life?

Indira Baikerikar: Yes, meditation was introduced to me through my daughter’s school, which made it compulsory for parents as well. That was my first exposure.

Before that, I practiced Transcendental Meditation. Later, I did advanced courses in Siddha Samadhi Yoga. I also did Vipassana at Igatpuri during menopause, which helped me reconnect with myself.

Currently, I practice Pranic Healing. The goal of all meditation is to go inward. Everything is within you—sadness and happiness. Once you choose happiness, you radiate that energy outward.

LI: If you could speak to your younger self, what would you say?

Indira Baikerikar: Enjoy every phase of life. Try new things. Venture out. But also have some discipline. If you sow the seed early, you reap the benefits later. Do not copy anyone, especially in today’s social media-driven world. See things as entertainment, not truth.

Find an anchor that keeps you grounded. Take care of your body—it is a temple. Stay healthy so you can do more in life. Share your sadness and happiness. Do not isolate yourself.

The interview was conducted by Shweta Prakashkumar, a Postdoctoral Research Associate at IISc. She can be reached at shwetapraka1@iisc.ac.in

Cervical Cancer: Awareness and Self-Screening Matter

Contributed by: Soujanya Barik

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally. Nearly 60% of cervical cancer cases and deaths occur in Asia, and India accounts for approximately one-fifth of the global burden. Despite this high disease burden, screening and early detection remain limited, particularly among women in rural and resource-constrained areas.

Why awareness is the first step:

Many women are unaware of the prevalence of cervical cancer, symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or post-coital bleeding, and available screening options.

Improving awareness is critical to reducing cervical cancer incidence and mortality. Community-level awareness campaigns can help educate women about the disease, encourage regular screening, and promote access to affordable and acceptable screening methods.

Evidence From Maharashtra, India:

To address this, Mishra et al. conducted a community-based study in Maharashtra, India, to assess women’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer screening. The study also evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and diagnostic accuracy of HPV self-sampling as an alternative screening approach in a resource-constrained setting.

The findings highlighted that:

• Many women found clinician-based screening unpleasant or embarrassing.

• There was a strong preference for female healthcare providers.

• Self-sampling was widely viewed as a more acceptable and convenient option.

• HPV self-sampling showed high agreement with clinician-collected samples, supporting its reliability for primary screening.

These results suggest that HPV self-sampling can overcome cultural, logistical, and psychological barriers that often prevent women from accessing traditional screening services.

What is HPV self-sampling?

The HPV self-sampling kit is designed for primary cervical cancer screening by detecting high-risk HPV strains responsible for cervical cancer development. Unlike conventional HPV testing performed during a pelvic exam by a gynecologist, self-sampling allows women to collect their own vaginal sample privately, without a clinical examination.

The HPV self-sampling screening kit evaluates:

• Presence of high-risk HPV DNA, including HPV-16 and HPV-18

• Viral DNA quantity, indicating infection load

• Detection of HPV in vaginal or cervical cell samples

• Sensitivity and specificity of the assay for accurate diagnosis

• Follow-up criteria, including referral for further evaluation if HPV is detected

HPV self-sampling represents a promising strategy to expand cervical cancer screening coverage in India, particularly among hard-to-reach populations. By combining awareness initiatives, community engagement, and innovative screening tools, India can make significant progress toward reducing cervical cancer-related illness and death.

References: Click Here

Soujanya Barik is a Graduate Student at IISc. She can be reached at soujanyab@iisc.ac.in

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Cervical cancer screening: comparative study of human papillomavirus detection between cervical cytology and urine samples

Contributed by: Nischitha Baliga

Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable cancers in women, yet it continues to cause a significant global health burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to regular screening is limited. According to global health estimates, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women, with over 600,000 new cases and 340,000 deaths reported in 2020 alone, with the majority of cases linked to persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Early detection of HPV infection and precancerous lesions is critical, as cervical cancer typically develops slowly over many years, providing a substantial window for intervention. However, conventional screening methods such as Pap smears and clinician-collected cervical HPV tests are invasive and often deter participation.

A recent study from Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital offers a promising answer: urine-based HPV testing.

Why Look at Urine for HPV?

HPV infects cervical epithelial cells, which naturally shed over time. After infection, this shedding increases, and exfoliated cervical cells along with viral DNA accumulate near the vaginal opening. During urination, these cells can be washed away and captured in the urine, creating an opportunity for non-invasive HPV detection.

Urine-based testing has several advantages:

• No pelvic exam required

• Can be self-collected

• Reduces discomfort, embarrassment, and stigma

• Improves screening compliance, especially in remote or underserved areas

With the rise of digital health and at-home diagnostics, urine-based screening is gaining attention as a potential game-changer in cervical cancer prevention.

The study retrospectively analyzed 458 women aged 20–60 years who had abnormal cervical cytology and/or tested positive for HPV. All participants underwent:

• Cervical cytology HPV testing

• Urine-based HPV testing

• Colposcopy and cervical biopsy, which served as the diagnostic gold standard for detecting high-grade lesions (CIN2+)

Using PCR-based genotyping, researchers compared:

• HPV detection rates

• Subtype distribution

• Diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity)

Agreement between urine and cervical samples

The results were encouraging.

HPV positivity was detected in:

• 84.3% of cervical samples

• 79.0% of urine samples

The overall agreement between urine and cervical testing was strong, with a kappa value of 0.637, indicating substantial consistency between the two methods.

Even more striking was the agreement for high-risk HPV subtypes, particularly those targeted by the nine-valent HPV vaccine:

• HPV16: κ = 0.79

• HPV52: κ = 0.77

• HPV18: κ = 0.76

These findings suggest that urine samples reliably reflect clinically important HPV infections—especially those most strongly associated with cervical cancer risk.

Despite decades of progress, screening coverage remains uneven. Many women—especially in rural areas, low-resource settings, or conservative communities—avoid gynecological exams due to:

• Lack of access to healthcare facilities

• Cultural or social discomfort

• Time and travel constraints

• Fear or embarrassment

Urine-based HPV testing addresses many of these barriers. Because samples can be self-collected at home or in community settings. While urine-based HPV testing is unlikely to replace conventional screening methods entirely, it holds substantial promise as a complementary approach. Ongoing research aims to standardize urine collection protocols, optimize DNA extraction methods, and refine assay sensitivity to ensure reproducibility across settings. Additionally, integrating urine-based testing with existing screening pathways—such as using it as a first-line screening method followed by cervical examination for HPV-positive individuals—could maximize both efficiency and accuracy.

In conclusion, urine-based HPV testing represents a significant step toward more inclusive, patient-friendly cervical cancer screening. As technological advancements continue and validation studies expand, urine-based screening could play a crucial role in bridging gaps in cervical cancer prevention and accelerating progress toward its eventual elimination.

References: Click Here

Nischitha Baliga is a Project Associate at IISc. She can be reached at nischithab@iisc.ac.in

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Meet the Faculty

Prof. Ramray Bhat is an Associate Professor in the Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics and the Department of Bioengineering at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. He completed his Komen Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA. Prof. Bhat earned his PhD in Cell Biology and Anatomy from New York Medical College, Valhalla, and holds an MBBS degree from the Medical College, University of Calcutta.

He is also a core committee member of Longevity India and serves as the Chief Editor of the Longevity India newsletter, contributing to initiatives focused on advancing research and dialogue in healthy aging. In this issue, we are excited to feature Prof. Ramray Bhat and his contributions.

LI: What led you into your career in aging research?

Prof. Ramray: Our group primarily focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms associated with the spread of cancer. Aging is a formidable risk factor in the incidence of cancer as well as the aggression with which it spreads through the body. Our group is trying to look for the possible vulnerabilities in aging tissues that are taken advantage of, by spreading cancerous cells.

LI: What are you currently working on?

Prof. Ramray: As part of the Longevity India Initiative, we study how chemotherapeutic drugs can disrupt the structure and function of our body linings and organ surfaces. We also look at the role of glycation, a process by which sugar and sugar-like molecules get abnormally attached to proteins, in aging, through an examination of the process in the cells of Indian individuals across ages. We are also interested in finding ways to fortify our tissues and organs against such damage.

LI: Your goal for the Longevity India Initiative?

Prof. Ramray: My goal as part of the Longevity India Initiative is to develop, along with colleagues and collaborators, a scientifically informed way by which we can predict the extent of damage and dysfunction that a given organ in our body might accumulate as a function of aging and find ways to slow down this process.

LI: List your personal health hacks

Prof. Ramray: Running, controlling the quality and quantity of food consumption.

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Longevity India Surveys

Aging is something we all experience — in our families, our parents, and ourselves. We often talk about it, but we rarely record it. At Longevity India, we’re trying to change that. Through a few simple questions, we’re trying to capture what aging looks like in Indian homes: our diets, health habits, and everyday lives.

Take the surveys here 👉 Longevity India Surveys

If you can, please take a few minutes to fill out these surveys and share them with your friends and family. Every response adds a small but valuable piece to India’s aging story.

Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Longevity India Initiative.

Follow us on Social Media - Click Here

For more information or contributions that would benefit you and the Longevity India initiative, please write to longevity@iisc.ac.in

From the community:

Longevity Through the Mind: Lessons from a 92-Year Life

At 92, J. V. S. Iyengar has defied diabetes, cardiac issues, fractures, varicose veins, and the usual expectations of aging—not with extreme fitness or alternative medicine, but with a disciplined mind and a simple lifestyle. In this interview, he explains how learning to silence his mind, walking daily, eating minimally, and living with purpose have helped him stay sharp, independent, and active well into his nineties.

LI: Could you introduce yourself to our readers?

Mr. Iyengar: My name is J. V. S. Iyengar. I was born in Mysore in 1933 and completed my education there with a B.Sc. degree. I began my career in the administrative wing of CSIR and later worked at the Mechanical Engineering Research Institute in Durgapur. I eventually became a scientist and later moved into engineering consultancy in Delhi. My work took me across India, helping organizations adopt new technologies. I retired early because I was tired of work and wanted to live on my own terms.

LI: When did you start focusing consciously on healing and healthy aging?

Mr. Iyengar: Around eight years ago. I had gone through surgeries and developed diabetes, high blood pressure, varicose veins, and a fractured leg bone. That was the turning point. I didn’t want to keep going back to hospitals. I have always had a spiritual inclination, so I decided to work on healing myself through the mind.

LI: What exactly do you mean by “healing through the mind”?

Mr. Iyengar: When I silence the mind and pray for relief in a specific part of the body, I’ve experienced results. I practice switching my mind off completely. My reflux disappeared within minutes. My varicose veins have reduced. My fractured leg healed fully without surgery. For me, it works. Once the mind stops wandering, I can direct attention inward. I don’t follow a guru. I taught myself through Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras—the line “Yoga chitta vritti nirodha” stayed with me.

LI: Do you follow a structured meditation routine?

Mr. Iyengar: My practice is largely self-taught and need-based, focused on calming the mind whenever required. I concentrate on stilling mental fluctuations, inspired by Patanjali’s principle of chitta vritti nirodha.

I usually practice before sleep, and I can enter a state of mental silence within a few minutes. Rather than fixed hours or techniques, I emphasize mental discipline, focus, and inner stillness, which I use both for clarity and for managing discomfort or health issues.

I can switch my mind off in three minutes. I don’t sit for long hours. I do it before sleep every night for about 20 minutes. I wake up at 3 a.m., and the silence continues even as I fall asleep. I sleep 4–5 hours deeply, and that is enough for me.

LI: What personal dietary and lifestyle habits do you follow to stay healthy?

Mr. Iyengar: Simple vegetarian diet, low calories, fiber-rich; as little medicine as possible to prevent side effects. I walk 2 km in the morning and 2 km in the evening. My diet is simple South Indian food, mostly wheat, dalia, vegetables, and fruits. I offer food to God before eating. I consume 500–600 calories a day. I don’t take supplements except necessary medicines prescribed by my doctor for BP, sugar, and aspirin for blood thickness.

LI: What about hobbies and daily routine?

Mr. Iyengar: I wake up at 3 a.m., cook, walk, and then perform pooja for about an hour to an hour-and-a-half. I read a lot, and I’m happy with my books. When I lived in Shimla after retirement, I gardened seriously and even introduced tulip cultivation there. Socially, I’m very active and enjoy company.

LI: What is your overall message on aging?

Mr. Iyengar: People run to medicines for every small issue. Medicines solve one thing and harm another. If people first look within, many problems can be reduced. I’m not saying avoid doctors; I consult mine when necessary, but don’t become dependent on pills for every discomfort. Use the mind, not just medicine.

LI: If you were speaking directly to someone in their 20s or 30s, what would you tell them?

Mr. Iyengar: Gain knowledge. In any field. The ability to silence the mind while concentrating is the most valuable skill. After silence, intuition appears. Researchers and thinkers will get answers without knowing how. It has happened to me, I hold patents I can only describe as God-given.

LI: Anything you would like our audience to take away from your journey?

Mr. Iyengar: Young people have the most to gain. Their problems are many: finances, responsibilities, and uncertainty. First, go into silence. From silence, you find clarity, and then goals. If more people develop that capacity early in life, their health and mind will stay strong for decades.

A Smarter Walker to Prevent Falls Before They Happen

Contributed by: Nischitha Baliga

As the global population ages, ensuring safe mobility for older adults has become an urgent public health priority. By 2050, more than two billion people worldwide will be over the age of 60. For many older adults, the fear of falling is often more limiting than the fall itself. It changes how people walk, how far they go, and how confident they feel leaving home. And the fear isn’t unfounded—nearly one in three people over the age of 65 experiences a fall every year, often with lasting physical and emotional consequences.

We’ve built better healthcare systems and helped people live longer, but safe mobility hasn’t kept pace. A longer life should also mean a more independent one.

Why traditional walkers aren’t enough:

Walkers and canes have been trusted companions for decades. They offer stability, reassurance, and familiarity. But they also have a blind spot: they can’t tell when someone is about to lose balance. They don’t react when a person leans too far forward, stumbles sideways, or freezes mid-step.

Most “smart” alternatives try to solve this with cameras, heavy robotics, or complex software. While impressive, these devices are often bulky, expensive, or intimidating—qualities that don’t sit well with everyday use, especially for older adults who value simplicity.

So the question became: What if a walker could quietly step in before a fall happens—without changing how it feels to use?

How the Smart Walker Works:

This new walking aid looks much like a regular walker. There are no screens to operate, no buttons to press, and no learning curve. But inside, it’s constantly paying attention.

The system uses a small wearable sensor worn on the chest to continuously track body orientation. When the sensor detects excessive forward, backward, or sideways leaning—an early sign of a potential fall—the walker responds immediately.

A robotic arm built into the walker applies controlled counteracting forces to gently guide the user back to a stable, upright posture. At the same time, an automatic braking system temporarily locks the wheels to prevent unintended movement during correction. Once balance is restored, everything unlocks, and walking continues—often before the user even realizes what happened.

Behind the scenes, the system relies on optimized control algorithms that allow the walker to react quickly and smoothly, even when using low-cost hardware. This ensures that the device remains affordable while delivering reliable performance.

Does it actually work?

In controlled tests, the system responded to balance loss in fractions of a second and helped users regain stability in about two seconds. Whether the imbalance was forward, backward, or to the side, the walker consistently stepped in quickly and smoothly.

The system is intentionally tuned to act fast—even if that means slightly overshooting the “perfect” posture. When safety is at stake, stopping a fall matters more than perfect alignment.

And importantly, all of this was achieved using low-cost components, showing that effective fall prevention doesn’t have to come with a high price tag.

Why this approach matters:

What makes this walker different isn’t just the technology—it’s the philosophy behind it. Instead of asking older adults to adapt to complex machines, this system adapts to them. It keeps the familiar form of a traditional walker while quietly adding intelligence underneath. No alerts, no alarms, no constant feedback—just subtle, timely support when it’s needed most.

There’s still work to be done. People come in different heights, postures, and movement patterns, and the system needs to learn these differences better. Future versions will use adaptive algorithms to personalize responses, strengthen braking during forward falls, and improve durability for long-term use. Most importantly, the next step is testing with older adults in real-world environments.

This smart walker isn’t trying to replace independence—it’s trying to protect it. By preventing falls before they happen, it offers something many older adults value deeply: confidence to keep moving.

References: Click Here

Nischitha Baliga is a Project Associate at IISc. She can be reached at nischithab@iisc.ac.in

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The Unlikely Duo Redefining Aging: A Chartered Accountant and a Robotics Engineer on a Mission to Bring Play Back

In the world of healthy aging, innovation often comes from unexpected places. Meet Rishi Dabrai, a Chartered Accountant who’s also represented India in padel, and Sanath, a robotics engineer and an avid mountaineer. When this dynamic duo looked at the fitness landscape, they saw a systems failure. They realized the infrastructure for active aging was broken: gyms were intimidating, care was reactive, and cognitive health was ignored. United by their diverse backgrounds, they founded Age Stronger to re-engineer this ecosystem, creating a groundbreaking community for those 50 and over who are ready to prove that their best years are still ahead.

LI: You come from very different professional backgrounds - a Chartered Accountant and a Robotics Engineer. How did the two of you end up working together on aging?

Rishi: For me, the mission is personal. An athlete at heart, I was driven by a single, powerful question: “Why should the joy of sport and movement have an age limit?” I want to see people playing, competing, and living life to the fullest, well into their 80s and 90s, and to do that, you have to train for it today. But more importantly, you have to want to do it. That’s why I want to bring play back into people’s lives. It was this desire to merge structured training with the pure, unadulterated fun of play that sparked the idea for Age Stronger.

Sanath: As a robotics engineer, I’ve spent my career building complex systems. But when I looked at the fitness landscape for my parents, I saw a system that was failing them. I realized they didn’t just need a physical workout, but a cognitive one too, having witnessed the subtle shifts that come with age. I wanted to create a program that I wish my parents had had earlier. Something that sharpened the mind as much as the body, wasn’t intimidating, and was built on a foundation of community and support.

Together, Rishi and Sanath have built Age Stronger to be the solution they both envisioned.

LI: What gap did you see in the current fitness landscape for older adults?

Rishi and Sanath: We recognized that traditional gyms, with their rows of complicated machines and hyper-competitive environments, can be alienating for older adults. The fear of not knowing where to start, the feeling of being out of place, and the loneliness that can creep in with age are all powerful deterrents to a healthy lifestyle.

LI: How does Age Stronger solve this problem differently?

Rishi and Sanath: Age Stronger tackles these challenges head-on with its signature offering: group sessions held in the accessible and welcoming spaces of local parks and residential communities. What makes these sessions a true differentiator is their innovative design, which masterfully weaves together physical conditioning with stimulating cognitive challenges. Forget monotonous workouts; here, play is the foundation. Each session is a dynamic blend of games and interactive exercises that build strength, balance, and mobility while simultaneously demanding focus, sharpening memory, and improving reaction time.

LI: What kind of response have you seen from elders?

Rishi and Sanath: The result is a uniquely holistic experience. Elders leave feeling not just physically invigorated, but mentally alive and alert—as if their brains have been switched on, leaving them with the refreshed, joyful spirit of a child after a great recess.

LI: What’s the long-term vision for Age Stronger?

Rishi and Sanath: This is just the beginning. While group sessions are the first step, Age Stronger is not married to a single solution; we are married to the problem of helping people thrive as they age. Our long-term vision is to go deeper, building a comprehensive platform dedicated to mastering the three foundational pillars of a long and vibrant healthspan: physical strength, functional mobility, and cognitive sharpness. By relentlessly innovating in these core areas, Age Stronger aims to become the definitive resource for anyone committed to building a body and mind capable of meeting the demands of a long, adventurous, and independent life.

Find out more: Age Stronger

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Meet the Faculty

In this edition, we spotlight Prof. Shantanu P. Shukla.

Prof. Shantanu completed his M.Sc. at the University of Pune and earned his Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. He is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics at IISc. In addition to his academic role, he collaborates with Longevity India, where he is involved in identifying gut microbiome signatures as part of the BHARAT Study.

We are delighted to feature him and his impactful contributions to aging research in this edition.

LI: What led you into your career in aging research?

Prof. Shantanu: I am interested in the interactions between the microbiome and the host and the role of microorganisms in impacting host health and adaptation. This is especially interesting because microorganisms have a unique genetic repertoire as compared to higher animals, including humans. Thus, microorganisms can contribute to several metabolic functions that humans, per se, are incapable of. Microorganisms are also highly abundant within the human body. Recent estimates indicate that there are at least as many microbial cells (if not more) than human cells in our body. That makes us a lot more microbe than we imagine ourselves to be. The question then moves to the role of this incredible diversity and abundance of microorganisms in the human body, from the moment of birth to the very end. The journey of our aging is therefore a story of how our cells and tissues change, but also of how our microbial companions change over time. Microbes are abundant in our environment, and the body is constantly challenged by scores of microbial visitors, some of which colonize and profoundly impact our health. My research career is an outcome of curiosity arising from these questions, and I have only recently been drawn into the fascinating question of microbiomes and aging.

LI: What are you currently working on?

Prof. Shantanu: I work on understanding how microorganisms are transmitted from parents to offspring, how they evolve to adapt to their particular host environments, and how these changes are reflected in their genomes.

LI: Your goal for the Longevity India Initiative?

Prof. Shantanu: To get a comprehensive understanding of the human microbiome in Indian adults and identify taxonomic and functional diversity of the gut microbiome in the context of aging. As an extraordinarily diverse set of individuals, we carry with us signatures of a long genetic heritage, undergoing changes over the past several years with changing lifestyles, diets, and risks. These underlying factors can impact the resident microbes in our guts, which can, in turn, cyclically impact our health. Microbial communities and the resulting microbial metabolites that can aggravate diseases, or those that provide essential nutrients and enzymes, are being dynamically reorganized by the processes of aging and lifestyle choices. Our goal is thus to firstly characterise the microbial community of healthy Indians across age groups and get a sense of the extent of conservation and deviation within the populations.

LI: List your personal health hacks

Prof. Shantanu: Avoid processed food as much as possible, reduce consumption of foods with added sugars, and maintain some regularity in physical activity and exercise.

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Longevity India Surveys

Aging is something we all experience — in our families, our parents, and ourselves. We often talk about it, but we rarely record it. At Longevity India, we’re trying to change that. Through a few simple questions, we’re trying to capture what aging looks like in Indian homes: our diets, health habits, and everyday lives.

Take the surveys here 👉 Longevity India Surveys

If you can, please take a few minutes to fill out these surveys and share them with your friends and family. Every response adds a small but valuable piece to India’s aging story.

Art of Aging Well- Resilience, Hormesis, & Longevity | Biopeak Live - Longevity India Podcast

Check out the latest episode of our podcast! 🎙️

In this episode, Prof. Deepak Saini welcomes Dr. Suresh Rattan, Professor Emeritus, Aarhus University, to share his lifelong journey studying the science of aging and how simple daily choices can shape how well we age.

Dr. Rattan blends biology, philosophy, and culture to examine aging not just as a biological process, but as a meaningful aspect of being human.

Watch the full episode and leave your thoughts in the comments!

Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Longevity India Initiative.

Follow us on Social Media - Click Here

For more information or contributions that would benefit you and the Longevity India initiative, please write to longevity@iisc.ac.in

From the community:

The Panchamantra of Longevity- Dr. Anil Bilimale’s Blueprint for Healthspan

Dr. Anil Bilimale, Chief Program Coordinator at the School of Public Health, JSS Medical College (JSS AHER), is a physician with an MD in Community Medicine and over 14 years of experience in public health. He has worked with WHO and UNICEF in key roles supporting infectious disease control and maternal–child health programs. At JSS Medical College, he has played a central role in building and expanding the School of Public Health, strengthening its programs, research, and infrastructure. Dr. Bilimale is currently leading the ‘Blue Zone’ longevity initiative in Mysuru, aimed at improving health and well-being in the community. He continues to mentor emerging public health professionals and contribute to impactful health initiatives at the state and national levels. In this edition, we take a deeper look into Dr. Bilimale’s journey—exploring his own lifestyle changes, the personal practices he follows from lifestyle medicine, and how these shape his approach to patient care.

LI: What initially inspired you to pursue lifestyle medicine, and how has your philosophy evolved over the years?

Dr. Bilimale: My journey into lifestyle medicine began with a simple but powerful observation across public health systems: most illnesses we battle today are created by the way we live, not by what we lack in medicine. Working across WHO, UNICEF, academia, and community settings, I consistently saw the same pattern—chronic diseases rising despite better hospitals, better medicines, and better technology.

This sparked a shift from disease management to root-cause prevention.

Over time, my philosophy evolved into the Panchamantra for Longevity, a model that integrates global evidence—from Blue Zones to behavioural science—with Indian wisdom. It distills health into five actionable, measurable, physiology-grounded pillars. Rather than fragmented advice, I wanted a systems-level, scientifically coherent lifestyle framework that anyone can understand and apply.

Today, it is not just a professional interest—it is the foundation of my teaching, my clinical thinking, my research, and my personal life.

LI: What role do nutrition, sleep, stress management, and physical activity play in your daily clinical workflows? How do you prioritize among these pillars?

Dr. Bilimale: These factors form the diagnostic compass in my daily workflow. With every patient or student, I begin by mapping their case across the five Panchamantras:

• Physical Activity: RHR, muscle mass, visceral fat, strength, agility, micro-workouts, daily movement index.

• Diet & Gut Health: food order, fiber intake, fasting patterns, gut rhythm, protein adequacy.

• Rest & Sleep: sleep timing, sleep waves, nap use, mental fatigue markers.

• Balanced Mental Health: stress signatures, emotional regulation, recovery habits.

• Socialization: belongingness, tribe, loneliness index.

Prioritization is simple: target the weakest pillar first, especially if it is causing downstream dysfunction. For example: Poor sleep → hormonal imbalance → cravings → poor diet → fatigue → inactivity.

In such a case, sleep becomes the first lever. This systems approach prevents treating symptoms in isolation and instead restores the body’s natural capacity for self-regulation.

LI: In your experience, which lifestyle intervention has the most immediate impact on a patient’s health trajectory?

Dr. Bilimale: Two interventions create the fastest physiological shift:

1. Micro-bursts of Physical Activity: a 2-minute high-intensity burst or a 10-minute micro-workout:

• Drops post-meal glucose

• Improves mood within minutes

• Resets metabolism

• Stimulates mitochondrial activity

2. Early Night Sleep Alignment: One night of sleep aligned with the circadian rhythm:

• Reduces cortisol

• Improves insulin sensitivity

• Sharpens cognition

• Resets emotional balance

In practice, these two are the fastest “switches” on the health dashboard. They give patients early wins and build motivation for a deeper lifestyle transformation.

LI: How do you manage situations where patients are resistant to lifestyle changes or expect quick fixes?

Dr. Bilimale: Resistance usually comes from fear, overwhelm, or past failure, not laziness. So I use three strategies:

1. Micro-goals: One small action they can do in 60 seconds (like a staircase climb or water-first eating). Small victories rebuild self-efficacy.

2. Physiology-based explanation: People respond better when you explain why—hormones, circadian rhythm, metabolic switches—rather than saying “do this.”

3. Identity shift rather than habit shift: I help them see themselves as someone who values health and longevity. This subtle identity reframing often breaks years of resistance.

Quick fixes never last. But quick wins do, and I build from there.

LI: Has practicing lifestyle medicine changed the way you live your own life? What personal changes have you made?

Dr. Bilimale: Absolutely. Panchamantra is not just something I teach—it is the framework I live by.

I have:

• Shifted to strength before cardio

• Adopted early dinners and circadian-aligned sleep,

• Integrated Pomodoro-style rest cycles into my work

• Practiced mindfulness grounding during stressful days

• Prioritized one-on-one social connections

• Built routines that support longevity rather than drain energy

My work transformed my habits, and my habits now refine my work.

LI: What personal habits or routines help you stay aligned with the principles you teach?

Dr. Bilimale: Some of my core routines include:

• Daily Movement Algorithm: mobility → strength → micro-burst → walking.

• Food Order Discipline: fiber/greens first, protein second, carbs last.

• Weekly Fast: either a 24-hour fast or a circadian fast, Daily 18:6 fasting, Monthly 3-day water fast.

• Sleep Gate Respect: no screens 1 hour before bed; waking with light, not alarms.

• Morning Mental Reset: 5 minutes of stillness, 10 minutes of intention setting.

• Community Rituals: purposeful time with family, students, and colleagues.

These routines keep me grounded and aligned with the science I advocate.

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The Future of Cardiac Care: A Patch That Programs Healing

Contributed by: Shweta Prakashkumar

We don’t often talk about what happens after a heart attack—the silent struggle of post-cardiac healing—but an innovation from MIT is changing that conversation.

Cardiac tissue damage following myocardial infarction (MI) remains a major clinical challenge due to the heart’s limited regenerative capacity, as current interventions such as bypass surgery restore blood flow but do not repair necrotic tissue.

In 2025, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) reported a programmable hydrogel-based drug delivery patch designed to promote tissue healing and blood vessel regrowth after MI, enabling phase-specific release of therapeutic agents and resulting in significant improvements in cardiac function in preclinical models.

Myocardial infarction leads to irreversible loss of cardiomyocytes and scar formation, ultimately reducing cardiac output and contributing to chronic heart failure, while traditional pharmacological strategies often fail to achieve localized, timed drug release. To address this, MIT engineers led by Ana Jaklenec and Robert Langer developed a flexible hydrogel patch composed of alginate and PEGDA embedded with programmable PLGA microparticles designed as ‘coffee cups with lids’ that deliver multiple drugs in a controlled sequence based on polymer degradation rates.

The therapeutic regimen includes neuregulin-1 released during days 1–3 to prevent cardiomyocyte apoptosis, VEGF released during days 7–9 to stimulate angiogenesis, and GW788388 released during days 12–14 to inhibit fibrosis and scar formation. Testing involved in vitro heart tissue spheres composed of cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts under hypoxic conditions, as well as in vivo rat models of MI in which the patch was surgically implanted.

In vitro, the patch enhanced blood vessel growth, increased cell survival under low oxygen, and reduced fibrosis, while in vivo it produced a 33% increase in survival rates, a 50% reduction in damaged tissue area, and a significant improvement in cardiac output; the patch also degraded safely over approximately one year, leaving only a thin residual layer that did not impair mechanical function.

These results demonstrate that timed, localized drug delivery can synchronize therapy with natural phases of tissue regeneration, minimizing off-target effects and maximizing efficacy in ways systemic administration cannot, while the hydrogel’s biocompatibility and gradual dissolution contribute to safety. For clinical translation, further validation in larger animal models, optimization of drug combinations for human physiology, and exploration of minimally invasive delivery methods such as stent integration will be required. Although neuregulin-1 and VEGF have existing human trial data, GW788388 remains preclinical, reflecting both the promise of this strategy and the regulatory challenges ahead.

Overall, MIT’s programmable drug-delivery patch represents a significant milestone in regenerative cardiology, offering a way to orchestrate drug release in harmony with the body’s healing timeline and presenting the potential to reduce long-term disability, improve survival, and redefine standards of post-MI care by enabling targeted apoptosis prevention, angiogenesis, and fibrosis reduction with a device that dissolves naturally within a year and may ultimately be adapted for minimally invasive applications.

References: Click Here

Shweta Prakashkumar is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at IISc. She can be reached at shwetapraka1@iisc.ac.in

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Lifestyle Medicine: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once

Contributed by: Shayna Chandrakant Parekh

As India grapples with its rising burden of chronic disease and cardiometabolic risk factors, can we quickly learn and leap frog into our own Lifestyle Medicine moment?

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) held its 21st annual conference this month, and the message delivered to nearly 5000 enthusiastic attendees was clear: Lifestyle Medicine’s moment has arrived, and everyone has a role to play.

At its core, lifestyle medicine is simple. It is an evidence-based medical specialty dedicated to root-cause prevention, treatment, and remission of chronic disease. Lifestyle medicine emphasizes (1) whole-food, plant-predominant nutrition, (2) physical activity, (3) restorative sleep, (4) avoidance of risky substances, (5) stress management, and (6) positive social connections. ACLM has masterfully ushered these 6 ancient principles of health into the modern era.

ACLM’s Brilliant Strategy

The brilliance of ACLM lies in its inclusivity. Founded in 2004, ACLM describes itself as “the only interprofessional medical association dedicated to advancing lifestyle medicine as the foundation of a redefined system of care.” This visionary medical association made the bold decision to embrace the wide swathe of allied health professionals who play a role in nurturing good health. ACLM’s more than 100 membership categories (Figure 1) include dentist, epidemiologist, kinesiologist, midwife, occupational therapist, psychologist, registered dietician, researcher, yoga therapist, and many more – alongside, of course, physician (MD/DO). One particular membership category with an outsized impact on health policy deserves special attention: Healthcare executive. Such an all-inclusive vision has enabled ACLM to grow into a clinical, educational, and policy powerhouse, steadily integrating lifestyle medicine into every aspect of the medical establishment in the United States.

Lifestyle Medicine as Mainstream

The ultra-orthodox guardians of the American medical establishment are now leaning into lifestyle medicine and ACLM’s meteoric rise and reach. In 2024, ACLM was inducted into the prestigious American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates. Indeed, one of the most notable moments of ACLM 2025 was the composition of a panel entitled “The Ubiquitousness of Lifestyle Medicine: A Presidents Panel with AMA, APA, OMA, ACOG, ACSM.” This medical alphabet soup was conveying the following: ACLM President Dr Padmaja Patel was joined on stage by AMA President Dr Bobby Mukkamala, and by current and past presidents of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Psychiatric Association, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the Obesity Medicine Association. Take a moment to let this sink in! Conservative, long-standing medical associations in the US — representing hundreds of thousands of physicians, medical students, and medical professionals — have now embraced lifestyle medicine as mainstream.

ACLM Impact

While the work is far from over, what can be learned from this everything, everywhere, all at once approach? What are its real-world impacts?

• According to ACLM, lifestyle medicine may now be the fastest-growing medical specialty in the United States. ACLM now has more than 15,000 members across 95 countries, nearly 45% of whom are physicians (Figure 2).

• ACLM has provided over 2.1 million hours of lifestyle medicine training and education, developing valuable diagnostic tools and resources along the way.

• The ACLM Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum has now been adopted by over 450 programs across the United States, integrating critical lifestyle medicine and food as medicine curriculum into graduate medical education.

• ACLM’s Health Systems Council now brings together over 120 leading health systems in the US to accelerate the integration of lifestyle medicine, impacting tens of millions of people in all 50 states.

• ACLM’s Culinary Medicine Program and Curriculum, developed by Harvard-trained, ACLM President-Elect Dr Michelle Hauser, MD, has now trained thousands of doctors and allied health professionals.

• Integration of new standardized lifestyle assessment tools into electronic health record systems, like Epic, to track behaviors like nutrition, physical activity, and sleep, and trigger tailored interventions, education, and support

• ACLM recently strategically partnered with the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), which serves 32.5 million patients annually (about 1 in 10 Americans), to expand access to lifestyle medicine education, training, and implementation for CHC clinicians

Leapfrogging into Lifestyle Medicine

It is certainly overly simplistic and reductionist to compare India with the United States, particularly with regard to population health trajectories, outcomes, and possible interventions. Still, is there something to be learned from ACLM’s brilliant, all-inclusive vision? Is lifestyle medicine relevant for India? Would it be effective? If so, how can India learn and leapfrog into an everything, everywhere, all at once lifestyle medicine moment, so that it penetrates impactfully into areas such as clinical practice, public health, education, training, infrastructure, and policy? Perhaps a first step might be the creation of a Centre for the Advancement of Lifestyle Medicine (CALM) in India, which could effectively bring together all of India’s ultra-orthodox health care stakeholders in an evidence-based, solution-forward approach.

References: Click Here

Shayna Chandrakant Parekh is a Specialist Scientist in the Jhunjhunwala Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science. She is a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and co-author of Lifestyle As Medicine: The Science of Healthy Living (2024, Juris Press).

She can be reached at shaynaparekh@iisc.ac.in

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Meet the Faculty

In this edition, we spotlight Prof. Siddharth Jhunjhunwala, whose research focuses on creating innovative biomaterials and immune-engineering tools to better understand and ultimately modulate immune responses. His long-standing interest in immune–biomaterial interactions, combined with a collaborative project with Prof. Deepak Saini, opened new avenues for his lab to explore aging biology. Today, his group is actively involved in the BHARAT Study under the Longevity India Initiative, contributing immunology-driven insights into how aging manifests across diverse Indian populations.

Prof. Siddharth earned his B.Tech in Biotechnology from Anna University and completed his Ph.D. in Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh. He subsequently conducted postdoctoral research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as a Mazumdar-Shaw International Oncology Fellow, where he deepened his work in immuno-engineering. He now serves as an Associate Professor at the Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science.

We are delighted to feature him and his impactful contributions to immunoengineering and aging research in this edition.

LI: What led you into your career in aging research?

Prof. Siddharth: A research collaboration with Prof. Deepak Saini resulted in my laboratory becoming more interested in aging research. My laboratory’s primary interest is delineating the interactions that immune cells have with implanted biomaterials. We started working with Prof. Saini’s group about 6 years ago to understand the effect senescent immune cells would have on biomaterials, and this resulted in our interest in aging and longevity research.

LI: What are you currently working on, and what are your thoughts for the Longevity India initiative?

Prof. Siddharth: As part of the longevity initiative, we are phenotyping circulating immune cells in our cohort to understand the effect that age would have on the body’s immune repertoire.

LI: List your personal health hacks.

Prof. Siddharth: Eat healthy and sleep normal hours. A healthy lifestyle is the best hack for longevity.

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Longevity India Surveys

Aging is something we all experience — in our families, our parents, and ourselves. We often talk about it, but we rarely record it. At Longevity India, we’re trying to change that. Through a few simple questions, we’re trying to capture what aging looks like in Indian homes: our diets, health habits, and everyday lives.

Take the surveys here 👉 Longevity India Surveys

If you can, please take a few minutes to fill out these surveys and share them with your friends and family. Every response adds a small but valuable piece to India’s aging story.

Art of Aging Well- Resilience, Hormesis, & Longevity | Biopeak Live - Longevity India Podcast

Just dropped the latest episode of our podcast! 🎙️

In this episode, Prof. Deepak Saini welcomes Dr.Suresh Rattan, Professor Emeritus, Aarhus University, to share his lifelong journey studying the science of aging and how simple daily choices can shape how well we age.

Dr. Rattan blends biology, philosophy, and culture to examine aging not just as a biological process, but as a meaningful aspect of being human.

Watch the full episode and leave your thoughts in the comments!

Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Longevity India Initiative.

Follow us on Social Media - Click Here

For more information or contributions that would benefit you and the Longevity India initiative, please write to longevity@iisc.ac.in

From the community:

Pioneering Digital Health: How Namita is Transforming Heart Care through Smartphones

The vision driving Ms. Namita Batni, an EIR candidate, is to develop digital biomarkers for cardiovascular health using photoplethysmography (PPG) signals captured through a mobile phone camera—making it as easy as taking a selfie. Her research focuses on harnessing accessible, non-invasive technologies to monitor cardiovascular function and detect early signs of disease. She is particularly interested in exploring peri- and postmenopausal cardiovascular health, aiming to identify digital indicators that can aid in screening, prevention, and promoting longevity among women. Namita’s vision blends advanced digital technology with human-centered healthcare—using innovation not just to collect data, but to save lives.

LI: Could you tell us a little about your current work and what inspired you to pursue it?

Ms. Namita: I’m currently building a smartphone-based solution designed for cardiovascular screening, with the long-term goal to build a foundational physiological model of the cardiovascular system. Our first step is an app that uses any mobile phone camera to capture a short video of the fingertip. From this, we can analyze signals related to heart health, turning an ordinary phone into a small, accessible screening tool.

What inspired me is a lifelong drive to approach problems differently. From classroom projects to my engineering thesis, I’ve always been drawn to unconventional, bold ideas. I wanted to work on cutting-edge technology, operating in the intersection of AI, Healthcare, and data, where the potential for meaningful global impact is enormous.

During collaborations with well-funded companies abroad, working on PPG technologies for the western population, and seen the impact they were making. I wondered why no one was doing back home for the Indian population? So I decided to bring the same technology for the Indian demographic, where the burden of cardiovascular disease is high, but accessible solutions are rare.

LI: Women’s health often comes with unique challenges across different life stages. In your view, what’s one aspect of women’s health that deserves more attention when we talk about longevity?

Ms. Namita: Peri Menopause and Menopause are pivotal points in a woman’s life, and play a crucial role in promoting healthy aging. While Menarche and Pregnancy are often celebrated across cultures and worldwide, peri menopause and menopause are often looked at as a loss and treated as an afterthought. This perspective needs to change, and this narrative needs to be redefined

Menopause is a transitional time in a woman’s life. Unlike men’s cardiovascular health, where the risk increases gradually around their fifties, a woman’s cardiovascular risk faces a sharp increase after menopause. We need to reframe this phase not as an ending, but as a beginning of a new chapter that deserves robust healthcare, awareness, and meaningful support.

LI: How do you see technology helping women take charge of their own health—especially during transitions like menopause or postmenopause?

Ms. Namita: Advancements in software and hardware technologies are rapidly progressing and can be major enablers for health assessment.

Numerous applications now support women’s health by tracking menstrual cycles, facilitating access to gynecologists, and providing reliable, evidence-based information. On the hardware side, we see technologies like wearables that are capable of tracking heart rate, blood pressure, heart variability, and mainly body temperature. In particular, Body temperature tracking can help identify hot flashes, a hallmark of menopause.

In addition, we see innovations in clothing technology that support women to manage with urinary incontinence, yeast infections, and bacterial infections, which occur more commonly during menopause. This amalgamation of technologies is helping women navigate their health with agency and confidence, rather than uncertainty.

LI: Why did you choose to focus on peri- and postmenopausal cardiovascular health?

Ms. Namita: It was a very serendipitous incident. I was in a coffee shop discussing women’s health when a woman approached me and said, “Hey, why don’t you do something for peri-menopausal women? We’re overlooked, and a lot of times dismissed.” That made me reflect and research more about Peri Menopause, Menopause, and Post Menopause. Did you know there are a myriad of health changes accompanied by autonomic dysfunction that occur during this long, arduous time in every woman’s life?

I chose to focus on peri- and postmenopausal women because their cardiovascular risk increases significantly during this stage of life, yet women in this age group are often overlooked due to long-standing biases in healthcare. My goal is to bridge the gap by giving them simple, early-access tools for better heart health. Cardiovascular disease causes 50% of mortality in women. We wanted to make screening accessible and available. Because after all, we can only treat what we can test.

LI: How do digital biomarkers help in promoting longevity? And what excites you the most about using mobile-based tools for health screening?

Ms. Namita: I believe we are at the inflection point of the digital biomarker wave. Digital Biomarkers are set to become a crucial part of continuous non-invasive monitoring for health and longevity. It will enable longitudinal tracking of symptoms and conditions in a non-clinical setting.

The accessibility, simplicity, and ubiquity of smartphones, along with the rapid progression of sensors and processing, make it more exciting for health screening.

LI: What are some of the biggest challenges you face in this work?

Ms. Namita: The research on PPG has been limited in the past due to hardware constraints. Currently, smartphones have higher resolution cameras that can capture high-resolution images and

videos for analysis. AI/ML capabilities are also evolving and exploding in the digital health landscape.

Unlike other countries that have bio banks, India lacks a repository of physiological data. We are currently in the process of building that as well. We also anticipate some regulatory challenges, but since we are in screening rather than diagnosing. I’m optimistic about addressing them. I only believe these challenges are opportunities for us to build something powerful and impactful.

LI: Who has been your biggest influence or mentor in your journey so far?

Ms. Namita: My parents have been my greatest influence throughout my life. They’ve always been passionate about their work and have instilled discipline and hard work in me. I lost my mother when I was 19 years old. She was in her fifties and had been menopausal for many years before that. Being a doctor, she openly discussed everything with me, but I never heard her complain or indicate any of her menopausal symptoms with me. And I, being young, didn’t think of asking her either. This made me realise that women often overlook their health and don’t discuss their struggles. In many ways, this start-up is a tribute to her strength and resilience.

My father has always said, Love what you do and you will never work a day in your life. While I am not there yet, I strive to be as engaged and committed to technology as he is.

LI: On a more personal note, how do you prioritize your own health and well-being while balancing the demands of research and work?

Ms. Namita: As a former college- and state-level athlete, I make it a point to include some movement in my daily routine —usually a run. Each morning, I look forward to that burst of energy a good sprint gives me. When running feels repetitive, I switch it up with swimming. Of course, there are days when getting a run in is tough, but I remind myself that if I’m working on cardiovascular health, I should stay in shape too! Running is simple, accessible, and needs no equipment or travel—that’s what makes it easy to fit into my daily schedule.

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Reproductive Equity and Aging: Why Male Contraceptives Matter in Women’s Health

Contributed By: Shreya Vasishta

We often speak of equality in healthcare, but when it comes to contraception, the scales are far from balanced. For decades, the burden of preventing pregnancy has rested almost entirely on women, shaping not only their health but also their autonomy and life choices. The time has come to shift the focus — to ask why, in 2025, the world still lacks reliable, reversible contraceptive options for men that are still largely unavailable.

Unintended pregnancies can deeply affect a woman’s health, autonomy, and life trajectory. Yet, an ecological analysis published in BMJ Global Health (2025) revealed that nearly half of all pregnancies worldwide are unintended. Despite this staggering figure, discussions and policies around reproductive health continue to focus almost exclusively on women, while the development of male contraceptives remains largely neglected. This article aims to highlight that advancing male contraceptive technologies is equally crucial for improving global women’s health and longevity.

Pregnancy is an immensely demanding physiological process during which every organ system undergoes major changes. The relationship between pregnancy and biological aging is complex; several cellular studies have indicated an acceleration of biological aging from early pregnancy through childbirth. This increased aging rate may heighten susceptibility to conditions such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and other age-related disorders. Interestingly, some evidence suggests that biological rejuvenation may occur post-pregnancy in certain women, though the mechanisms behind this reversal remain poorly understood.

Although significant progress has been made in developing both hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptive options for women, men currently have access to only two methods: condoms and vasectomy. This disparity perpetuates an unequal burden of reproductive responsibility. To achieve true gender equity in reproductive health, male contraceptive research must be integrated into broader health frameworks and receive adequate funding. Expanding the range of male contraceptive options adapted to different needs, lifestyles, and life stages is essential so that every man has at least one viable choice. Sharing reproductive responsibility equitably is a critical step toward global reproductive justice and women’s health, and it demands urgent attention in male contraceptive innovation.

References: Click Here

Shreya Vasishta is a student pursuing an M.Tech in Bioengineering at IISc. She can be reached at shreyav@iisc.ac.in

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Advances in biomonitoring technologies for women’s health

Contributed By: Suvani Rohatgi

The convergence of digital health, biomonitoring, and artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape of women’s healthcare. These innovations enable continuous, individualized monitoring but also have the potential to bridge long-standing diagnostic and treatment gaps. However, ensuring scientific rigor, inclusivity, and equitable access remains a key challenge as the field rapidly evolves.

Rapid advancements in biomonitoring technologies are ushering in a new era for women’s health. These advancements, which range from wearable sensors and smart textiles to AI-powered diagnostics, are offering real-time, personalized insights into diseases like menopause and breast and ovarian cancers, reorienting healthcare from reactive treatment to proactive prevention and ongoing well-being monitoring.

1. Wearable and Continuous Biomonitoring Platforms: New wearable sensors, smart clothing, and body patches allow for ongoing monitoring of women’s physiological and biochemical markers in women, supporting early detection and personalized care.

Application:

• Breast cancer: “Smart bras” and antenna-pair sensors identify temperature or impedance variations between cancerous tissue and healthy tissue.

• Gynecologic and ovarian cancers: Hormone and interstitial biomarkers tracked by sweat-based sensors or vaginal rings provide information about the reproductive system.

• Menopause: Devices measure sweat rate, skin temperature, basal body temperature, and gait patterns to assess menopausal changes and osteoporosis risk.

Importance:

• Replace sporadic clinic-based tests (such as bone scans, bloodwork, and mammograms) with ongoing, individualized, remote monitoring.

• Subtle physiological changes to enable earlier and more accurate detection.

Limitations:

• Most of the systems are still prototypes and require clinical validation.

• The system identifies general physiological changes, not specific cancer biomarkers.

• Ovarian cancer detection remains difficult due to the absence of early-stage biomarkers.

2. Microfluidic and Point-of-Care (POC) Diagnostic Tools: Rapid on-site testing is made possible by non-invasive/minimally invasive platforms like microfluidic chips and lateral flow assays.

Application:

• Breast and ovarian cancers: Using size/charge-based microfluidics to enrich circulating tumor cells (CTCs) or extracellular vesicles (EVs).

• Prevention: Community-based screening for metabolic, hormonal, or genetic risk factors.

Advantages:

• Quick and inexpensive results; early detection outside of hospitals.

• The ability to enhance cancer screening in areas with limited resources.

Limitations:

• Sensitivity and specificity remain below gold standards (biopsy, mammography).

• There are no trustworthy biomarkers for ovarian cancer.

• Implementation obstacles include cost, instruction, and regulatory laws.

3. Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning: AI and machine learning tools evaluate data from wearables and point-of-care (POC) devices to identify early signs of diseases and customize diagnostic approaches.

Applications:

• Breast cancer: AI-enhanced mammograms and sensor data—with several solutions already approved for clinical use.

• Ovarian cancers: Combining various biomarkers (hormones, metabolites, extracellular vesicles) for earlier detection.

• Menopause: Forecasts risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues based on hormone profiles and gait analysis.

Advantages:

• Delivers personalized insights; addresses the historical lack of representation in women’s health data.

Challenges:

• Data sets may contain biases related to gender and ethnicity.

• Issues with privacy, regulation, and integrating into clinical practice.

4. Hormone & Metabolite Detection Platforms: Microfluidic adhesive patches and skin/interstitial sensors assess levels of estradiol, cortisol, and metabolic indicators.

Applications:

• Menopause management: Monitors hormonal decline, frequency of hot flashes, and metrics related to bone density and gait for preventive healthcare.

• Cancer risk assessment: Tracks estrogen exposure, a recognized risk factor for breast and ovarian cancer, to inform early screening and prevention programs.

Clinical significance:

• Facilitates early interventions such as lifestyle changes or hormone therapy tailored to individual profiles.

Limitations:

• Hormonal variations complicate the interpretation of the results analysis.

• Requires correlation with genetic and imaging data for precise outcomes.

Gaps & Future Opportunities:

Despite the quick progress, there are still a number of difficulties. Biases in algorithms and devices, which are mostly caused by the underrepresentation of diverse women in research, limit how inclusive these innovations can be. In addition, many technologies are still in the prototype or early validation stage cost accessibility and regulatory compliance are obstacles to widespread adoption. Focusing on user education and awareness-building as well as effectively integrating these innovations with current healthcare systems will be crucial for their widespread adoption. Through better biomonitoring, early detection, and preventive measures, the combination of wearables, microfluidics, and artificial intelligence is revolutionizing women's health. Future success for these technologies will rely on thorough validation, fair access, and making sure that every woman gains from this data-driven healthcare revolution.

References: Click Here

Suvani Rohatgi is an MTech student at IISc. She can be reached at suvanirohatgi@gmail.com

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Meet the Postdoc

Dr. Navyashree K.V. completed her M.Sc. in Life Sciences from the Central University of Tamil Nadu, followed by a Ph.D. from the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Trivandrum. She is currently a Postdoctoral Fellow in Prof. Ramray Bhat’s lab at the Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, IISc, where she is investigating the mechanisms underlying cancer cachexia.

LI: What led you into your career in aging/your research interest?

Dr. Navyashree: My research journey into aging research began during my PhD, where I studied mTOR signalling, a pathway known to integrate nutrient sensing, metabolism, and cellular growth. Through this work, I became fascinated by how such signalling networks determine cellular fate and longevity.

During my postdoctoral research, I shifted my focus toward cancer cachexia, a condition characterized by severe muscle wasting and metabolic decline. What intrigued me was how cachexia mirrors many aspects of aging — from altered nutrient sensing to impaired tissue maintenance. Studying cachexia has allowed me to explore aging-related mechanisms in an accelerated, disease-driven context.

Together, these experiences have deepened my interest in understanding how metabolic signalling and tissue communication shape systemic resilience. Ultimately, my goal is to uncover how pathways like mTOR can be modulated to preserve muscle function and metabolic health — principles that lie at the heart of both healthy aging and disease recovery.

LI: What are you currently working on?

Dr. Navyashree: I am currently studying how tumor-derived signals disrupt muscle integrity and metabolism in cancer cachexia, leading to progressive muscle loss. My work focuses on how extracellular matrix and signaling pathways are dysregulated during this process, with the goal of identifying strategies to preserve muscle health and metabolic balance — insights that could also inform healthy aging.

LI: What are your thoughts for the Longevity India initiative?

Dr. Navyashree: I believe the Longevity India initiative is a visionary step toward advancing aging research in India. It has the potential to generate insights that are both globally relevant and locally applicable, which is rare. For a researcher like myself working on mechanisms of tissue decline in cancer cachexia and aging, this initiative offers a promising ecosystem to translate mechanistic discoveries into interventions that can improve health span. Its multidisciplinary framework integrating biology, technology, and societal impact is particularly exciting.

LI: List your personal health hacks.

Dr. Navyashree: I started prioritizing my health recently, around the time I turned 30 — it felt like a wake-up call. My personal health hacks are simple yet effective, such as controlling sugar intake and practicing meditation to support mental well-being. Importantly, eating a balanced, healthy diet, staying active, and maintaining social connections also help support both body and mind.

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Webinar: Brain Aging & Longevity🧠

How does the brain shape how long and how well we live?
Join the Longevity India Webinar Series as we dive into Brain Aging & Longevity with leading neuroscientists and innovators!

Panelists:

• Dr. Ravi Muddashetty, Associate Professor, Centre for Brain Research (CBR) IISc

• Dr. Suvarna Alladi, Professor of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), India

• Mr. Issac John, Co-founder, Ivory

The session will be moderated by Prof. Shovamayee Maharana, Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

📅 4th November 2025 | 🕓 4:00 PM IST

Register now and drop your questions for our panelists: Register Here

Longevity India Surveys

Aging is something we all experience — in our families, our parents, and ourselves. We often talk about it, but we rarely record it. At Longevity India, we’re trying to change that. Through a few simple questions, we’re trying to capture what aging looks like in Indian homes: our diets, health habits, and everyday lives.

Take the surveys here 👉 Longevity India Surveys

If you can, please take a few minutes to fill out these surveys and share them with your friends and family. Every response adds a small but valuable piece to India’s aging story.

Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Longevity India Initiative.

Follow us on Social Media - Click Here

For more information or contributions that would benefit you and the Longevity India initiative, please write to longevity@iisc.ac.in

From the community:

Meet the Founders- Driving Innovation in Neurodegeneration Research

Dr. Ashwini Rajasekaran, Ph.D., and Dr. Jeru M. Manuel, Ph.D., are the visionary minds behind this groundbreaking venture focused on early detection of neurodegenerative disorders. With a combined expertise spanning human genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, biomarker discovery, and multi-omics data analysis, they are reshaping how conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are identified and studied.

Through their company, they are developing an innovative multi-omics biomarker panel and diagnostic assay that integrates machine learning, RNA sequencing, and Nanopore-based technologies. Their mission is to provide accurate, accessible, and early diagnoses of neurodegeneration, helping tackle one of the most critical healthcare challenges in the pursuit of healthy aging.

LI: Can you tell your startup idea and the motivation behind it?

Dr. Ashwini and Dr. Jeru: Our startup, Biosignatures Tech, is at the confluence of deep Science and Deep Tech. We envision building a non-invasive, multi-omics biomarker panel for the early detection of neurodegenerative disorders. By integrating genomic and transcriptomic data, we aim to identify the molecular signals that appear long before clinical symptoms, using the computational ability of machine learning algorithms.

Our motivation is deeply personal, scientific, and real-world application-driven. We have witnessed how delayed diagnoses can limit treatment options and diminish quality of life. With our expertise in different aspects of neuroscience and molecular biomarkers, we are keen to create a solution that bridges cutting-edge genomics with real-world clinical impact, helping clinicians intervene earlier and giving patients a better chance at preserving cognitive health, which is most critical for a better Health span.

LI: What inspired you to focus on developing a biomarker panel for early detection of neurodegenerative disorders?

Dr. Ashwini: This journey began with a personal moment. Years ago, I watched a close family member struggle with memory loss that was brushed off as “normal aging.” By the time a diagnosis came, the options were limited, and the sense of helplessness was overwhelming. That experience never left me.

As a translational scientist, I’ve always been driven by the idea that data can reveal the story before symptoms do. My work in multi-omics profiling revealed how early biological signals, often invisible to the naked eye, can be captured and interpreted. Neurodegenerative disorders don’t begin with symptoms; they begin with molecular whispers, and my mission was to listen to those whispers.

Developing a biomarker panel for early detection is my way of bridging science and compassion. It means equipping clinicians with tools to act sooner, offering earlier clarity and ultimately, giving patients a better chance at preserving what matters most - their independence and quality of life.

Dr. Jeru: From the age of 10, I personally witnessed near and dear ones suffering from disorders. One of my early experiences was with a close cousin who stayed with my family due to her father suffering from a debilitating neurological disorder and her mother being abroad to afford the treatment. That was my first moment when the concept of ‘Genetics’ really got to me. Ever since then, I have channeled myself to understand the molecular causes of neurological conditions, and now I wish to contribute to developing something for the biggest nemesis, early detection!

LI: What have been the biggest scientific or technical challenges in building a multi-omics diagnostic assay?

Dr. Ashwini and Dr. Jeru: We are in an early ideation stage. At this moment, harmonizing data across omics layers - genomic and transcriptomic, each has distinct noise profiles, dynamic

ranges, and biological contexts. Integrating them meaningfully requires robust normalization, feature selection, and statistical modeling that preserves the signal without overfitting.

Another major hurdle would be the biological validation. Ensuring that ML-based candidate biomarkers are not only statistically significant but also biologically relevant and reproducible. The lack of population-specific data makes it harder to build models that generalize well or reflect local disease biology.

Building a pipeline that balances discovery with translational rigor, while remaining scalable and non-invasive, will require iterative optimization and close collaboration across diverse disciplines, including bioinformatics and clinical research, to regulatory science.

One of the biggest compounding challenges we foresee is uniting these teams of different domains required to make this ideation a reality.

LI: What strategies have you used to navigate the intersection of science, technology, and business?

Dr. Ashwini and Dr. Jeru: Navigating the intersection of science, technology, and business has meant constantly shifting lenses: zooming in for scientific rigor and zooming out for strategic clarity. One key strategy has been to build iteratively: beginning with a strong scientific foundation, then layering in technical feasibility and market relevance as we go. We do not just ask “can we detect a potential panel of biomarkers?” but also “will it matter to clinicians, and can it scale in real-world settings?”

Another strategy is collaborative thinking. We have leaned on advisors and peers across disciplines, bioinformatics, clinical research, and business development to brainstorm ideas. This helps in both innovation and practicality.

Above all, we keep our mission front and center: improving early detection of neurodegenerative disorders in a way that’s accessible, non-invasive, and tailored to the Indian population. That clarity helps in decision-making when trade-offs inevitably arise between scientific depth, technical complexity, and business constraints.

LI: What message would you like to share with young scientists, innovators, or entrepreneurs who want to tackle big health challenges?

Dr. Ashwini and Dr. Jeru: We are at an exciting time in the Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem, one we wish such possibilities had existed earlier. Start where you are, and don’t wait for perfect conditions. Tackling big health challenges doesn’t require a specific title or academic background. Scientific entrepreneurship belongs to anyone driven by curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to solving real problems.

If you’re driven by curiosity, compassion, and a desire to solve real problems, you belong in this space. You won’t have all the answers at the start, and that’s okay. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you, and keep your mission front and center.

And most importantly, build for impact, not just recognition. The work you do could shape someone’s diagnosis, treatment, or future. We still know very less about Biology, and AI/ML’s biggest application could be in the space of biomedicine and healthcare over the next two decades. That’s a responsibility and a privilege worth pursuing research in healthcare, especially in Longevity, which offers the luxury to study, research, build, and grow over a long period of time.

LI: Looking ahead, what’s your vision for the impact your diagnostic panel could have on healthcare systems and patients?

Dr. Ashwini and Dr. Jeru: Our vision is to shift the paradigm of neurodegenerative care by moving away from late-stage management to early, proactive intervention. Through the detection of molecular signals before higher-stage symptoms emerge, our diagnostic panel could help clinicians identify at-risk individuals sooner, tailor treatment strategies, and track disease progression more effectively.

For patients, this translates into preserved cognitive function, independence, and a quality of life. For healthcare systems, it means reducing the burden of late-stage care.

This vision strongly aligns with Longevity India’s mission to extend health span and promote healthy aging through innovative science and translational research. Like Longevity India, we believe that aging-related challenges must be addressed within the Indian context, with tools that reflect our population’s unique genetic, environmental, and cultural diversity. Our work supports this goal by developing diagnostics and screening tools that are rigorous, accessible, inclusive, and designed scientifically to create meaningful impact.

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Next-Gen Wearable Solutions for Tremor Suppression and Monitoring

Contributed By: Shreya Vasishta

The fight against neurodegeneration is rapidly evolving, with technology no longer just an aid, but it has become a lifeline, reshaping how patients live. When neurodegenerative disorders were being extensively studied in the 19th century, treatment options were virtually nonexistent. Gradual progress came through small-molecule drugs, but a true milestone arrived in 1987 when French neurosurgeon Alim-Louis Benabid introduced Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). By applying high-frequency electrical stimulation to the subthalamic nucleus, DBS could dramatically reduce tremor, rigidity, and dyskinesia in people with motor neurodegeneration. It remains one of the most impactful breakthroughs in neurodegenerative disease treatment. Yet despite its impact, DBS remains highly invasive, carries surgical risks, and often lies beyond the reach of many due to its cost.

The 21st century has opened up breakthroughs with rapid advances in miniaturization and wearable technology to make previously clinic-only and invasive therapies accessible in everyday life. Researchers and Engineers are redesigning therapeutic devices into forms as simple as a wristband, glove, or strap. One of the biggest steps forward came in 2018, when the Cala One wristband became the first FDA-cleared wearable for Parkinson’s tremor. This device works by delivering gentle electrical pulses to the radial and median nerves, helping to quiet tremor without surgery. This process was known as high-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Later, many new wearables were designed that employed this new category of technology.

Alongside electronic stimulation, mechanical approaches to control tremors were also being explored. Early concepts, dating back to the 1980s, often relied on rigid arm braces that physically restrict unwanted movements. Although these early orthoses were cumbersome and impractical for daily life, they laid the foundation for more refined designs. Today’s devices take inspiration from mechanical engineering principles such as vibration damping and tuned mass compensation, applying them in lightweight, wearable designs. The Tremelo sleeve from Five Microns incorporates springs and weights to dissipate tremor energy, the Steadi-Two from Steadiwear employs magnetic repulsion to counteract involuntary movement, and the Readi-Steadi® glove provides customizable weighted modules tailored to individual patient needs. Although these orthoses are FDA-registered or exempt, robust clinical validation is necessary to establish their role in standard care.

Beyond strategies for tremor suppression, new devices focusing on tremor monitoring and management have been developed in the past decade. For instance, JTremor3D, developed by a young innovator Jui Keskar, is a glove-like wearable that captures tremor data at one-tenth of a second intervals, creating a real-time “tremor index” that tracks intensity, duration, and frequency. By syncing with the cloud, it provides neurologists with on-demand insight to optimize medications or adjust DBS settings with precision.

Although many of these technologies are still early in their journey, they are headed towards a revolution in the patient journey, offering individuals the promise of greater stability and independence.

References: Click Here

Shreya Vasishta is a student pursuing an M.Tech in Bioengineering at IISc. She can be reached at shreyav@iisc.ac.in

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Biomarker Changes during 20 Years Preceding Alzheimer’s Disease

Contributed By: Shweta Prakashkumar

Neuropathological abnormalities and changes in biomarker levels can begin 15 to 20 years before clinical manifestations of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Determination of the sequence of these changes in sporadic Alzheimer’s disease is challenging because a person’s clinical course, beginning with normal cognition and progressing to Alzheimer’s disease, cannot be predicted. Longitudinal studies, such as the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, have advanced our understanding of preclinical sporadic Alzheimer’s disease by exploring these biomarker changes. However, a limitation of these studies has been the underrepresentation of Asian populations, which potentially has limited the generalizability of the results.

Study Design: The COAST Cohort

The China Cognition and Aging Study (COAST) enrolled 52,388 participants aged 45–65 years without cognitive impairment in the year 2000. After exclusions, 1,789 participants remained under observation with follow-up assessments every 2–3 years until the year 2020. By the last follow-up, 695 had developed Alzheimer’s disease, and 1,094 remained cognitively normal. Clinical, cognitive, CSF, and neuroimaging data were collected. Ultimately, 648 individuals who developed AD were matched in a 1:1 ratio with 648 cognitively normal controls for analysis.

Biomarker Assessments

Changes in CSF biomarkers such as levels of amyloid-beta (Aβ), total tau, phosphorylated tau 181 (p-tau181), and neurofilament light chain (NfL) have been indicators in preclinical Alzheimer’s disease that become abnormal sequentially rather than simultaneously. Scientists used the COAST cohort to map how CSF biomarkers change over time in people who developed Alzheimer’s disease compared with those who did not. At each follow-up, CSF and blood samples were obtained under morning fasting conditions for APOE genotype and routine biochemical tests. Participants were monitored for signs of discomfort for at least 12 hours after undergoing a lumbar puncture. Samples were aliquoted and preserved at −80°C until tested for INNOTEST β-Amyloid 1–40, INNOTEST β-Amyloid 1–42, INNOTEST hTAU Ag, and INNOTEST PHOSPHO-TAU 181P, all Fujirebio; and NF-Light, Uman diagnostics, with the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.

Structural magnetic resonance imaging of the brain

Brain volumetric imaging was performed using 3.0-T Siemens MRI scanners with a 20-channel phased-array head–neck coil, and structural data were analysed with FreeSurfer v5.3.0 to calculate absolute and intracranial volume–adjusted regional brain volumes. Bilateral hippocampal volumes were summed to assess atrophy, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s progression. Results showed that hippocampal volume decline began diverging from cognitively normal controls about 8 years before diagnosis, with patients later developing Alzheimer’s showing significantly smaller hippocampal volumes, highlighting imaging as a critical biomarker in the temporal cascade of disease development.

Imaging and Biomarker Trajectories in Alzheimer’s Disease Progression

Using the R software mvtnorm package, Wald tests identified significant differences in biomarker trajectories between individuals who developed Alzheimer’s disease and cognitively normal controls. By aggregating and scaling biomarker concentrations, the study demonstrated a clear sequential pattern of changes from early inflection points to clinical diagnosis, with missing data addressed through multiple imputation and validated by sensitivity analyses. Standardized trajectories of Aβ42, tau, p-tau181, neurofilament light chain (NfL), hippocampal volume, and CDR-SB scores revealed their temporal evolution, showing divergence years before clinical onset. Although interpretations are qualitative due to the absence of prespecified confidence interval adjustments, the combined model highlighted how biomarkers progressively deviated in Alzheimer’s disease. Further longitudinal modelling with restricted cubic splines showed that rates of biomarker change were closely correlated with cognitive decline, even after adjusting for demographic factors and APOE status, underscoring the complementary role of imaging and fluid markers in mapping disease progression.

Two Decades of Biomarker and Imaging Trajectories in Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease: Evidence from the COAST Study

A 20-year longitudinal study from the COAST cohort in China followed 648 individuals who later developed Alzheimer’s disease and 648 matched controls. At baseline, both groups were comparable in demographics, cognitive scores, biomarkers, and hippocampal volume, though APOE ε4 carriers were more common in the Alzheimer’s group (37.2% vs. 20.4%). The study revealed a sequential pattern of biomarker changes beginning almost two decades before diagnosis. CSF Aβ42 levels declined first (18 years prior), followed by changes in the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio (14 years), phosphorylated tau (11 years), total tau (10 years), neurofilament light chain (9 years), hippocampal atrophy (8 years), and cognitive decline (6 years). Biomarker alterations accelerated early but slowed as cognitive impairment progressed. This large, long-term study underscores that Alzheimer’s pathology begins years before symptoms, highlighting a cascade from amyloid changes to tau pathology, neurodegeneration, structural atrophy, and eventual cognitive decline.

Conclusion:

The COAST study underscores the critical importance of early biomarker monitoring, revealing potential windows for preventive intervention as early as 15–20 years before the onset of clinical symptoms in sporadic Alzheimer’s disease.

References: Click Here

Shweta Prakashkumar is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at IISc. She can be reached at shwetapraka1@iisc.ac.in

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Meet the Scientist

Dr. Thomas Gregor Issac completed his M.B.B.S. at M.O.S.C Medical College (Mahatma Gandhi University), Kerala (2003–2008), and was subsequently selected for the prestigious ICMR MD–PhD Talent Search Programme in Clinical Neurosciences, which he pursued from 2011 to 2016. His doctoral research examined the role of the Renin–Angiotensin–Aldosterone System in cognitive deterioration in patients with cerebral small vessel disease, analyzing genetic, cognitive, and neuroimaging profiles of over 200 patients. He then completed his MD in Psychiatry at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), training as a Junior Resident in the Department of Psychiatry from July 2016 to June 2019. He is currently an Associate Professor at CBR, Bengaluru, focusing on aging and dementia research in India.

LI: What led you into your career in Aging Research?

Dr. Thomas: I grew up in Kerala, where I was always surrounded by grandparents and older family members. From a young age, I became curious about aging and age-related conditions. A defining moment came in 2008 when my mother’s younger brother developed normal pressure hydrocephalus — a rare condition that led to progressive dementia. Initially, he had minor walking problems and incontinence, but over the years, his personality and cognitive abilities gradually declined.

Witnessing this transformation closely over 17 years deeply affected me and strengthened my interest in understanding brain health and dementia. During my MBBS (2003–2008) and later while doing my PhD in Clinical Neurosciences at NIMHANS, I focused extensively on vascular cognitive impairment, late-life depression, and related neurological syndromes. These clinical exposures and personal experiences shaped my dedication to aging and dementia research.

LI: What are you currently working on?

Dr. Thomas: Our lab focuses on clinical research in neurocognition, neuropsychiatric disorders, geriatric syndromes, neuro-interventions, geriatric advocacy, and social policy. We aim to better understand how aging impacts brain health and identify strategies to prevent or delay cognitive decline.

I lead one of India’s largest urban aging cohort studies, focusing on brain health and dementia risk factors. Since 2015, we’ve been following ~1,500 community-dwelling participants longitudinally, collecting clinical, cognitive, imaging, and biomarker data every year.

Our goal is to identify early biomarkers, protective lifestyle factors, and predictors of healthy cognitive aging versus dementia. Alongside, we also study how music, multilingualism, physical activity, and social connectedness enhance brain resilience and protect against cognitive decline in aging populations.

LI: Your goal for the Longevity India Initiative?

Dr. Thomas: Within the Longevity India Initiative, my research focus is on brain health. While other teams study cardiovascular, metabolic, and molecular aging, our lab looks at how modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors — such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, and sleep disturbances — contribute to dementia in the Indian population.

The Indian context is unique because risk factors for dementia, like diabetes and hypertension, tend to appear a decade earlier compared to Western populations. We aim to understand these differences and develop early interventions tailored to our population.

Additionally, we explore cognitive resilience — factors like music training, multilingualism, and social connectedness, which we’ve found to positively influence brain structure and function. Ultimately, our goal is to extend health span by preserving cognitive function in older adults.

LI: List your personal health hacks.

Dr. Thomas: I believe in simple, sustainable habits for healthy aging:

Prioritize Sleep: Strive for 7–8 hours of good quality sleep each night.

Eat mindfully: Prefer whole, unprocessed, plant-based foods rich in fiber; avoid highly processed snacks.

You should always have your meals on time, as never skipping a meal is important for maintaining good health. Even if the quantity or variety of food is limited, eating on time matters more. I prefer whole, unprocessed, plant-based foods rich in fibre while avoiding highly processed snacks.

Stay active: Maintain both physical activity (walking, exercise) and cognitive engagement (reading, writing, and learning).

Stay socially connected: Healthy relationships and conversations are protective for brain health.

Avoid harmful habits: No smoking, minimal alcohol, and active stress management.

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Survey: Fermented Flavors of India – Participate in a Longevity India Study

From curd & dosa batter to kanji & pickles, India’s kitchens are full of fermented traditions! 🥒🥛
Fill this survey to help us map the Fermented Flavors of India.

⏳ The survey takes less than 5 minutes.
📍 Open to everyone across India.
📝 Fill it here: Fermented Flavors of India - A Longevity India Study

Living by the Clock: How Time Shapes Your Health | Biopeak Live - Longevity India Podcast

Just dropped the latest episode of our podcast! 🎙️

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Satchidananda Panda, Professor at the Regulatory Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute, California, to dive into the fascinating science of the circadian rhythm and its powerful impact on our health.

We explore the importance of circadian rhythm for the body’s daily functioning and how it works, along with the health risks that come from disrupting it, something common among shift workers, students, and new mothers. Dr. Panda also explains how hormones, light, and food influence our internal clock, and shares practical tips to reset and restore balance when our rhythm gets off track. He emphasizes why aligning with the circadian rhythm is key for lifestyle changes, better health, and long-term longevity.

When your circadian rhythm is in sync, it boosts overall health, but when disrupted, it can raise the risk of chronic disease and poor health.

Watch the full episode and leave your thoughts in the comments!

Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Longevity India Initiative.

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For more information or contributions that would benefit you and the Longevity India initiative, please write to longevity@iisc.ac.in

From the community: Fitness Routine to Building a Leading Longevity Company

This edition features Rakesh Somani, an entrepreneur, biohacker, and athlete with over two decades of building successful businesses and mastering human performance. From reviving industries to creating ventures like Sumicot, his journey blends leadership with a commitment to health and longevity. His latest venture, Decode Age, unites his experience in entrepreneurship, fitness, and biohacking to promote healthy aging.

In our conversation, we explore his transition into the longevity space and insights for researchers aiming to take their work beyond the lab.

LI: Can you walk us through what sparked your interest in moving into the health and longevity space?

Mr.Rakesh: My health journey began in 2014 with simple gym sessions that soon grew into a passion for performance and endurance. This led me from marathons to triathlons and Ironman races across the UK, Germany, and Kazakhstan between 2017 and 2019, each pushing my physical and mental limits. To optimize performance, I drew inspiration from biohacking pioneers like Ben Greenfield and Dave Asprey, gradually experimenting with and refining various biohacks to develop my own evolving protocol.

Along this journey, I discovered the concept of Longevity—a turning point that shifted my focus from just fitness to extending both healthspan and lifespan. The science of living longer and healthier completely reshaped my perspective.

Back in 2020, Longevity was barely a conversation in India. I saw a clear gap and a powerful opportunity, which sparked my mission to pioneer the dialogue on Longevity and empower others to take charge of their health journeys, just as I had.

LI: How has your own journey with fitness (and biohacking) influenced the way you think about aging?

Mr.Rakesh: My journey with fitness and biohacking completely reshaped how I view aging. Like most, I once saw it as an inevitable decline—a process beyond our control. But through years of structured training, performance optimization, and biohacking, I realized aging is far more dynamic and modifiable than we believe. Fitness taught me discipline and consistency, while biohacking deepened my understanding of cellular and metabolic health. I learned aging isn’t just about getting older but about managing energy, inflammation, recovery, and mental sharpness. This shift turned aging from a passive process into something I could influence, delay, and even reverse in certain aspects.

LI: Decode Age is grounded in longevity science—how did you go about turning those scientific insights into something everyday consumers can actually use?

Mr.Rakesh: Turning longevity science into something practical for everyday people wasn’t easy, but the right collaboration made it possible. My co-founder, Darshit, is not only a brilliant scientist but also someone who bridges deep research with real-world outcomes. While I brought the perspective of a consumer, biohacker, and entrepreneur, Darshit translated complex aspects of cellular aging, biomarkers, and longevity pathways into actionable solutions. From designing the Gut Microbiome Test to formulating supplements, he ensured everything was rooted in solid science yet delivered in a simple, accessible way. Together, we transformed dense research into intuitive test reports, streamlined supplement stacks, and easy-to-follow lifestyle protocols, taking the science out of the lab and putting it directly into people’s hands.

LI: What have been some of the toughest hurdles in turning longevity science into a viable business?

Mr.Rakesh: One of our biggest challenges was shifting awareness and mindset. When we introduced longevity in India, few understood the concept of optimizing healthspan over reacting to illness, so educating without overwhelming became crucial.

Building trust in a rapidly evolving field was another hurdle. We ensured everything, from the Gut Microbiome Test to supplements, was rooted in solid research and communicated clearly.

Logistics added complexity, as diagnostics and personalized reports require precision and compliance. Parth, our third co-founder, brought the structure and scale needed to handle this.

Lastly, with science advancing quickly, we’ve committed to constant learning and iteration while keeping our mission clear: making longevity accessible, credible, and actionable.

LI: For researchers hoping to take their work beyond the lab, what would you say are the key things to keep in mind?

Mr.Rakesh: The biggest challenge in taking research beyond the lab is making it truly impact people’s lives. Discovering something in theory is one thing; turning it into a product or service that helps someone feel better or live longer requires a completely different mindset.

At Decode Age, our strength came from a team with diverse perspectives. Darshit, with his deep scientific expertise, has a rare ability to translate complex ideas into something clear and actionable. Parth, on the other hand, excels at marketing and execution. He takes visionary ideas and ensures they reach people, bringing the structure and scale needed to move beyond pilot mode.

For researchers wanting to go beyond the lab, my advice is: find partners who challenge you, think differently, and can turn passion into something real. The right team can take your science further than you ever could alone.

LI: What shifts do you see happening in how aging is viewed by the Indian population over the next decade?

Mr.Rakesh: Over the next decade, we believe India will shift from viewing aging as inevitable decline to seeing it as something measurable and optimizable. At Decode Age, we’re already noticing this change, with more people asking how to maintain energy, recover faster, and stay mentally sharp as they grow older. The conversation is moving from “What medicine should I take?” to “What can I do today to age better tomorrow?”

As awareness grows and tools like gut microbiome testing become more common, aging will be seen as something you can actively influence. We envision India moving from reactive healthcare to a preventive, proactive approach, driven by a younger population conscious of longevity and older generations embracing new wellness practices.

In the coming years, longevity will become a mainstream aspiration—not just about living longer, but living stronger, sharper, and more fulfilled.

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The AGE Reader

Contributed By: Bhairavi Rajabhau Bakare

The AGE Reader is a powerful, non-invasive tool for detecting early signs of chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, kidney dysfunction, and cardiovascular conditions. Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are harmful compounds formed when sugars react with proteins, fats, or nucleic acids through glycation- a process that occurs naturally but accelerates with high blood sugar, oxidative stress, and aging. By measuring AGEs, the device offers critical insights into metabolic and cardiovascular health. In a world where these diseases often go unnoticed until advanced stages, such tools are vital for proactive monitoring and prevention.

Device Overview

The AGE Reader is a non-invasive device that assesses AGE levels in skin tissue using ultraviolet light to induce autofluorescence. It is designed for health assessments, providing accurate results within 12 seconds. This device is user-friendly, cost-effective, and suitable for both clinical and research environments.

Working Principle

The AGE Reader operates by detecting skin autofluorescence, which occurs when AGEs in skin tissue emit light after exposure to ultraviolet wavelengths. The emitted light is measured and compared with reference values.

AGE accumulation is associated with protein crosslinking in collagen and elastin, leading to tissue damage, reduced skin elasticity, and visible signs of aging. The results are presented as a color-coded graph: green indicates normal AGE levels, while yellow, orange, and red reflect elevated levels and a higher risk profile.

Research confirms that skin autofluorescence measured by the AGE Reader serves as an independent marker for mortality, diabetic complications, and cardiovascular events.

Clinical Validation & Applications

Diabetes: A study demonstrating the clinical utility of the AGE Reader in cardiovascular risk prediction found that, in a cohort of nearly 1,000 well-controlled type 2 diabetes patients, it was the second strongest predictor of cardiovascular and overall mortality—second only to biological age. Notably, when AGE Reader measurements were combined with the UKPDS risk score, it led to risk reclassification in about 27% of patients, supporting more personalized and targeted treatment strategies. (Lutgers et al. (2009) published in Diabetologia)

Cardiovascular Diseases: AGE Reader measurements are associated with the prediction of cardiovascular issues such as heart attacks, limb amputations in peripheral artery disease, and coronary events in STEMI patients.

Renal Health: The device’s readings correlate with arterial elasticity and heart function in dialysis patients and can predict chronic graft loss in kidney transplant recipients.

Anti-Aging and Cosmetic Applications: The AGE Reader is also applied in the skincare and cosmetic industries to monitor skin aging related to AGE buildup, aiding in personalized product recommendations.

Technical Specifications:

The AGE Reader uses a non-invasive skin autofluorescence measurement method and delivers results in around 12 seconds. The output is presented as a color-coded graph that indicates the AGE level.

Advantages

The AGE Reader offers several advantages: it is non-invasive and easy to use, provides rapid results, and enables early identification of diabetes and cardiovascular risks. It reflects glycometabolic memory beyond standard markers, supports large-scale health screening initiatives, and motivates patient participation in ongoing health monitoring.

The AGE Reader is a dependable, non-invasive device for assessing AGE accumulation, an important factor in chronic disease development and skin aging. Its clinical validation, quick operation, and ease of use make it a practical choice for healthcare professionals and wellness practitioners. It enables early risk detection and supports proactive healthcare strategies.

References: Click Here

Bhairavi Rajabhau Bakare is a student pursuing a Master’s degree in Life Sciences at IISc. She can be reached at bhairavib@iisc.ac.in

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Organoids in Aging Studies: Modelling Human Longevity in a Dish

Contributed By: Bhumika Garg

Aging is a multifaceted, progressive biological process that affects nearly every organ system and cellular function in the human body. With the global population steadily aging, there is an urgent need to unravel the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning aging and age-related diseases.

Traditionally, aging has been studied using animal models like C. elegans, Drosophila, mice, and primary cell cultures, which have revealed key pathways such as mTOR, IGF-1, and AMPK. However, differences in lifespan, telomere dynamics, epigenetics, and immune function limit their relevance to human aging. Even primary human cells face constraints like finite lifespan, lack of 3D architecture, and limited tissue availability. These challenges have driven the rise of organoids- three-dimensional, multicellular structures that mimic native organs as a more human-relevant model for aging research.

Organoids: A bridge between specificity and complexity

Organoids provide a unique middle ground: they offer more physiological relevance than 2D cultures while avoiding the complexity and interspecies variability of animal models.

Organoids are generated from stem cells, a subset of normal cells which has ability to self-renew and differentiate, they can be (a) pluripotent stem cells (PSCs): embryonic stem cells (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or (b) adult stem cells (ASCs) and they are known to retain the tissue-specific architecture, cellular heterogeneity, and in some cases, even epigenetic memory of their tissue of origin. ASC-derived organoids maintain epigenetic landscape of the original tissue, whereas iPSC-derived models allow for broader cellular diversity but may lose aging signatures during reprogramming.

Furthermore, organoids recreate essential features of the tissue microenvironment, such as 3D spatial organization, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, and long-term self-renewal capacity, all of which are critical to model tissue-specific aspects of aging.

Organoids offer a controllable platform to model aging by mimicking key aging-related changes through methods like gene editing, chronic stress, and long-term culture. These approaches reveal hallmarks such as stem cell exhaustion, senescence, and impaired regeneration, providing valuable insights into age-related decline and potential interventions like metabolic modulation.

Applications in Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Organoids have now been successfully used to study a wide range of aging hallmarks across multiple tissues:

Brain organoids derived from iPSCs show increased astrocyte senescence, neuroinflammation, and premature neurodegeneration, making them a promising model for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Skin equivalents (SE), composed of fibroblasts and keratinocytes, recapitulate features of skin aging such as ECM degradation, thinning epidermis, and p16 induction. Incorporation of adipose-derived stem cells have shown to delay senescence marker expression.

Neuromuscular organoids mimic the interaction between motor neurons and muscle fibers, offering a platform to study age-related sarcopenia and neuromuscular decline, thus helping us to study progressive loss of muscle mass and strength associated with aging

Intestinal organoids retain age-related DNA methylation patterns, and their epigenetic age often aligns with donor chronological age, thus, organoids are a plausible model to study changes in DNA methylation patterns with aging

Liver, lung, breast, pancreatic, and gut organoids have modeled distinct aging phenotypes and are used to understand disease progression, tissue remodeling, and therapeutic responses.

Organoids as “Preclinical Models”

Given their ability to largely recapitulate the physiological cellular compositions and preserve human regulatory pathways, organoids are now being leveraged as preclinical platforms for anti-aging drug screening and personalized interventions. They can be used to identify biomarkers of aging, such as stem cell exhaustion, cellular senescence, DNA damage and genomic instability, altered intercellular communication, metabolic and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Therapeutic efficacy and toxicity of anti-aging compounds

For instance, treatment of aged intestinal organoids with NAD+ precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) or nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) improved proliferation and reduced senescence through SIRT1 activation. Such findings highlight the potential of organoids in bench-to-bedside applications for age-related diseases.

Limitations and Future Directions

Organoids often fail to fully mimic adult tissue functions due to limited vascularization, innervation, and incomplete microenvironments lacking stromal, immune, and microbial components. Variability from non-standardized protocols, high costs, low throughput, and challenges culturing certain cell types further limit their utility.

To address these limitations, researchers are employing different advanced technologies, such as bioprinting and organ-on-chip platforms, to enhance structural and functional maturation. Assembloids created by fusing organoids from different regions (e.g., brain regions) to model complex inter-organ communication. Efforts in matrix and scaffold engineering aim to better mimic the native tissue environment, while long-term live imaging and single-cell transcriptomics are enhancing our ability to track aging processes in real time.

In conclusion, organoids represent a transformative leap in our ability to model human aging in vitro. By recapitulating tissue-specific structure, cellular diversity, and some degree of epigenetic fidelity, they provide a unique system to dissect the mechanisms of aging and identify interventions to delay or reverse it. As protocols mature and limitations are overcome, organoids will play a central role in aging biology, drug discovery, and the era of precision geroscience—helping us understand the complex process of growing old and promoting healthy aging.

References: Click Here

Bhumika Garg is a student pursuing a Master’s degree in Life Sciences at IISc. She can be reached at bhumikagarg@iisc.ac.in.

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Meet the Scientist

In this edition, we highlight the work of Prof. Kaushik Chatterjee, whose research explores how biomaterials can be tailored to address age-related clinical needs and serve as advanced in vitro models for aging physiology, bridging gaps in regenerative medicine and drug discovery.

Prof. Kaushik completed his Metallurgical Engineering at IIEST, Shibpur, MS in Materials Science from the University of Virginia, and earned his Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University. He then pursued his postdoctoral research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Currently, he is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Bioengineering at the Indian Institute of Science. We are excited to feature him and his ground-breaking research in this edition.

LI: What led you into your career in Aging Research?

Prof. Kaushik: In our research group, we work on biomaterials for biomedical applications across three areas: developing implants, promoting tissue regeneration, and creating cell culture environments that mimic human physiology. Through this, we noticed a gap - most implants and regenerative studies focus on young models, but the real-world users are often older adults. This highlights the need to adapt materials for aging populations and design strategies that better address age-related clinical needs.

We are also exploring alternatives to animal testing by recreating aged physiology in lab systems, providing more relevant models for drug screening and personalized medicine. I see a big opportunity for biomaterials to contribute meaningfully to aging research, and through collaborations like the Longevity India Initiative, I’m keen to apply our scientific expertise to support healthier aging solutions.

LI: What are you currently working on?

Prof. Kaushik: I think the most exciting aspect of our work is using bioengineering to recreate the physiology of aging individuals in the lab. This is particularly exciting because, as I mentioned earlier, even animal models do not accurately capture aged human physiology. What we are trying to explore is whether engineering principles can be used to replicate these physiological conditions in vitro. This approach opens up a range of opportunities for different stakeholders, including biologists, biopharma companies, nutraceutical industries, and clinicians, who can use these models for various applications. That’s something we are actively working on and are very enthusiastic about.

LI: Your goal for the Longevity India Initiative?

Prof. Kaushik: I think this is a great initiative. Particularly in India, there hasn’t been a dedicated effort like this before, so it’s encouraging to see people coming together. My goal is to contribute by bringing in my expertise and supporting these efforts. What I find unique and valuable about this initiative is the broad spectrum of expertise, ranging from biology and medicine to engineering and industry—all coming together. I look forward to collaborating with all these stakeholders and seeing how we can collectively make a meaningful impact.

LI: List your personal health hacks.

Prof. Kaushik: I try to focus on two things: getting sufficient sleep and rest, and maintaining a balanced diet with proper nutrition, though with limited success at times. These can sometimes be challenging due to personal choices, the pace of life, or the hectic nature of work. Frequent travel makes it even harder to consistently follow these habits.

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Drivers of Metabolism: Biopeak Live | Longevity India Podcast

Just dropped the latest episode of our podcast! 🎙️

In Part 1 of our conversation with Dr. Sue-Anne Toh, Co-Founder and Director of NOVI Health, we unpack the key aspects of metabolism, focusing on drivers of metabolism.

The conversation also highlights the unique metabolic traits found in Indian and broader Asian populations, and how understanding these traits can lead to more effective health strategies.

Watch the full episode and leave your thoughts in the comments!

Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Longevity India Initiative.

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For more information or contributions that would benefit you and the Longevity India initiative, please write to longevity@iisc.ac.in

Elder Care, Policy, and Public Health

Dr. M.R. Rajagopal (Pallium India) delivered a powerful keynote drawing attention to the urgent gaps in palliative care access in India—where fewer than 4% of those in need receive appropriate support. He emphasized the financial toll of healthcare, with 55 million Indians pushed below the poverty line annually due to catastrophic health costs, and highlighted the ongoing disconnect between vision and reality. Highlighting the work of Pallium India, he emphasized the need for community-based care, public education, and policy change. His message concluded with a striking reflection from Dr. Sankha Mitra: “The poor die in misery of neglect, the middle class in ignorance, the rich on ventilators—no one gets a pain-free, dignified death.”

In the panel that followed, Technologies for Seniors and Caregivers, experts explored the growing role of digital tools in elder care. Moderated by Mr. Neeraj Sagar (Wisdom Circle), the discussion featured Dr. Arvind Mathur (Caregivers Asha Society), Dr. Manish Arora (IISc), and Mr. Anurag Ram Chandran (Kubo Care). Together, they examined innovations such as contactless fall detection and assistive technologies, while emphasizing the importance of thoughtful, user-centered implementation. Panelists stressed that the clinician’s role is to discern “who truly benefits from digital interventions,” warning that tech is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Key insights included: design must be user-centered, problems tackled should be common and solvable, and tools must be integrated—“users don’t want 10 different apps to tell them 30 different things.”

Complementing the previous session, the End-of-Life and Palliative Care panel explored community-based care models being pioneered in Kerala. Moderated by Dr. T.T. Tausif Thangalvadi (Red Health), the panel brought together Dr. Mathews Numpeli (Government of Kerala), Ms. Dhvani Mehta (Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy), and Ms. Neha Sinha (Epoch Elder Care). The discussion shared how their teams, in collaboration with the state government, are working to move palliative care beyond hospitals and into the heart of communities.

Echoing the WHO’s stance that palliative care should begin at the onset of serious suffering—not just end of life—they described how empowering communities to identify and support individuals based on mobility and illness transforms care. “Every person instinctively wants to help others,” noted Numpeli, stressing that communities need guidance, not persuasion. Dr. Thangalvadi emphasized the need to involve broader society, and panelist Neha Sinha shared how her journey led her to formal training in palliative care ethics to better support families, elders, and doctors alike.

The "Frameworks for Healthy Aging" session spotlighted the pivotal national studies - Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) and the Indian Study of Healthy Ageing (ISHA). LASI, the largest survey of its kind in India, provides critical longitudinal data on the health, economic, and social well-being of older adults, shaping evidence-based policy. Complementing this, ISHA offers a more focused exploration of functional ability, care needs, and community health infrastructure, aiming to inform locally grounded interventions for aging populations. These initiatives are proving indispensable for understanding India's diverse aging population. They provide the vital data needed to shape evidence-based policies and propel healthy longevity initiatives into the future.

Alongside policy-focused discussions, day 3 had key scientific sessions, which are important to transforming longevity.

In the Data Sciences for Longevity session, Mr. Prashanth Prakash (Accel India) opened with a fireside chat emphasizing, “We equate AI to LLMs—a lot of challenges come from this misconception.” Speakers advocated for integrating classical AI-ML with knowledge-based systems and maintaining control and explainability. As one noted, “Medicine 4.0 can’t exist without AI—since AI is real, Medicine 4.0 will be real,” underscoring AI’s vital role in the future of personalized healthcare.

Dr. Marcus Ranney (Human Edge) illuminated how machine learning is revolutionizing longevity medicine. He passionately articulated that AI isn't here to replace doctors, but to augment them, making personalized and preventive care both scalable and accessible. By seamlessly integrating diverse health data—from digital inputs to blood and functional biomarkers—into a powerful AI system, we can transform passive health tracking into active, adaptive coaching.

These talks collectively showcased how advanced data analytics and AI are revolutionizing longevity research and healthcare delivery.

Additionally, parallel sessions offered valuable insights into the science and innovation shaping the future of aging. One session focused on clinical and cohort studies, highlighting plasma and microbiome markers for sarcopenia, frailty-related proteomic signatures, menopause trends, and age-spanning biomarker protocols. Another explored cellular, systemic, and lifestyle mediators such as mitochondrial dysfunction, genetic variants, holistic health models, and community-based care.

Two impactful workshops at the conference offered deep, actionable insights into personalized strategies for healthy aging. The first, "The Physicality of Aging and the Impact of Hormones through the Lifespan," led by Dr. Anuja Chandrana and Ms. Elena Panzeri, focused on women’s healthspan. Participants underwent assessments of grip strength, balance, frailty, and pelvic floor health, gaining individualized scores and tools to enhance strength and resilience. Elena’s session explored the gut-brain axis, hormone balance, and nutrition across life stages—highlighting how estrogen, cortisol, and the microbiome influence longevity, muscle preservation, and cognitive health. Attendees left with a personalized physical longevity toolkit and a roadmap to optimize movement, nutrition, and hormonal health.

In parallel, the Deep Holistics Workshop offered a systems-level view of aging through five core pillars: inflammaging, metabolism and oxidative stress, cardiovascular health, muscle and skin aging, and cognitive function. Led by Dr. Vishal Rao, Ms. Rina Baliga, and Dr. Harshavardhan Rao, the session combined expert talks with live workshop data and Deep Holistics’ clinically validated insights. Together, these workshops emphasized that the future of longevity lies in understanding the interplay between biology, lifestyle, and personalization—empowering individuals to take charge of their health journey with science-backed clarity.

The afternoon featured sessions on skin aging and technological approaches to healthy aging. Topics included photoaging research, lysosomal roles, anti-aging serums, and L'Oréal’s molecular research. The day concluded with presentations on personalized wellness platforms, glycation monitoring, cognitive health apps, and tools like flow cytometry for studying cellular senescence—underscoring the conference’s focus on integrating science, tech, and care for healthy longevity.

The Longevity Conference set the stage for a future where aging is not just about adding years to life, but life to years. It sparked conversations that blurred the lines between science, society, and care—reminding us that longevity is as much about connection and compassion as it is about technology and policy. As we look ahead, this is just the beginning of a much larger movement. With momentum on our side, we’re excited for what’s to come—new ideas, bold collaborations, and innovative frameworks that will redefine what it means to grow older in India and beyond.

The first day of the three-day RISE for healthy aging—a meeting of minds, missions, and movements for a healthier future unfolded with an opening ceremony followed by an opening address by Prof. Deepak Saini, the convener of Longevity India. Prof. Saini shared his scientific journey- investigating molecular mechanisms of aging, such as DNA damage, ROS, and CXCR4 signalling—to creating sophisticated 3D and fractionated aging models, which led to the foundation for Longevity India. He also highlighted flagship efforts like the BHARAT study and the use of AI for accelerating biomarker discovery to support healthy aging in India.

Prof. Saini’s opening address was followed by Prof. Brian Kennedy’s (NUS, Singapore) keynote, who has led efforts to make Singapore a healthy longevity hub. He emphasized the importance of transitioning from a reactive "sick-care" approach to a proactive healthcare model focused on prevention. Highlighting the harmful effects of stress and the need for physical activity, he raised concerns about the potential long-term health consequences of intense academic pressure on Indian children. He stressed the need for a unified framework to effectively benchmark and guide longevity interventions. Together, the talks emphasized a transformative shift toward integrative, preventive approaches in aging research to promote long-term health and well-being.

Several distinguished speakers presented key insights into the biological underpinnings of aging and the emerging strategies to promote healthy longevity. Here are the key talk highlights from different sessions:

Insights from Biology Session:

To highlight a few, senior biogerontologist Dr. Suresh Rattan (Associate Professor Emeritus, Aarhus University, Denmark) highlighted that aging results from the imperfect nature of biological systems and is shaped by evolution to ensure essential survival, not to prevent aging itself. He emphasized that hormetic interventions like exercise, fasting, and mental engagement can promote health by stimulating the body’s adaptive repair mechanisms. Complementing this perspective, Prof. Satchidananda Panda (Salk Institute, USA) emphasized the vital role of circadian rhythms in regulating sleep, digestion, body temperature, melatonin production, and the gut microbiome. He highlighted time-restricted feeding (TRF) as a strategy to manage chronic diseases and promote healthy aging by syncing eating patterns with the body’s natural clock. Disruptions in lifestyles—like shift work, jet lag, and late-night light exposure—can increase disease risk.

Mechanisms, Pathways, and Perspectives Session: This session underscored a central theme—the crucial role of biological mechanisms and molecular markers in understanding and addressing the aging process. The talks highlighted fundamental biological mechanisms—ranging from mitochondrial dysfunction and micronutrient signalling to cellular senescence.

Prof. Keshav Singh (UAB, USA) presented his compelling study using a genetically engineered mouse model, that mitochondrial dysfunction is not only a driver of aging but also a reversible target. This model offers a powerful tool for investigating organ-specific aging and advancing mitochondria-focused therapies. Shifting from organelle biology to nutritional genomics, Dr. Arnab Mukhopadhyay (NII, New Delhi) expanded the conversation by exploring how vitamin B12—acquired through microbial partners—interacts with host genes to influence longevity. His findings suggest that dietary micronutrients may serve as both biomarkers and modulators of biological age.

At the systemic level, Prof. Hiroshi Kondoh (KUH, Japan) addressed aging from the viewpoint of resilience —a dynamic measure of the body’s capacity to maintain function under stress as a functional marker of aging. He presented his group’s work on senotherapeutics—specifically senolytics (which eliminate senescent cells) and senostatics (which suppress their pro-inflammatory signals)—demonstrated the potential to rejuvenate metabolic function and enhance physiological resilience. Through blood metabolomics and glycolysis profiling, his team identified impaired metabolic adaptability as both a marker and a therapeutic target in aging populations.

Together, these talks converge on a powerful message: tracking and modulating molecular and cellular biomarkers offers a transformative path toward predicting, monitoring, and potentially reversing aspects of aging, moving us closer to personalized longevity medicine.

Pathologies of Aging session, the discussions focused on how aging alters tissue environments—through senescence, inflammation, and structural changes—leading to higher risk and progression of age-related diseases. As age-related diseases continue to pose significant health challenges, understanding how biological changes in aging tissues contribute to disease risk is crucial for improving health outcomes in the elderly. Dr. Mark LaBarge (Associate Prof. City of Hope, California) highlighted how aging alters the mammary gland by changing epithelial identity, extracellular matrix composition, and cell interactions, which may disrupt genomic stability and increase cancer risk. His team uses human breast tissue models to identify strategies that preserve tissue health and delay cancer onset in aging individuals.

Following an insightful Day 1, which focused on Mechanisms and Pathways of aging, Day 2 shifted focus to Translational research and Clinical perspectives—spotlighting industry-driven innovations, products, and approaches aimed at promoting longevity and healthy aging.

Following their discussion, Dr. Matt Kaeberlein (Optispan, USA) presented Medicine 4.0: Optimizing health through Longevity science, tracing the shift from reactive, disease-focused care (Medicine 2.0) to proactive, personalized approaches (Medicine 3.0). While Medicine 3.0 introduced lifestyle interventions, it remains fragmented and often compromised by pseudoscience. Medicine 4.0 advances beyond the fragmented lifestyle focus of Medicine 3.0 by using AI, precise diagnostics, and evidence-based tools to target the biology of aging. With reliable measures like bloodwork and DEXA scans, it avoids unproven trends and aims to extend healthspan. This sets the foundation for Medicine 5.0, where chronic diseases may be delayed into old age.

Another insightful lecture by Dr. David Furman (Buck Institute for Research on Aging, California, USA) highlighted that aging is better understood than people think, especially the role of chronic inflammation. He favors inflammatory clocks, which predict health outcomes like frailty and mortality more accurately than traditional epigenetic clocks and can be measured easily using saliva. His team runs longevity clinics using these tools for personalized aging care. Dr. Furman’s lab also studies how space conditions accelerate aging by exposing human blood and organoids to microgravity, speeding up aging to better understand its effects. They combine this with advanced molecular analyses and AI to link visible signs like facial changes to organ aging. Their goal is to create low-cost, non-invasive tools to track aging and detect diseases early, helping people optimize their health over time. Their BeyondAge program offers detailed aging reports to guide personalized interventions.

Fireside Chat and Panel discussions:

Starting the day with a fireside chat on Medicine 4.0: Innovations for the Future of Indian Healthcare: Mr.Nithin Kamath (CEO, Zerodha) and Mr.Prashanth Prakash (Founding partner of Accel India) discussed the limitations of Medicine 3.0—poor infrastructure and lack of personalization—making advanced care accessible only to a few. They highlighted how Medicine 4.0, powered by AI and data, could transform healthcare into a more scalable, preventive, and personalized system. Mr. Kamath, drawing from personal experiences, noted the contrast between rushed care in India and more thoughtful care abroad. They emphasized that awareness, not affordability, remains the biggest barrier to adoption. The discussion stressed nutrition literacy, strength training, and proposed a new AI-supported care coordinator role. Startups like Fitto and Nora were highlighted as early steps toward this transformative ecosystem.

“Longevity for Billions” panel discussion: moderated by Mr. Gaurav Agarwal (Tata 1MG) brought together diverse voices to explore how cutting-edge diagnostics—like proteomics and inflammation-based aging markers—can be scaled for public health impact in India, despite systemic and infrastructural challenges. Dr. Vandana Lal (Lal Path Labs) emphasized the need to improve health-seeking behavior in rural areas through awareness and education, suggesting that locally developed, validated, and bundled diagnostics could reduce costs. Dr. David Furman highlighted the importance of standardization and reimbursement to drive adoption, stressing that biological age should guide diagnostics, not chronological age. Dr. Prabhdeep Kaur (IISc) pointed out that scalable diagnostics must demonstrate clear population-level benefits, and that India must now shift focus from infectious to pre-disease diagnostics. Dr. Hanno Steen (Harvard Medical College) suggested simple sampling innovations like dried blood spots to overcome infrastructure limitations. The panel collectively agreed on the need for grassroots awareness, public-private partnerships, stronger academia-industry collaboration, and data-driven approaches to define population baselines. They also acknowledged that with more funding and systemic support, the path to scalable, equitable diagnostics can be accelerated.

Parallel Sessions:

A parallel session spotlighted Lifestyle Medicine and Longevity interventions, and Ayurveda in promoting holistic health, emphasizing their vital roles in fostering longevity through integrated approaches to wellness and the prevention of age-related diseases.

Lifestyle factors—such as nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, and social connections—play a crucial role in promoting healthy aging as mentioned by Dr. Alexander Thomas (Association of Healthcare Providers, India). He advocated for a shift toward a curative medical model that focuses on lifestyle interventions to prevent and even reverse non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Adding to it, heart disease leads to around 17 million deaths each year—more than twice the number of deaths caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which totalled about 7 million. Dr. Samuel Hansdak (CMC, Vellore) emphasized the urgent need to address the root causes of NCDs through a holistic approach centered on lifestyle, social connections, and well-being. He referenced landmark studies linking NCDs to lifestyle factors, while also pointing to emerging risks like climate change, screen exposure, and chronic stress. Concluding with insights from the Maori community, he credited their longevity to strong social ties and a sense of purpose, defining health as a balanced state restored through healing.

Despite biomedical advances, the gap between healthspan and lifespan continues to grow. Dr. Kishore Kumar Ramakrishna (NIMHANS, Bengaluru) and Dr. Hemant Bhargav (NIMHANS, Bengaluru) highlighted the value of integrative approaches—combining Ayurveda, yoga, and clinical psychiatry—for mental health and healthy aging. Dr. Kishore emphasized using yoga as a standalone treatment for mild depression and incorporating Ayurvedic herbs like Brahmi and Mandukaparni for neuroprotection. Dr. Hemant explained how yoga enhances brain function, reduces stress, and supports cognitive health, especially in aging and menopausal populations, underscoring the need for further research and integration into public health strategies.

The focus was on personalized, holistic care that addresses physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being. Drawing from both scientific research and traditional wisdom, the session highlighted the potential of integrated strategies to address the complexities of aging.

The Aging Brain: Addressing dementia in India requires a unified focus on early detection, understanding disease mechanisms, and raising awareness. In the parallel session on The Aging Brain, Dr. Thomas Gregor Issac (Center for Brain Research, IISc) highlights the urgent need for updated dementia data in India and outlined his large-scale urban-rural study to understand disease patterns. He emphasized strategies like early biomarker-based detection, targeting at-risk groups, and promoting cognitive resilience to reduce dementia burden and improve quality of life. Dr. Mounia Chami’s (INSERM, France) research shows that dysfunctional mitochondria accumulate in Alzheimer’s disease and that metformin can restore mitochondrial function, reduce amyloid-beta levels, and improve memory. This suggests that targeting mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy could offer a promising new treatment strategy for AD. Ramani Sundaram (Dementia India Alliance) stresses the importance of increasing awareness, especially in rural areas, and integrating physical and mental health care, with the Dementia India Alliance playing a key role in support and education. Together, these efforts aim to reduce dementia’s impact and improve quality of life nationwide

The final panel on Hormones & Fertility-Age-Old questions, New paradigms wrapped up Day 2 by opening up both new questions and promising solutions in the field. Moderated by Dr. Suramya Asthana (IISc), the discussion highlighted the urgent need to boost funding and interest in reproductive longevity, which currently lags behind pet longevity research. Dr. Brian Kennedy emphasized the impact of early ovarian decline on post-menopausal health and shared advances in pre-clinical research on geroprotectors and IVF, while also noting the challenges in translating findings from mice to humans. He advocated for carefully administered hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and discussed cutting-edge ideas like egg preservation in space. Dr.Vritti Lumba (Longevity Entrepreneur) brought attention to India’s earlier onset of perimenopause and stressed a prevention-focused approach, personalized HRT, and lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, and exercise, especially in addressing the rising incidence of PCOS. Prof. Ramray Bhat (Longevity Investigator, IISc) pointed out the wealth of multiomics data available but called for better frameworks to integrate this knowledge, sharing his research on fallopian tube aging. Together, the panel underscored the complexity of reproductive aging and the need for tailored, multidisciplinary strategies to improve women’s health span.

Longevity India team’s research highlights: Longevity Investigators from the Longevity India Initiative at IISc shared brief updates on their ongoing research. While each investigator works with distinct model systems, they are united by a common goal: understanding the biology of aging.

Prof. Ramray Bhat (IISc) shared his work on how senescent microenvironments promote ovarian cancer progression. He showed that senescent mesothelial cells secrete glycan-rich ECMs that support cancer cell adhesion and invasion—unlike younger cells that resist tumour spread. Using a multi-organ chip model, his team identified methylglyoxal, a glycolysis by-product linked to aging and diabetes, as a key oncometabolite that induces endothelial senescence and disrupts tissue barriers, aiding cancer cell migration. These findings highlight how age-related metabolic and matrix changes drive tumour invasiveness and suggest new strategies for age-adapted cancer therapies.

Following the discussion, Prof. Siddharth Jhunjhunwala (IISc) highlighted the complex, non-linear effects of aging on immune function through insights from the ongoing BHARAT study. The study revealed significant shifts in naïve and memory T cell populations in older individuals, potentially explaining their reduced immunity. Although innate immune cells appear largely unchanged in phenotype, their potential functional decline with age remains a key area for further exploration.

Prof. Subba Rao Gangisetty (IISc) and Dr. Shovamayee Maharana (IISc) both work with skin as their model system to study aging. Prof. Rao focuses on lysosome remodelling and secretion in keratinocytes, while Dr. Maharana investigates age-related changes in biomolecular condensates, aiming to understand and potentially reverse skin cell senescence using well-known anti-aging drugs to promote healthy skin aging.

The rich discussions ignited new collaborations across disciplines, highlighting a collective drive to bridge science and society in the longevity space. As the dialogue continues, Day 3 promises to carry this momentum forward—stay tuned for highlights in our next newsletter.

The inaugural session set the stage for a thought-provoking and forward-looking dialogue on aging. Prof. Deepak K. Saini, Convener, Longevity India, welcomed participants with an eloquent address about RISE's mission to redefine aging through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. He was joined by Prof. Navakanta Bhat, Dean of the Division of Interdisciplinary Science, and Prof. Usha Vijayraghavan, Dean, Division of Biological Sciences at IISc, who emphasised the institution’s growing role in longevity research.

Hon’ble Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, Karnataka’s Minister for Health and Family Welfare, urged a shift from reactive healthcare to proactive aging strategies—focusing on extending healthspan, not just lifespan.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush, echoed this vision, advocating for a holistic model that blends Ayurveda with modern medicine to promote preventive, integrative health. Mr. Prashanth Prakash, Founding Patron of Longevity India, brought a deeply personal lens to the discussion, sharing how his work in AI and healthcare innovation inspired a mission to transform aging in India through technology and investment. Closing the session, Prof. Govindan Rangarajan, the Director of IISc, celebrated the spirit of collaboration and scientific ambition embodied by RISE.

RISE offered a broad and engaging journey through the biology and innovation of aging. Sessions spanned age-related tissue remodeling, stem cell function, cancer susceptibility, and regenerative medicine, with a focus on cutting-edge tools like organoids, single-cell multiomics, and AI-driven analytics. Expert panels and keynote talks offered in-depth examinations of both fundamental mechanisms and translational pathways, uniting fields such as developmental biology, computational modeling, and public health. Framed around the three thematic pillars of Biological Mechanisms, Translational Research, and Public Health, the conference communicated both recent conceptual breakthroughs and practical frameworks.

Here’s a brief glimpse into the highlights from all three days. On all three days, we had research talks by opinion leaders in the field, panel discussions, and poster presentations by young professionals from academia, industry, and health care organisations.

Day 1: Exploring Aging Mechanisms - From Molecular Insights to Preventive Health Frameworks

The scientific program at RISE 2025 began with a series of insightful talks that set the tone for a multidimensional exploration of aging—from molecular mechanisms to holistic health strategies.

Day 1 featured insightful sessions on the biology, mechanisms, pathways, and pathologies of aging. The day commenced with a keynote address by Prof. Brian Kennedy (Director and Professor, Centre for Healthy Longevity, National University of Singapore), who emphasized the urgent need to transition from reactive “sick-care” to proactive, preventive “healthcare”. The sessions also included thought-provoking talks by leading experts such as Dr. Satchidananda Panda, Dr. Suresh Rattan, Dr. Keshav Singh, Dr. Hiroshi Kondoh, and many more, each shedding light on key aspects of aging research.

Stay tuned for the Day 1 Special Issue, where we will dive deeper into their groundbreaking insights!

Dr. Hiroshi Kondoh (Kyoto University) highlighted the role of senescent cell accumulation in aging and presented calorie restriction as a potential strategy to mitigate its effects. Dr. Mark LaBarge (Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope) shared insights on how aging alters the mammary gland microenvironment, influencing breast cancer risk and underscoring the need for organ-specific aging research. On the afternoon of Day 1, parallel sessions unfolded, each offering unique insights into longevity. The sessions on “Lifestyle Medicine and Longevity” and “Ayurveda and Holistic Health” provided rich, complementary perspectives—seamlessly bridging modern scientific advancements with ancient wisdom to explore how daily habits and holistic practices can foster a healthier, longer life.

The keynote address by Dr. Bhushan Patwardhan from Ayush Interdisciplinary School of Sciences, Pune, focused on integrative approaches to healthy aging, combining modern biomedical advances with traditional practices from Ayurveda and Yoga. He discussed key concepts such as Swasthya, Rasayana, Panchakarma, and Vayasthapana, emphasizing their relevance in promoting longevity and quality of life. Highlighting the need for personalized holistic care, he called for balancing physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being.

Among the interactive highlights of RISE 2025 was the Project Serotonin workshop, which brought a unique focus on the emotional dimension of healthy aging. It delved into the science of happiness and well-being, exploring the role of serotonin in mental health and showcasing strategies to naturally enhance its levels through lifestyle, nutrition, and mindset.

Many more fascinating sessions took place, which will be featured in the upcoming issues.

The day concluded with a special dinner at the Taj, Yeshwantpur, providing a warm and engaging setting for fostering collaborations, exchanging ideas, and building meaningful connections within the aging research community.

Day 2: Future of Health- Diagnostics, Technologies, and Translational Aging Strategies

Day 2 of RISE for Healthy Aging 2025 spotlighted the transformative role of technology, entrepreneurship, and translational science in shaping the future of healthy aging. The day opened with a series of compelling industry presentations demonstrating how innovation is moving from the laboratory to real-world impact. In a captivating fireside chat, Nithin Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha and founder of Rainmatter Foundation, shared his vision for preventive health and longevity, emphasizing the need for strategic investment and policy reform. The conversation with Prashanth Prakash underscored how private sector leadership can accelerate change. Industry leaders from Biopeak, DecodeAge, and TATA 1mg further showcased breakthrough solutions—from AI-driven risk prediction to personalized digital platforms—highlighting the growing ecosystem around longevity-focused healthcare.

The scientific momentum continued with a powerful keynote lecture by Dr. David Furman of the Buck Institute, USA, who challenged the idea that aging is inherently complex. Instead, he proposed that with the right tools, aging can be measured, predicted, and managed.

In the second session of the day on Translational research and clinical perspectives, Dr. Matt Kaeberlein, CEO, Optispan, introduced the concept of Medicine 4.0, a future-focused approach that moves beyond treating individual diseases to targeting the biology of aging itself. More interesting insights will be shared soon—stay tuned for a special issue!

The day concluded with a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Hormones & Fertility: Age-Old Questions, New Paradigms,” moderated by Dr. Suramya Asthana (Lead co-ordinator, Longevity India, IISc). Prof. Brian Kennedy (ACRLE, NUS), Dr Vritti Lumba (Longevity Entrepreneur), and Prof. Ramray Bhat (IISc) were the panellists. The discussion challenged long-standing assumptions and offered new scientific and cultural frameworks for navigating fertility across the lifespan.

The day’s formal sessions flowed seamlessly into a poster session and networking hour, followed by a cultural evening and gala dinner, closing Day 2 on a note of connection, reflection, and renewed curiosity. A dedicated issue will dive deeper into the insights and discoveries from the talks and interactions held on Day 2.

Day 3: Public Health and Policy Pathways for Better Elder Care

The final day spotlighted elder care, policy making, and public health. It started with discussions on frameworks for healthy aging. Dr. Rajesh Dikshit from Tata Memorial Centre presented early insights from the Indian Study of Healthy Ageing, a pioneering blood-based longitudinal cohort study aimed at understanding aging trajectories in the Indian population. His talk outlined key initial findings and set the stage for future goals focused on developing data-driven strategies for healthy aging nationwide.

The day was filled with engaging panel discussions that explored a wide range of innovations shaping the future of senior care. A key focus was placed on the well-being of caregivers, recognizing the critical role they play and the immense pressures they face. Panellists emphasized the need for tools, policies, and support systems that not only enhance caregiving but also help caregivers maintain their own physical and mental health while delivering effective care.

In a powerful and compassionate address, Dr. M. R. Rajagopal, from Pallium India, highlighted the urgent need to integrate palliative care into India’s healthcare system. Citing that less than 4% of those in need receive pain relief, he described how suffering at the end of life transcends income levels—whether through neglect, ignorance, or overtreatment. He emphasized a shift from disease-focused care to human-centered relief of suffering, advocating Pallium India’s DEF strategy: Demonstrate quality care, Educate professionals and the public, and Facilitate supportive policies. Dr. Rajagopal called for community engagement in caregiving and a collective effort to ensure dignity in life’s final chapter.

Parallel sessions were held on Cellular, Systemic & Lifestyle Mediators, Skin Aging, and Technological Approaches for Healthy Aging, featuring insightful talks by Longevity Investigators from IISc alongside representatives from companies like Unilever, L’Oréal, ThermoFisher Scientific, Bruker, etc. Additionally, there was an engaging workshop on women’s healthspan, which explored movement, hormones, the microbiome, and personalized longevity strategies through expert-led sessions.

The conference concluded with a valedictory address by Prof. Deepak Saini, who expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all speakers, participants, and attendees for their enthusiastic engagement. The event also celebrated the winners of the Ideathon and poster Awards, recognizing their innovative contributions. With an inspiring exchange of ideas and groundbreaking discussions, the conference set the stage for future initiatives. We look forward to many more events with the same energy, enthusiasm, and collaborative spirit!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants, speakers, and attendees for their enthusiastic engagement and contributions. Your presence and insights have made this gathering a remarkable platform for advancing discussions on aging research and longevity.

Celebrating Life and Longevity

The conference was not only about science—it celebrated aging as a rich, creative journey. The lunches, dinners, and tea/coffee sessions fostered vibrant dialogue. Students from Shree Ramana Maharishi Academy for the Blind mesmerized the audience with a Bharatanatyam performance. Seniors from Vayah Vikas delivered a soulful musical performance, adding warmth and joy to the evening. The evening ended with a spirited Zumba session led by the IISc Aerobics Club, reminding all that movement is medicine.

Looking Forward

RISE 2025 was a clarion call for integrated, evidence-based, and compassionate longevity care. It forged new connections, ignited ideas, and reaffirmed our shared commitment to making healthy aging a reality for all.

Stay tuned for the upcoming newsletter capturing these inspiring moments in more detail.

From the community: Phitons – a pioneer in microplastic-free packaging solutions, combating plastic pollution and promoting sustainability

Phitons is an innovative company committed to developing microplastic-free packaging solutions, tackling the pressing environmental challenge of plastic pollution. Their mission is to create sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives that reduce the impact of packaging waste on the planet. Leading this initiative is Mr. Santosh Nagasamy, the CEO of Phitons, alongside a dedicated team striving to revolutionize the packaging industry. We had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Santosh and his teammate, Mr. Manoj, to gain insights into their vision, challenges, and the future of sustainable packaging.

LI: Can you share the inspiration behind Phitons and its mission in sustainable innovation?

Mr.Nagasamy: Phitons was born out of a critical discovery by our parent company, PHD, which detected traces of phthalates in its athlete clientele. Recognizing the health risks posed by toxic chemicals and microplastics, PHD set out to create packaging materials that would be safer for both people and the planet. From that starting point, Phitons was founded with a clear mission: to innovate in the materials space using only natural, non-toxic, and fully compostable compounds. We aim to ensure that what we produce not only safeguards human health but also contributes positively to the environment.

LI: What are some of the compostable products Phitons is currently developing, and how do they contribute to longevity?

Mr.Nagasamy: Our product line includes compostable polymers enhanced with natural soil-based multi-mineral fillers. Unlike conventional plastics that linger for centuries and degrade into harmful microplastics, our materials are designed to break down into biomass - enriching the soil rather than polluting it. By reducing exposure to toxic residues and chemicals, we support a healthier ecosystem, which in turn supports human health and longevity.

LI: What are the key challenges you face in sourcing and developing locally available raw materials?

Mr.Nagasamy: One of the primary challenges involves reliance on a critical raw material currently sourced from China. To reduce our dependency on imports, we’re actively investing in the development of this material internally, aiming to establish a reliable local supply chain. Additionally, we’re moving away from the common practice of using single-mineral fillers by incorporating a proprietary soil-based multi-mineral filler. This approach not only mitigates the risks associated with raw material sourcing but also improves the overall compostability and safety to the environment once they naturally compost.

LI: Have you conducted any studies or trials on the long-term impact of your materials in real-world applications?

Mr.Nagasamy: Our materials are made using PBAT, which is proven and certified to be naturally compostable. We enhance this polymer with our soil-based multi-mineral filler, ensuring that once it breaks down, it leaves behind biomass instead of microplastics or harmful residues.

LI: How do you see the sustainable materials industry evolving in the next decade?

Mr.Nagasamy: We anticipate a surge in consumer awareness and regulatory support pushing the industry toward more holistic and compostable solutions. As technology improves and collaborations grow, we foresee compostable alternatives becoming increasingly affordable, efficient, and widely adopted, ultimately helping to reduce the environmental and health impacts tied to conventional plastics.

LI: Are there any collaborations with academic institutions or research bodies to further your work?

Mr.Nagasamy: We collaborate with leading organizations and institutions to drive innovation and advance sustainable packaging solutions across various industries and applications. Our partnerships include:

University of Mysore

IITR Lucknow (Indian Institute of Toxicology Research)

CFTRI Mysore (Central Food Technological Research Institute)

NIO Goa (National Institute of Oceanography)

DFRL DRDO (Defence Food Research Laboratory)

LI: What role do policy and government regulations play in promoting compostable alternatives, and how do Phitons engage with policymakers?

Mr.Nagasamy: Policy and regulation are critical levers for driving the broad adoption of compostable materials. We advocate for legislation that supports compostable and non-toxic alternatives through industry coalitions and direct dialogue. We emphasize the importance of reducing microplastic pollution and champion standards that require truly earth-friendly materials. This collaborative approach helps create an environment where sustainable innovation can flourish, benefiting both human health and the planet.

Read more about Phitons: https://www.phitons.com/

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Sustainability in Longevity – Towards a sustainable and resilient Singapore

Writers: Bhumika Garg, Suvani Rohatgi

Sustainability has shaped Singapore’s growth, balancing economic progress with environmental responsibility. Committed to the 2030 Agenda, it ensures clean air, water, and green spaces while advancing education, healthcare, and climate resilience. Through innovation and global collaboration, Singapore drives sustainable development and strengthens regional and international sustainability initiatives.

Since independence, Singapore has prioritized sustainable development, balancing economic growth with environmental and social well-being. Through strategic policymaking and a Whole-of-Government approach, it has transformed into a thriving, resource-efficient city while maintaining its Garden City vision. As ASEAN Chair, Singapore continues to drive innovation and resilience, aligning with global sustainability goals. Some of the Sustainable Develop Goals (SDGs) are as follows.

SDG1: End Poverty in All Its Forms Everywhere

Singapore strives for a fair, inclusive society by promoting employment, income growth, and access to education, housing, and healthcare. Support for low-income families includes CPF, WIS, subsidized housing, and financial aid through ComCare and Medifund for those in need.

SDG2: End Hunger, Achieve Food Security and Improved Nutrition, and Promote Sustainable Agriculture

With only 1% of land for agriculture, Singapore ensures food security through import diversification, local production, stockpiling, and internationalization. Collaboration with industry drives innovations like vertical farming, automation, and IoT-based precision agriculture. Efforts also focus on reducing food waste and supporting low-income households in meeting basic needs.

SDG3: Ensure Healthy Lives and Promote Well-being for All at All Ages

Singapore has one of the world's highest life expectancies with the accessibility of quality and affordable basic medical services for all, high standards of living, and a culture of healthy living. They have achieved this through various measures such as the 3M system – Medisave, Medishield, and Medifund that provides financial security and universal health coverage. They also emphasize preventive healthcare, vaccination programs, and managing chronic diseases like diabetes.

SDG4: Ensure Inclusive and Equitable Quality Education and Promote Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All

Singapore prioritizes broad-based, holistic education with well-trained teachers and the integration of information and communication technologies to aid learning. It ensures quality, affordable, and accessible education for all, including students with special needs through SPED (special education) schools. Beyond formal education, the SkillsFuture initiative promotes lifelong learning and upskilling to prepare individuals for an evolving job market

SDG5: Achieve Gender Equality and Empower All Women and Girls

Singapore upholds gender equality through its Constitution and policies ensuring equal opportunities, pay, and parental leave. With high female literacy and employment, strong legal frameworks combat domestic violence, while initiatives like the Diversity Action Committee promote women in leadership.

SDG6: Ensure Availability and Sustainable Management of Water and Sanitation for All

Despite water scarcity, Singapore ensures universal access to clean water and sanitation through its "Four National Taps" strategy—local catchments, imports, desalination, and NEWater. Advanced technologies, conservation policies, and public education support its vision of a “City of Gardens and Water.”

SDG 7: Ensure Access to Affordable, Reliable, Sustainable and Modern Energy for All

It promotes access to sustainable energy. Efforts include expanding electricity access, enhancing grid reliability, diversifying energy sources with LNG and solar, and fostering innovation in energy storage. Policies focus on efficiency, carbon tax, and regulatory frameworks. Future opportunities lie in renewable energy, infrastructure planning, and international cooperation to ensure secure and affordable energy.

SDG 8: Promote Sustained, Inclusive, and Sustainable Economic Growth, Full and Productive Employment, and Decent Work for All

Sustained economic growth relies on industrialization, workforce upskilling, and innovation. Key strategies include export-oriented policies, economic restructuring, and digital transformation. Initiatives supporting employment adaptability and sustainable tourism enhance workforce resilience.

SDG 9: Build Resilient Infrastructure, Promote Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialisation and Foster Innovation

Sustainable industrialization is driven by infrastructure development, innovation, and SME support. Investments in transport, digital connectivity, and R&D boost economic growth. High-tech manufacturing, enterprise scaling, and public-private partnerships enhance competitiveness. Initiatives like Model Factories and RIE2020 promote advanced manufacturing and innovation, ensuring long-term resilience in line with SDG 9’s goals of industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

SDG 10: Reducing Inequality Within and Among Countries

It aims to reduce inequality by ensuring social mobility, economic inclusion, and access to quality education, healthcare, and housing. Policies support low-income groups through wage supplements, lifelong learning, and social security. Initiatives like KidSTART provide early childhood support to break poverty cycles. Risk-pooling schemes ensure financial security, fostering an inclusive and resilient society.

SDG 11: Make Cities and Human Settlements Inclusive, Safe, Resilient and Sustainable

The Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city showcases sustainable urban development through green buildings, renewable energy, and eco-friendly infrastructure. Guided by key sustainability metrics, it promotes resilient communities, green transport, and resource conservation. The World Cities Summit fosters global collaboration, innovation, and governance to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.

SDG 12: Ensure Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns

It promotes resource efficiency, waste reduction, and circular economies. Key strategies include the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), e-waste and packaging waste management, food waste reduction, and hazardous waste control. Industry collaboration, public engagement, and innovative technologies drive sustainability, ensuring long-term environmental and economic benefits while minimizing landfill dependence.

Singapore’s success in sustainable development stems from its forward-thinking approach, integrating technology, education, and conservation into its policies. With initiatives like the “Four National Taps” for water security, green urban planning, and fostering innovation, Singapore has created a livable, resilient city. Its commitment to climate action, inclusive growth, and addressing future challenges like an aging population has set a global benchmark.

India can adopt similar strategies by focusing on education, skill development, and embracing technology for sustainable agriculture and water management. Strengthening policies on renewable energy, climate resilience, and urban planning, along with collaborative efforts, will drive India toward a sustainable, healthy future.

Bhumika Garg is a student pursuing a Masters degree in Life Sciences at IISc. She can be reached at bhumikagarg@iisc.ac.in.
Suvani Rohatgi is a student pursuing an M.tech in Bioengineering at IISc. She can be reached at suvanir@iisc.ac.in

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Sustainability in Healthcare and the Food System: A Path to a Healthier Future

Writer: Shreya Vashista

Sustainability in healthcare and the food system is critical for ensuring both human and planetary well-being. As climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource depletion threaten global health, integrating sustainable practices into these sectors has become imperative. A sustainable food system emphasizes nutrient-rich, plant-based diets, and environmentally friendly agricultural practices, while sustainable healthcare focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing medical waste, and adopting eco-conscious procurement and manufacturing. By aligning these efforts with global climate commitments, we can create a healthier future that benefits both people and the planet.

1. The ‘Safe Operating Space’ for Food Systems and Agriculture

Scientific research defines a "safe operating space" for food systems, where crossing environmental or dietary limits risks human and planetary health. Biodiversity loss and low vegetable intake can destabilize ecosystems and public health. Integrating sustainability into food policies supports global goals like the SDGs and the Paris Agreement. A key shift is increasing plant-based food consumption while reducing reliance on animal products for a more sustainable future.

Sustainable agricultural practices: Agriculture and fisheries must meet the growing population’s caloric needs while promoting dietary diversity for human and environmental health. Current practices favor high-yield crops for animal feed, reducing biodiversity. A shift toward diverse, nutrient-rich food production is essential. Sustainable intensification includes closing yield gaps, improving fertilizer and water efficiency, recycling nutrients like phosphorus, and adopting climate-smart strategies. These efforts aim to achieve net negative emissions, transforming the food system into a carbon sink by 2040, in line with the Paris Agreement’s climate goals.

2. Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare

Traditionally, discussions about sustainable healthcare have revolved around financial considerations. However, incorporating planetary health into these discussions is increasingly vital. Healthcare contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, necessitating measures that minimize environmental impact while ensuring effective medical care.

Reducing Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions: A recent New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) article proposed incorporating the carbon footprint (CFP) as an endpoint in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of medical treatments. In the United Kingdom, high-GHG-emitting anesthetics and asthma inhalers are being phased out in favor of environmentally friendly alternatives. Such initiatives mark a shift toward eco-conscious medical practices.

Alternatives to single-use equipment: Refurbishing single-use medical devices, healthcare digital transformation, and integrating circular economy principles are vital measures to minimize medical waste and enhance resource efficiency. Preventive healthcare strategies, including early disease detection and management, not only reduce medical costs but also minimize the carbon footprint associated with advanced medical equipment usage. By prioritizing such disease prevention strategies, the healthcare sector can lower its environmental burden while improving patient outcomes.

3. Sustainable Manufacturing and Procurement in Healthcare

The pharmaceutical and medical device industries must enhance sustainability throughout their supply chains. This involves improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, and promoting the use of renewable energy in manufacturing processes. Encouraging investment in nature-positive initiatives and environmental restoration can further drive sustainability in the sector. Sustainable procurement standards are also critical. Healthcare institutions should prioritize environmentally friendly pharmaceuticals and medical devices, incorporating criteria that encourage waste reduction and recycling. Educating healthcare professionals and patients about the benefits of sustainable medical products can foster greater adoption and acceptance.

Linking Health and Environmental Benefits to Carbon Trading: Improving public health can reduce overall healthcare demand, subsequently decreasing the sector’s environmental footprint. In the future, public health improvements could be recognized as a factor in carbon trading markets, incentivizing policies that promote both health and environmental conservation. Strengthening integrated policies that align with these objectives will be instrumental in fostering a sustainable healthcare system.

4. Healthcare waste management

To mitigate environmental pollution and health risks, healthcare must prioritize sustainable packaging, improve waste management through recycling and reusable materials, and educate professionals on reducing environmental impact. Collaboration across sectors and global cooperation are key to fostering long-term sustainability in healthcare.

Healthcare institutions should transition to sustainable packaging materials and implement strategies to minimize waste. Medical waste management through proper segregation, recycling, and the use of reusable PPE can significantly reduce environmental harm. Training programs should improve awareness of when disposable materials are necessary, proper sterile equipment usage, and the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals, particularly in addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

References: Click Here

Shreya Vashista is a student pursuing an M.tech in Bioengineering at IISc. She can be reached at shreyav@iisc.ac.in

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Meet the Scientist

In this edition, we highlight the work of Dr. Subba Rao, whose research explores the complex mechanisms of intracellular transport and membrane organization in eukaryotic cells.

Dr. Subba Rao completed his Master’s at Banaras Hindu University and earned his Ph.D. from JNU, New Delhi/IMTECH, Chandigarh. He then pursued eight years of postdoctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania Institute for the Advanced Study of India. Currently, he is a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology at the Indian Institute of Science.

His lab investigates the role of small GTPases in endosomal dynamics for human pigmentation, lysosome function in skin homeostasis, and the molecular regulators of ER stress and lysosome function, with a focus on lysosomal storage diseases.

We are excited to feature him and his groundbreaking work in this edition.

LI: What led you to your career in aging research?

Dr. Subba Rao: My entire research career dealt with skin and its colour. It is the outermost and most evident organ of the human body. For the past eight years, our work has focused on skin organization, homeostasis, and hygiene. Notably, aging is more visibly apparent in the skin compared to other organs, making it a key indicator of the aging process. Thus, the opportunity to join the longevity program at IISc has made me interested in entering this domain. Note that it is a commercially competitive science for larger crowds. However, the science behind healthy aging is fascinating, which is where my interest lies. We are at a preliminary stage of understanding the epidermal layers of the skin in the context of aging and signaling.

LI: What are you currently working on?

Dr. Subba Rao: We are critically looking at the differences between differentiated and senescent cells in the epidermis. Our focus is on maintaining or reversing senescence in epidermal cells through the use of natural compounds, aiming to promote healthy and youthful skin. Moreover, this organ has an additional layer of complexity, such as the existence of a microbiome that requires another angle in the contest of skin health and hygiene. We are also exploring epidermal organization in skin-associated diseases.

LI: Your goal for the Longevity India Initiative?

Dr. Subba Rao: My goal is to identify small molecules to maintain or reverse the senescent status of keratinocytes in aged skin.

LI: List your personal health hacks.

Dr. Subba Rao: Start the day with yoga and a 1 KM run for fitness. Eat as required to maintain balance and nourishment.

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Longevity India: RISE for Healthy Aging Conference

The Longevity India RISE for Healthy Aging Conference is India’s first step toward building a future where aging isn’t just about living longer, but thriving: free from chronic disease, with bodies and minds that remain robust deep into old age.

RISE 2025 is a movement to bring together the brightest minds in science, industry, clinics, and policy to tackle aging at its roots. This is more than a conference - it’s the beginning of a movement.

Let’s RISE for a healthier, longer future!

Date: 10th - 12th March, 2025
Location: Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
Conference Agenda: Detailed Schedule

Don't miss out—secure your spot today: Click here to Register

Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Longevity India Initiative.

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For more information or contributions that would benefit you and the Longevity India initiative, please write to longevity@iisc.ac.in

From the Community: Insights from Dr. Arvind Mathur, Champion of Geriatric Care and Advocacy

In this interview, we speak with Dr. Arvind Mathur, a highly accomplished geriatrician. During his extensive career in geriatric medicine and research, he has contributed to establishing geriatric facilities, advocating for elderly healthcare in India, and founding the Caregivers Asha Society, an organization that focuses on improving the lives of both caregivers and care recipients through training, support, and advocacy. He is a member of the WHO Clinical Consortium for Healthy Ageing (CCHA), the WHO Global Network for Long-Term Care (GNLTC), and the expert panel for Ageing for WHO SEARO. Dr Mathur's work demonstrates a commitment to holistic elderly care and caregiver empowerment, which is reflected in his various roles and publications.

LI: What Motivates You to Work in the Field of Geriatrics?

Dr. Mathur: Over my five decades in medical practice, I witnessed how older adults often face inappropriate interventions or are denied care altogether. Their unique and complex healthcare needs remain overlooked, fueling my determination to bring meaningful change. This field became my calling, driven by empathy for their resilience and vulnerabilities. The rapid aging of India’s population demands a healthcare system that addresses older people's physical, emotional, and social well-being.

My contributions include shaping policies like the National Program for the Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) and leading initiatives such as developing a Regional Geriatric Center at Dr. S.N. Medical College, Jodhpur. As the founder and past president of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics, I’ve advanced education, research, and caregiving standards. Every day, I am inspired to innovate, advocate, and honor the dignity of older adults.

Dr. Mathur actively contributing to elderly caregiving and shaping policies for geriatric care.

LI: How Have You Seen the Field of Geriatrics Change Over Time, and What Are the Most Significant Advancements?

Dr. Mathur: Geriatrics has undergone a transformative shift, from marginalized to a cornerstone of public health. Initially, older adults were treated as part of general care, ignoring their distinct needs. Today, frameworks like WHO’s Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) focus on functional ability and healthy aging. The UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) has further galvanized efforts globally.

In India, integrating geriatrics into medical education is a pivotal milestone. As an editor of the IAG Handbook of Geriatrics, I’ve contributed to equipping future doctors with essential knowledge. Technological advances, such as telemedicine and wearable devices, are revolutionizing access and management of elder care, while subspecialties like geriatric psychiatry and orthogeriatrics enhance care quality. However, the journey continues as we adapt global frameworks to local needs, striving for a compassionate healthcare system that values older adults.

LI: You founded the “Caregivers Asha Society.” What is the primary goal of this society, and how does it aim to support caregivers and care recipients?

Dr. Mathur: On October 14, 2014, my life changed forever when my wife suffered a stroke. Overnight, I transitioned from being a doctor to becoming a family caregiver—a role that tested me in ways I had never imagined. Despite my years of medical training and experience, the reality of caregiving was humbling and deeply challenging. It made me realize how unprepared most families are for this immense responsibility, especially those without access to medical expertise or resources.

Determined to address this gap, I founded the Caregivers Asha Society, a mission-driven organization focused on empowering family caregivers through education, resources, and support. From its humble beginnings, the Society started with hands-on training programs to equip caregivers with essential skills and knowledge. Over time, our vision evolved, and we launched the CareAsha app—a digital tool designed to offer step-by-step caregiving guidance, addressing everything from medical emergencies to emotional care.

Our mission has grown to encompass not just family caregivers but also community-wide efforts to foster a culture of empathy and support. One such effort is our collaboration with schools to sensitize students to the importance of caregiving. By engaging young minds, we aim to cultivate a future generation that values elder care and recognizes caregivers' profound role in society. This initiative has been especially rewarding, highlighting the power of education and collective action to drive meaningful change.

Through the Caregivers Asha Society, we continue to advocate for systemic improvements in caregiving and elder care. We work toward a world where caregivers are supported and celebrated for their selfless contributions. Each success story, each life touched by our efforts, reinforces my belief in the importance of this mission and inspires me to continue.

LI: Could you tell us about your work with the WHO Clinical Consortium for Healthy Ageing (CCHA), the WHO Global Network for Long-Term Care (GNLTC), and the WHO Civil Society Commission, and how this contributes to your approach to geriatric care?

Dr. Mathur: Collaborating with the WHO Clinical Consortium for Healthy Ageing (CCHA), the Global Network for Long-Term Care (GNLTC), and the WHO Civil Society Commission has profoundly shaped my approach to geriatric care. These platforms emphasize healthy aging and sustainable care systems, aligning with the Caregivers Asha Society’s mission to empower caregivers and support independence for older adults.

Through these associations, I’ve showcased our work at the international level, sharing innovations like the CareAsha app. Global insights have enriched our efforts to create culturally sensitive and scalable care models that bridge local gaps while aligning with international frameworks. Together, we are building a future where caregivers and older adults thrive.

LI: What innovative ways are being developed to improve healthcare delivery for older people?

Dr. Mathur: Geriatric care is embracing transformative innovations. Technologies such as wearable health monitors, AI diagnostics, and telemedicine enhance healthcare delivery, while assistive devices promote independence. Smart home systems ensure safety and convenience, addressing medication adherence and fall detection. Policy shifts, like integrating long-term care into universal health frameworks, also improve equity and sustainability.

The Caregivers Asha Society contributes by developing community-focused solutions. Our CareAsha app equips caregivers with multilingual content and emergency protocols. Rural youth training programs create skilled caregivers while providing livelihoods. Additionally, our Future Caregivers’ Initiative sensitizes school students to caregiving, fostering empathy in the next generation.

We also focus on building community-led support networks, recognizing the importance of social connectedness in healthy aging. Encouraging intergenerational interactions and local caregiving solutions brings dignity and quality of life to elder care.

Through these efforts, we strive to redefine aging as a dignified phase of life marked by compassion and respect. As global innovations converge with local solutions, we envision a brighter future for older adults and their caregivers.

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LASI- Transforming Aging Research and Policy

Writer: Dr. T.V. Sekher, Principal Investigator, LASI

Imagine a study that not only unravels the complexities of India's aging population but also serves as a catalyst for creating better policies aimed at improving the quality of life for our elderly. We are excited to feature the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), one of the most comprehensive research initiatives focused on aging in the country. Through its extensive data collection and cutting-edge methodologies, LASI offers invaluable insights that could reshape the way we care for our elderly, not just within India, but across the globe. We deeply appreciate Dr. T.V. Sekher for contributing this insightful write-up.

Launched in 2016, the LASI is India’s first and the world’s largest study on aging, focusing on the health, economic, and social aspects of the country’s older population. It aims to implement a nationally representative, longitudinal survey of adult health and aging across India. Covering over 73,000 individuals aged 45 and above, including 32,000 elderly persons, across all states and Union Territories, LASI provides a robust, longitudinal database to inform the design of effective policies and programs.

The LASI study includes a comprehensive set of assessments to understand the health and well-being of India's aging population. These include physiological assessments such as blood pressure measurements, lung function tests, and vision exams. Anthropometric measurements are also collected, including height, weight, and waist and hip circumference. For performance-based measurements, grip strength, balance tests, and timed walking tests are used to gauge physical capability. Additionally, molecular markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and hemoglobin, are analyzed to explore more considerable physiological changes and risks.​ The first wave of the LASI study was conducted from April 2017 to December 2018. The second wave will take place in 2025, revisiting the same households and individuals interviewed in Wave 1, and the panel survey will continue for the next 25 years.

This pioneering Government of India-funded study, led by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) in collaboration with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (HSPH) and the University of Southern California (USC), places India at the forefront of global aging research and provides critical insights to address the challenges and opportunities of its rapidly expanding older population.

The standout features:

• LASI aims to create and carry out a nationwide survey that provides a comprehensive view of adult health and aging in India, representing the diverse population nationwide.

• The study will track changes over time to understand the health and well-being of adults as they age.

• Data will be harmonized with international studies, such as the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) in the USA and similar studies conducted in other countries, to allow comparison with the aging population of other countries. This will facilitate global insights into the challenges and trends of aging and enable policymakers and researchers to better understand the universal and country-specific factors affecting elderly populations.

• By providing anonymized data to the research community promptly, LASI enables impactful studies and drives evidence-based policymaking at national and state levels to address the challenges of India’s aging population.

• LASI seeks to establish a solid foundation in India for innovative, rigorous, and multidisciplinary aging research.

The outcomes:

LASI has set a new standard in survey research by implementing advanced protocols and field strategies. It employs Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) technology for data collection, quality control, and Geographical Information System mapping to visualize patterns and trends. The findings underscore the urgent need to enhance geriatric care by integrating it into primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare systems. LASI also emphasizes the development of retirement preparedness programs and initiatives aimed at improving the health and financial literacy of older adults. This ambitious project reflects the Government of India’s commitment to understanding the needs of its aging population and formulating policies to address those needs. In brief, LASI has produced rich and high-quality scientific data on the health, social, and economic conditions of older Indian adults, which is informing central and state governments in making better decisions about programs and policies targeted toward the aging population.

To know more about LASI: https://www.iipsindia.ac.in/lasi

Major Indicators related to Social, Economic, and Health Conditions of Older Adults: LASI FActsheet.pdf
The LASI dataset is freely available to researchers and policymakers.

Dr. T.V. Sekher is the Principal Investigator of LASI. He can be reached at tvsekher@iipsindia.ac.in

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Your movement matters: The power of physical activity for a vibrant life

Writer: Dr. Amrita Nepalia

Who doesn’t want to live a longer, healthier life? Imagine having more time to create memories with loved ones, explore new places, or simply feel your best every single day. The secret to turning back the clock isn’t hidden in some magical pill or potion—it lies in something much simpler: how much you move your body.

But it’s not just about staying active; the real magic comes from how hard you work and how often you do it. So, what’s the perfect balance of exercise to keep you feeling vibrant and extend your years? Let’s delve into the science to uncover the answers!

Exercise and Longevity

Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. A review of 13 cohort studies highlighted that physically active individuals tend to live longer, with life expectancy increasing by an average of 2.9 years for men and 3.9 years for women. Notably, leisure-time activities such as walking or cycling had the greatest impact on life expectancy, with women gaining an average of 4.7 years and men 3.9 years.

Scientists have also shown that aerobic exercise can have big benefits for your cholesterol levels and heart health. However, how it affects your "good" HDL cholesterol can depend on things like the type of exercise, how hard you work, and your personal factors like age or diet. While you might not notice immediate changes after one workout, sticking to a regular exercise routine brings lasting results. Ultimately, physical activity serves as a powerful, all-encompassing tool to support cardiovascular health, enhance cognitive function, and promote healthier aging.

Does intensity and volume of physical activity matter?

It has been shown that both the intensity and amount of Physical Activity (PA) are linked to a lower risk of death, with higher-intensity activities being especially important for reducing heart disease-related deaths. It suggests that how hard you work out might be more important than just how much you exercise overall. The study also showed that doing intense exercise in short bursts (as little as 5 minutes) could be more beneficial for reducing the risk of death than spreading out the same amount of intense activity throughout the day. Additionally, as we age, it’s wise to include strength training at least twice a week to build and maintain muscle mass. Staying fit isn’t just about living longer—it’s about living stronger!

How much should we exercise?

While WHO recommends that adults engage in at least 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate exercise, 75 to 150 minutes each week of vigorous movement, or an equivalent combination of both intensities, it turns out that if adults do more than the recommended amount, it can lower their risk of death. Moderate physical activity is defined as walking, weightlifting, and lower-intensity exercise. Meanwhile, vigorous exercise is categorized as running, bicycling, and swimming.

A massive study tracked the activity levels of a large group of US adults over a remarkable period of 30 years and analyzed how different levels of physical activity influenced death rates, considering various causes. The study found that reaching a certain level of moderate or vigorous activity was linked to a lower risk of dying, but there’s a catch: after hitting that threshold, doing even more didn’t provide extra benefits. Interestingly, the study revealed that vigorous exercise—like running or intense cycling—only offered additional health perks for those who weren't already getting enough moderate activity, like brisk walking or light cycling.

So what’s the takeaway? When it comes to exercise, balance is the key. While high-intensity workouts have amazing benefits, they work best as part of a routine that also includes regular, moderate activity. Even if you’re not a fitness enthusiast, small changes like taking a 10-minute walk during lunch or riding your bike instead of driving can make a big difference over time. The best approach is one that fits your lifestyle and keeps you moving consistently.

So why wait? Lace-up your shoes, turn on your favorite playlist, and start your journey to a longer, healthier, and more vibrant life today. Your future self will thank you!

References: Click Here
Dr. Amrita Nepalia is a DBT BioCare fellow pursuing her post-doctoral research in Dr. Deepak Kumar Saini's Lab, DBG, IISc. She can be reached at amrithan@iisc.ac.in

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Meet the Scientist

In this issue, we spotlight Dr. Prabhdeep Kaur, a distinguished physician and public health expert. She brings extensive experience in addressing critical health challenges, including the prevention and treatment of hypertension, diabetes, and cervical cancer across diverse Indian states. She has led groundbreaking implementation science projects, crafting and scaling evidence-based interventions and policies within the healthcare system, while excelling in public health surveillance and outbreak investigations. Currently, she is working on developing interdisciplinary public health research programs leveraging science and engineering expertise at IISc.

LI: What led you to your career in the field of public health?

Prof. Prabhdeep: I trained as a physician in the early 2000s. During my training, I often managed young to middle-aged patients with heart attacks, diabetes, and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). I always wondered if I could do something to prevent people from developing these diseases which had a major impact on patients’ productivity, and quality of life and added a significant burden for the caregivers in the family. I pursued public health training and worked at a public health research institution for the past two decades to develop community-based research and intervention programs. It was the best decision of my life.

LI: What are you currently working on?

Prof. Prabhdeep: I am developing interdisciplinary research and training programs for public health at the newly established “Isaac Centre for Public Health”. The overall goal is to bridge science and engineering expertise with public health to solve complex problems.

LI: Your goal for the Longevity India Initiative?

Prof. Prabhdeep: We need locally relevant research to understand the drivers of healthy aging. I am happy to be part of the interdisciplinary team where we can connect the epidemiological data with biological data to understand the aging in Indian context. The aim is to identify modifiable behavioral and biological factors associated with healthy aging and develop relevant population-level programs and policies.

LI: List your personal health hacks (if any)

Prof. Prabhdeep: Track your steps and aim to reach 8000 per day. “what gets measured gets done”. Walk and take the stairs whenever and wherever possible. Eat fruits and nuts when hungry between meals.

For most people, it is not possible to perfectly follow a diet chart or physical activity regimen. Healthy living is about integrating healthy eating, physical activity, and adequate sleep into daily life, considering your context and priorities. In addition, building a positive attitude and strong social networks is important for overall wellness and mental health.

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Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Longevity India Initiative.

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From the Community: From decoding the space to driving innovation, meet the ISRO scientist bridging dreams and discovery

In this interview, we speak with Mr. CH. V. G. K. Bangara Raju, a distinguished professional with an illustrious career in space technology and satellite communications. From 1981 to 2015, he played a pivotal role in India's space program, contributing to TTC (Telemetry, Tracking, and Command) operations for Aryabhatta, Bhaskara, and Chandrayaan, and establishing S-Band and S/X-Band stations across India, Mauritius, Brunei, and Biak. As Deputy Project Director, he was instrumental in setting up the 32-meter Deep Space Network station for the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM). At 69, Mr. Raju continues to work with M/S.Astra Microwave. He shares insights on staying motivated post-retirement and expresses his enduring passion for his work.

LI: After having a long career at ISRO, what was your motivation to continue your career after your retirement?

Mr. Raju: After retiring from ISRO, I wanted to stay connected with technical work as long as my health and circumstances allowed. I enjoy contributing to projects, mentoring young professionals, and staying involved in the field that I am passionate about. This keeps me motivated and engaged.

LI: Do you follow any health routines to keep up with age problems, daily stresses, and stay focused at work? If so, what are those?

Mr. Raju: To stay active and focused, I keep myself engaged in meaningful activities and follow a healthy lifestyle. I incorporate simple practices like yoga and deep breathing to manage stress, and daily walks or light exercises to stay physically active. Maintaining a balanced routine supports my overall well-being and helps me stay energized. Reading the Vishnu Sahasranama every day brings me peace and clarity while spending quality time with my family strengthens my emotional well-being. Additionally, I have a few personal hacks that help me stay productive, such as starting the day with mindfulness and gratitude, organizing my tasks with simple checklists, taking short digital detoxes, and staying hydrated throughout the day. I also enjoy reading to keep my mind engaged. These small yet consistent practices help me maintain a positive outlook and a productive, balanced lifestyle.

LI: Are there any personal projects or hobbies you’re passionate about outside of your professional work?

Mr. Raju: I am passionate about growing fruit-bearing plants in our garden and enjoying the beauty of nature. Spending time nurturing plants and being outdoors helps me feel connected to the environment and brings me peace. It’s a fulfilling way to unwind and appreciate the simplicity of life.

LI: What would you advise to those who want to continue their careers after their retirement?

Keep engaged with activities that bring you personal satisfaction and happiness in your second innings. Find something you’re passionate about, whether it’s continuing in your field, pursuing hobbies, or learning something new. Staying mentally and physically active helps maintain a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Most importantly, balance work with leisure and enjoy the freedom to explore what truly makes you happy.

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Exploring Space to Understand Aging

Writer: Bhumika Garg

Space travel presents a fascinating frontier for studying human health and longevity. Astronauts who venture beyond Earth's atmosphere experience a completely unique environment like microgravity, cosmic radiation, and altered circadian rhythms—all of which have profound effects on their bodies. How does the absence of gravity affect cellular aging, muscle, and bone density, or the regeneration of tissues?

Could extended stays in space provide clues to unlocking the secrets of human longevity or accelerate the aging process? The health challenges faced by astronauts not only push the boundaries of scientific understanding but also inspire curiosity about how life could thrive in such extreme conditions.

How Does Space Travel Affect the Human Body?

Microgravity, the near absence of gravity, accelerates the aging factors, mimicking aging-related disorders like sarcopenia and cardiovascular disease. Studies show that muscle cells in microgravity experience increased fat metabolism and cell death, with changes resembling decades of aging occurring in just seven days.

Studying Markers of Aging in Space

The accelerated aging caused by microgravity allows scientists to study aging markers in a much shorter timeline. Significant research has focused on its effects on skeletal muscles, heart tissue, and the immune system.

Impaired Regeneration in Microgravity

• Muscle Degeneration:

  • Skeletal muscle samples from space show increased lipid and fatty acid metabolism and higher rates of cell death.

  • Myotubes (specific muscle cells) become shorter and thinner, resembling sarcopenia (age-related muscle wasting) typically observed at around 60 years of age on Earth, but appearing within just 7 days in microgravity.

• Therapeutic Insights:

  • Muscle samples treated with regeneration-promoting drugs showed reduced impairment.

  • Space provides a valuable platform for testing therapies to enhance muscle regeneration, offering potential treatments for traumatic muscle injuries.

Immune System Aging in Space

In space, the stress induced by microgravity can activate latent viruses, typically dormant in healthy individuals but affecting immunocompromised organisms, making them valuable models for studying accelerated immune aging. Spaceflight conditions also induce aging-related changes in immune cells derived from bones, blood vessels, and the liver, an organ known for its regenerative capabilities. These insights are critical for identifying strategies to counter immune decline and aging on Earth, offering pathways to enhance immune resilience and health span.

Cosmic Radiation: Another Space Challenge

Astronauts face cosmic radiation (high-energy charged particles from stars, including the sun), which damages DNA and accelerates aging. Research into protective technologies and DNA repair in space could benefit cancer patients and others exposed to radiation on Earth. The concept of "hibernation" as a therapy for terminally ill patients has also emerged from space-based studies, showcasing innovative directions for longevity research.

Simulating Microgravity on Earth

• Techniques:

  • By maintaining cells in constant free fall, scientists generate weightlessness on Earth.

  • Organoids (miniature versions of organs like the brain or heart) can be placed in microgravity simulators to accelerate aging by 5 to 10 years in just 24 hours.

• Applications:

  • Develop models for diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and cardiomyopathy.

  • Create immune organoids from real human tonsils to study aging and test interventions.

Why Accelerate Aging?

• Conduct long-term studies in shorter timeframes.

• Test interventions, supplements, and drugs efficiently in a high-throughput manner.

• Identify biomarkers of aging and potential rejuvenation mechanisms.

Rejuvenation Mechanisms: Hope for the Future

By studying the effects of space travel on the human body, researchers can develop therapies to combat aging and associated disorders. Space serves not only as a testing ground for biological limits but also as a catalyst for innovative treatments that may one day enhance human longevity and health on Earth.

Space travel offers a unique opportunity to study aging processes and related biological changes in a faster timeline. By exposing the human body to extreme conditions like microgravity and cosmic radiation, researchers can uncover new insights into aging and potential rejuvenation mechanisms.

Imagine a world where age is just a number—where turning 70 doesn’t mean slowing down but thriving with the vitality of your 30s. While the mythical fountain of youth remains a dream, modern science is pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Researchers are exploring the biology of aging, repurposing everyday medicines to slow its effects, boost health, and even extend life itself. Here are a few examples of how science is driving the repurposing of existing drugs for anti-aging purposes.

References: Click Here

Bhumika Garg is a student pursuing a Masters degree in Life Sciences at IISc. She can be reached at bhumikagarg@iisc.ac.in

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CRISPR-Cas Genome Editing: A Promising Tool for Aging Reversal

Writer: Suvani Rohatgi

CRISPR-Cas genome editing is revolutionizing the field of aging research by enabling precise modifications of genetic and epigenetic factors associated with cellular senescence and aging-related decline. Aging involves the accumulation of dysfunctional senescent cells that contribute to tissue degeneration and chronic diseases. CRISPR offers new avenues for extending health span and mitigating age-related disorders by addressing these processes.

Cellular senescence, a hallmark of aging, results from arrested cell division leading to inflammation and tissue damage, exacerbating conditions such as arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, and liver dysfunction. CRISPR allows researchers to target key pathways involved in senescence, including the p16INK4a-pRB and p53-p21 axes, reducing senescent cell burden and delaying stem cell aging. By modifying genetic factors, CRISPR provides insights into human aging processes and enables the development of potential rejuvenation therapies.

Targeting Senescence with CRISPR: The KAT7 Case Study

In a groundbreaking study, Wang et al. identified KAT7, a gene promoting senescence, using a CRISPR-Cas9 genome-wide screen. Disabling KAT7 in human cells rejuvenated prematurely aging cells and extended the lifespan of aging mice. CRISPR silencing of KAT7 reduced senescence markers, enhanced cell proliferation, and improved resistance to aging triggers in Werner syndrome stem cells.

In vivo, KAT7 inactivation improved liver health and extended mouse lifespans by alleviating aging-related liver damage. However, delivery limitations confined these effects to the liver, underscoring the need for advanced targeting strategies. Ongoing research will determine KAT7’s role in other tissues and evaluate long-term safety for clinical applications.

Revitalizing Stem Cells with CRISPR

As we age, genetic and epigenetic changes cause stem cells to lose their capacity to regenerate and repair tissues. Through the targeting and editing of particular genes associated with aging, CRISPR technology holds promise for reversing these age-related declines. It can also alter epigenetic markers like histone acetylation and DNA methylation to restore cellular function. CRISPR-dCas9 makes it possible to precisely modify epigenetic modifications without harming DNA. These regenerated stem cells have great potential for treating age-related conditions like heart disease osteoporosis and neurodegenerative diseases.

Extending Telomeres with CRISPR

Telomere shortening over time diminishes cell functionality and is a key factor in cellular aging. Using CRISPR to activate the TERT gene, which produces the telomerase enzyme responsible for maintaining and lengthening telomeres, offers a potential solution. By extending telomeres, CRISPR can improve cellular function and increase lifespan.

Overcoming Challenges and Ethical Dilemmas

Despite its revolutionary potential, CRISPR technology has many ethical and technical challenges. The possibility of inadvertent genetic alterations which could have detrimental effects like cancer is a major worry. To tackle this, scientists are creating more precise Cas enzymes and improving guide RNA architecture to reduce the probability of off-target effects. The difficulty of efficiently and precisely delivering CRISPR components to targeted cells is another problem. Utilizing cutting-edge techniques like lipid nanoparticles and viral vectors is essential to convert CRISPR’s promise into practical treatments. The wider societal ramifications of genetic modification, unexpected side effects, and unequal access to these cutting-edge treatments are among the worries.

Transformative Potential in Regenerative Medicine

CRISPR is transforming regenerative medicine by addressing the underlying molecular mechanisms of aging. It speeds up drug discovery, improves stem cell-based treatments for age-related disorders, and increases our capacity to model diseases. CRISPR is opening up new avenues for the treatment of age-related illnesses and thereby extending human life expectancy by facilitating targeted interventions in the aging process.

References: Click Here
Suvani Rohatgi is a student pursuing a M.tech in Bioengineering at IISc. She can be reached at suvanir@iisc.ac.in

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Meet the Scientist

In this issue, we spotlight Prof. Srimonta Gayen, Associate professor at the Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics at IISc. He leads a research lab dedicated to unraveling the epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gene activity during mammalian embryonic development. Prof. Gayen holds a Ph.D. from the University of Calcutta and completed his postdoctoral research at the Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA. His lab also explores the role of epigenetics in aging, focusing on research into the unique epigenetic signatures of the Indian population and developing strategies to promote healthy aging. We are thrilled to share his insights and impactful work with you.

LI: What led you to your career in aging research?

Prof. Srimonta: Aging is something we all experience, yet it remains an area of immense complexity and mystery.

As the global population grows older, there is an urgent need to better understand the biological, psychological, and societal aspects of aging. Personally, witnessing loved ones face the challenges of aging has been a constant source of motivation for me as a researcher exploring the molecular signatures of aging and their diversity within the Indian population.

As we age, the risk of chronic diseases like Alzheimer's, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer increases, placing a significant burden on individuals, families, and healthcare systems. Through aging research, I aim to uncover the mechanisms behind these diseases and identify potential therapies to delay, prevent, or reverse their effects. The potential to make a difference in the lives of those suffering from these conditions is what truly motivates me every day. It’s not just about studying aging — it’s about improving the quality of life for millions of people across the globe.

LI: What are you currently working on?

Prof. Srimonta: Currently, our lab is deciphering the epigenetic code of life. Our team studies the intricate mechanisms controlling gene activity during mammalian embryonic development. We focus on epigenetics, which involves DNA, RNA, and chromatin modifications that act as switches to regulate gene expression during development. We're particularly interested in:

• Understanding how environmental factors, such as climate change, can disrupt these epigenetic switches and impact early development.

• Investigating the role of epigenetics in the aging process and exploring potential strategies to slow down age-related decline.

We are conducting research on the Indian population to understand the unique epigenetic signatures of aging and explore how these insights can be used to improve human health.

LI: Your goal for the Longevity India Initiative?

Prof. Srimonta: My goal for the Longevity India Initiative is to develop a deeper understanding of epigenomic changes associated with aging within the Indian population. Currently, we are analyzing DNA methylation patterns in blood samples from individuals across different age groups to create an Indian landscape-specific epigenetic clock. This clock will provide a more accurate measure of biological age compared to chronological age. Furthermore, we will investigate other epigenetic factors, such as chromatin modifications and RNA modifications, to comprehensively understand the aging process within the Indian context. This research will enable us to identify specific epigenetic alterations associated with age-related decline and explore potential therapeutic targets to counteract these changes. Ultimately, we aim to use this knowledge to develop personalized interventions that promote healthy aging and extend lifespan within the Indian population.

LI: List your personal health hacks (if any)

Prof. Srimonta: I believe we should embrace old age and focus on leading an active, vibrant life. While I don’t strictly follow "health hacks," I’ve found some simple and effective habits that promote healthy aging and enhance quality of life.

Keeping our body active every day:

Maintaining a consistent circadian rhythm has been a priority for me, with sleep playing a vital role in repair, rejuvenation, and overall health. Despite changes in sleep patterns with age, I ensure I wake up by 6 AM and incorporate moderate-intensity exercises each morning. Whether it’s flexibility training, cricket, football, or a brisk walk/run for at least 30 minutes, staying active is my go-to strategy for aging well.

Good food – good mood:

What you eat and your lifestyle play a significant role in how well you age. Staying hydrated and choosing nutrient-dense foods like green vegetables, fruits, nuts, and healthy fats, while eliminating processed foods and excess sugar, are steps I believe promote healthy aging. Aging isn’t just about the body; it’s also about the mind, and I continuously engage my brain through constructive thinking, social interactions, and participating in scientific discussions and co-curricular activities. While I have my own health hacks tailored to my needs, I believe everyone should develop their own, as even a few small habits can have a significant impact on aging and help people embrace it gracefully while remaining active contributors to society.

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Views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of Longevity India Initiative.

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From the Community: A Journey Through Moods

In this interview, we speak with Sonali Kathuria, the visionary behind Comixplain—a platform that blends creativity and emotional expression through art. Sonali discusses her journey into art as a medium for connection and mental wellness, highlighting how it empowers individuals, including older adults, to explore their emotions in a simple yet impactful way.

LI: Why did you choose art as your career/ platform?

Sonali: I believe art has the power to connect people and, in doing so, makes the world a happier place. And who doesn’t want to spread happiness? :)

Though I don’t come from a traditional art background, it’s my favorite medium of expression because it’s creative, authentic, and emotionally fulfilling.

Initially, I made art just for myself. But now that my work is out in the open, it’s been incredible watching people interpret it in their own ways, feel different emotions, and even pause to think. That’s what my brand, Comixplain, aims to do—tickle people’s minds.

LI: Moodboard is one of your interesting creations. What was the inspiration behind the creation of Moodboard?

Sonali: The idea for the Mood Board was inspired by Spotify Wrapped’s “Audio Aura” which visually represents music moods through colors at the end of the year. It got me thinking: what if I could map my own moods in colors throughout the year?

Journaling never worked for me—I wasn’t consistent with writing, and I would get distracted and end up doodling! I wanted a simple, visual way to look back at my year, which led to the creation of the Mood Board in December 2021. I spent the next 365 days testing it on myself. I made it to be quick and easy, using just five colors & moods. By assigning each day with a color that matched my dominant emotion, I could capture my year’s journey in a single glance.

LI: How does Moodboard work and how do you think this tool could be particularly beneficial for others including older adults who may be experiencing age-related emotional changes?

Sonali: The Mood Board is designed to be simple yet insightful. It has 12 columns (one for each month), and each column contains boxes representing the days of that month. At the bottom, users label their chosen colors with corresponding moods.

Every night, take two minutes to reflect on your day, choose the color that best represents your dominant emotion, and fill in that day's box. This visual representation helps you notice trends—what makes you happy, what drains you—and take small actions to shape better days.

For older adults, this reflective practice can be especially grounding, giving them a simple way to reflect on daily feelings without the pressure of writing lengthy journal entries. Over time, it can become a visual diary of their moods, helping them recognize triggers, notice positive trends, and even share their emotional journey with caregivers or family members.

LI: What is the feedback from your Moodboard user community – are there any elderly users? If so, could you share any stories or insights about how it has impacted their lives?

Sonali: The feedback has been heart-warming, with people across age groups adopting it as part of their daily journaling routine:

• Kids enjoy using it with friends as a fun, creative activity with pen and paper.

• Adults appreciate it as a tool for self-reflection, helping them understand their emotions better and take control of their mental well-being.

• Parents have shared that they use the Mood Board with their children, turning it into a bonding activity to discuss feelings at the end of the day.

• Elderly users find it to be a gentle introduction to self-reflection. It helps them stay present and more aware of their emotions over time, without feeling overwhelmed.

LI: How do you envision Moodboard being integrated into senior living communities or care facilities to promote emotional well-being and potentially contribute to a higher quality of life for residents?

Sonali: I see the Mood Board as a daily ritual in these communities. It’s adaptable for pen and paper, making it accessible, creative, and personal.

The act of choosing and filling in a color each day helps residents reconnect with themselves. On happy days, it adds a bit of joy to look forward to, and on challenging days, it encourages them to share or seek support. Including an accountability partner or group, check-ins could turn it into a social, supportive experience. This would help build a sense of community and shared understanding.

LI: Could you share your personal experience using Moodboard and how it has impacted your life?

Sonali: Having used the Mood Board for three years, it has become a part of my routine - my emotional barometer. When I see a streak of “red” (my color for anger), it signals that something needs attention. If I notice multiple “yellow” days (my color for happiness), I get insight into elements that truly make me happy. And if “grey” (my least favorite color representing ‘bleh’) appears often, it’s a cue for me to shake up my routine.

The Mood Board isn’t just a tracker—it’s a tool that helps me reflect, maintain balance, and understand myself better. I use the insights to plan more activities that bring me joy (yellow or green days) and reduce those that contribute to anger or sadness (red or blue days).

LI: What suggestions can be offered to individuals struggling with mental and emotional instability?

Sonali: Surround yourself with people and activities that bring you peace and happiness. The Mood Board can help you identify what these things are. By logging your moods daily, you’ll begin to notice patterns—what lifts you and what drains you. Use these insights to shape your days around what nurtures you and brings you calm.

Be around art and art lovers, and there’ll be more happiness in the world :)

Download the digital template here - Mood Board 2025

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Unlocking the Secrets of Aging: How Science is Turning Back the Clock

Writers: Anusha Rastogi, Shreya Vashista

Imagine a world where age is just a number—where turning 70 doesn’t mean slowing down but thriving with the vitality of your 30s. While the mythical fountain of youth remains a dream, modern science is pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Researchers are exploring the biology of aging, repurposing everyday medicines to slow its effects, boost health, and even extend life itself. Here are a few examples of how science is driving the repurposing of existing drugs for anti-aging purposes.

Metformin: Metformin, a stalwart in the fight against type-2 diabetes, is stepping into the anti-aging spotlight. In studies on worms and mice, this unassuming pill has shown the potential to extend lifespan by reducing inflammation and rebalancing the gut microbiome to produce healthier fatty acids. Think of it as a mechanic giving your body a much-needed tune-up, fixing things up at the cellular level.

The groundbreaking Targeting Aging with Metformin (TAME) trial is investigating whether this drug can enhance age-related health in humans. If successful, metformin could become the ultimate multitasker—managing diabetes and promoting longevity, all in one tiny tablet.

Rapamycin: Rapamycin is already a lifesaver for transplant patients, preventing organ rejection. Now, it’s earning accolades for its potential to slow aging. Rapamycin works by blocking a protein called mTOR, which governs cell growth and division. By slowing down mTOR, the drug encourages cells to focus on self-repair, leading to healthier, longer-lasting cells. Studies on mice have shown promising results, and human trials are underway to explore its potential to extend healthspan. Rapamycin is a top contender in the fight against aging, with its dual role in saving lives today and preserving them for tomorrow.

Spermidine: Spermidine is a powerhouse for health and longevity. Found in foods like wheat germ and soybeans, this naturally occurring molecule boasts strong antioxidant properties. Studies on worms, flies, and mice have shown that spermidine can extend lifespan by up to 36%, promoting cellular health and reducing oxidative stress. Its natural origins and profound effects make it a promising candidate for future anti-aging therapies.

Insulin Signalling and Longevity: Blood sugar might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of aging, but it plays a surprising role in longevity. Drugs like semaglutide and liraglutide, originally developed to regulate blood sugar and aid weight loss, are now being studied for their anti-aging potential. These drugs mimic GLP-1, a hormone that not only helps control blood sugar but also curbs appetite, promoting healthier aging. Similarly, acarbose, another diabetes medication, has shown promise in stabilizing insulin levels and extending lifespan. Turns out, managing blood sugar isn’t just about avoiding diabetes—it might hold the key to living longer and better.

The Gut Microbiome: You’ve probably heard the phrase, “You are what you eat,” but did you know your gut health could be the key to feeling youthful? The gut microbiome—a diverse community of microbes—plays a vital role in overall health and the aging process. One standout member, Akkermansia muciniphila, has been shown to counteract some age-related changes in the microbiome. By focusing on gut health, you might unlock greater vitality and resilience. It may be time to make “nourishing your microbiome” an essential part of your wellness routine.

Another study is uncovering the potential of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei to improve mental and cognitive health in individuals over 50. Current clinical trials aim to evaluate its effectiveness in enhancing cognitive function and mental well-being. With age-related cognitive decline becoming increasingly common, such studies highlight probiotics as a promising, non-invasive strategy for maintaining brain health and improving quality of life in older adults.

From diabetes drugs to gut-friendly bacteria, the science of aging is unveiling solutions hidden in plain sight. These breakthroughs signal a future, where aging is no longer seen as an inevitable decline but a modifiable journey.

Despite these exciting discoveries, there’s a big hurdle: the FDA doesn’t classify aging as a disease. This regulatory stance makes it tricky to approve drugs specifically for aging. Instead, researchers often have to frame their work as treating age-related diseases. While this slows progress, the determination of scientists is unwavering. Another major hurdle is identifying safe and effective dosages for humans—insufficient doses may fail, while excessive ones risk harmful side effects. Despite these obstacles, the field of longevity medicine continues to advance, offering healthcare providers innovative tools to enhance healthspan and quality of life. By leveraging biomarkers, geroprotectors, and AI-driven personalized care, longevity medicine addresses aging as a modifiable risk factor, translating scientific breakthroughs into practical solutions for healthier, longer lives.

As the saying goes, “Age is an issue of mind over matter—if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” With science on our side, perhaps we’re inching closer to a future where aging truly doesn’t matter. So, here’s to the exciting possibilities ahead—a toast with a little resveratrol, of course!

References: Click Here

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AI in Longevity: Helping Us Live Better for Longer

Writer: Dr. Saher Mehdi

AI is reshaping our lives in ways unimaginable just a few years ago. It has transcended the boundaries of research labs to become an integral part of daily life. From personalized online shopping to digital assistants, AI is moving beyond merely identifying patterns—it is now emulating human intelligence, emotions, and problem-solving capabilities. This transformative technology is addressing challenges that would otherwise take years and the collective effort of many scientists to resolve.

AI making healthcare proactive

AI has already made significant strides in healthcare by enhancing diagnostics, enabling personalized medicine, accelerating drug discovery, and expanding telemedicine. Machine learning algorithms are facilitating early disease detection and more accurate diagnoses, while personalized medicine is customizing treatment plans based on individual genetic profiles.

Mental health care has also benefited. AI-powered chatbots and virtual therapists use natural language processing and machine learning to engage users in therapeutic conversations, alleviating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

As global populations age rapidly and chronic diseases reach epidemic proportions, longevity science is turning to AI for solutions. AI-driven tools offer unprecedented opportunities to understand, quantify, and intervene in the aging process. AI is catalyzing a paradigm shift in longevity research and applications.

Decoding Aging Biology

Aging is a highly heterogeneous and complex process influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. AI excels at analyzing multidimensional datasets, allowing researchers to uncover intricate patterns and pathways associated with aging.

Machine learning algorithms integrate and analyze large-scale biological data from genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and transcriptomics. Supervised learning models identify linear relationships between biomarkers and biological age. Deep neural networks capture non-linear patterns in high-dimensional datasets, enabling the development of multi-omic clocks. Elastic Net Regression models, often used in epigenetic clocks like the Horvath Clock, address challenges like multicollinearity and feature selection. Reinforcement learning optimizes therapeutic pathways by consolidating interventions.

Precision Longevity with AI

One of the most promising applications of AI in longevity science is the development of hyper-personalized interventions. By integrating genetic data, lifestyle factors, medical history, and diagnostics, AI can predict individual responses to interventions such as diet, exercise, and supplements. This precision ensures that recommendations are not only effective but also culturally and demographically relevant.

AI is also accelerating drug discovery for aging-related diseases. By screening compounds, identifying geroprotectors, and repurposing existing drugs, companies like BioAge Labs and Insilico Medicine are at the forefront of this revolution.

Predictive Diagnostics and Biological Age Estimation

Early detection of age-related diseases is critical for timely intervention. AI-powered diagnostic tools are transforming this space. Machine learning models analyze medical imaging and detect subtle deviations, predicting risks for conditions like Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular diseases, and osteoporosis before symptoms appear.

Advanced aging clocks—epigenetic, microbiome, transcriptome, and proteome clocks—use machine learning to estimate biological age. While epigenetic clocks are the gold standard, their clinical utility remains limited without methods to manipulate methylation at both organismal and organ levels. Advances in transcriptome and proteome clocks may redefine how we approach aging diagnostics.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

While the potential of AI in longevity is immense, challenges remain. A major hurdle is the lack of diverse datasets; most AI models are trained on Western populations, making them less effective for other ethnic groups. To ensure global applicability, researchers must prioritize data diversity.

Ethical considerations are equally critical. Issues like data privacy, algorithmic bias, and accessibility must be addressed to ensure that AI-driven longevity tools are transparent, equitable, and affordable.

The Path Forward

AI is poised to revolutionize longevity science by bridging gaps in our understanding of aging, accelerating drug discovery, and delivering personalized health solutions. However, this journey is just beginning. Collaborative efforts between researchers, technologists, and healthcare providers are essential to unlock AI’s full potential in this field.

By overcoming challenges such as data diversity and ethical concerns, AI can democratize longevity solutions, paving the way for a healthier, longer-lived society. As we stand at the cusp of this revolution, the integration of AI into longevity science promises to transform how we age, ensuring not just longer lives but healthier and more fulfilling ones.

References: Click Here

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Meet the Scientist

In this edition, we are excited to feature Dr. Shovamayee Maharana, Assistant Professor at the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology at IISc, known for her pioneering research on RNA's role in the formation, properties, and functions of cellular condensates. Dr. Shova completed her Master's degree at Banaras Hindu University, pursued her Ph.D. at NCBS, Bangalore, and further advanced her expertise through a post-doctoral fellowship at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics in Germany. We are proud to share her inspiring journey and remarkable contributions to science.

LI: What led you to your career in aging research?

Dr Shova: During my postdoctoral research, I studied the low-complexity domain proteins, which aggregate in neurodegenerative diseases like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal dementia (FTLD). Interestingly, even in purified form, these proteins tend to aggregate over time, typically within a day or two, exhibiting what we call "in vitro aging." This observation led us to question how these proteins behave inside cells, especially given that ALS and FTLD are age-related diseases. Even though in the presence of mutations, individuals typically do not develop neurodegeneration at birth but rather they show the symptoms around the age of 55 or 60. Through this exploration, we discovered cellular structures composed of these proteins, which are present in various cell types, including skin, neurons, and muscle cells and these structures appear to age as the cells age. This finding ultimately drew us into the field of aging, starting from our work on neurodegeneration.

LI: What are you currently working on?

Dr Shova: Currently, our lab focuses on studying aging in cells, particularly skin cells, as they directly experience environmental stress. Also, we are interested in neurodegeneration-related proteins that form subcellular structures to organize biochemical reactions. Our research explores how these proteins behave and aggregate with aging across different cellular models and whether anti-aging therapies or insights into cellular metabolism can reverse these effects.

LI: Your goal for the Longevity India Initiative?

Dr Shova: My goal for Longevity India is to contribute to establishing biomarkers for determining cellular aging, developing novel and sophisticated cellular organization markers as readouts for cellular health, and advancing the fundamental understanding of the mechanisms that lead to cellular senescence.

LI: List your personal health hacks.

Dr Shova: I realized the importance of health during my postdoc, shortly after having my baby, when I was on the verge of developing inflammatory bowel syndrome due to stress and an unbalanced lifestyle. This led me to make significant lifestyle changes, including daily workouts, reducing animal protein, sugar, and fat intake, and focusing on cooking healthy meals. Over six years, I’ve lost weight, feel more active and focused, and am working towards consistency in exercise and adopting a vegan lifestyle. Now, I aim for 12,000 steps of fast walking daily, focus on one body region in workouts, prioritize seven hours of sleep, and include plenty of fruits and vegetables in my diet.

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From the Community: Senior Athlete Leads the Way in Healthy Aging

Mr. P.R. Premkumar, currently a committee member in-charge of Chennai, Tamil Nadu Table Tennis Association and former Senior Manager, Indian Bank, now almost at 72 years old proves that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing your passion and achieving your goal. He has played in the TNCA league for over three decades, representing teams like Spic, Globe CC, and Indian Bank. Notably, he played a significant role in Indian Bank's success in the league and later joined UFCC (United Front Cricket Club) and MRC’A (Mylapore Recreation Club (Cricket)), even leading the latter at one point. His love for table tennis has led him to compete successfully in various national and international tournaments, including the recent World Veterans Championship held in Rome.

We had an opportunity to ask him a few questions regarding his athletic career in his retirement years, fitness schedule, and lifestyle tips. Here we present them to all our curious readers.

Longevity India: What motivated you to continue your athletic pursuits into your 70s?

Premkumar: My main motivation in childhood for playing any kind of sport was simple: to participate and have fun. To be honest, I chose sports to avoid studying and spend time with my friends.

In my early 20s, getting a government job through sports quota typically required representing the state or country, with minimal educational qualifications. That's when I started focusing on cricket, and eventually, I got an appointment with Indian Bank in Chennai. Over time, I realized the joy of playing sports—the challenge of competition, reaching new personal levels, improving skills, exploring potential, and being part of a team. In my 60s, I often thought about how to live an extraordinary life in retirement. To stay active and healthy, I started playing table tennis for three hours daily.

At 72 years old, I’ve understood the importance of exercise and nutrition for the aging population. Regular exercise helps prevent disease, lowers risk of falls, improves mental health, enhances strength, and strengthens social ties. Nutritional strategies for older athletes include eating plenty of fiber and drinking enough fluids.

Another important factor is that family members share not only their genes but also their environment and lifestyle habits, which can lead to a stronger immune system. Incidentally, my father played ball badminton in his days and represented Madras district, remained very active throughout his life.

LI: How do you maintain your fitness routine, and what does a typical day look like?

Premkumar: I start my day after 7-8 hours of sleep, followed by water, coffee, and stretches. My breakfast is healthy, with fruits, nuts, and a second cup of filter coffee. I also prepare a vegetarian meal and play table tennis for 2-3 hours daily. My exercise routine includes strength training, stretches, and occasional running. Rest and recovery are as important as exercise, helping me stay focused and fit.

My Exercise Regime:

1. Leg press: 60 LBs (2 x 20)

2. ⁠ Triceps: 50 LBs (2 x 20)

3. ⁠ Leg curls: 40 LBs (2 x 20)

4. ⁠ Leg extension: 40 LBs (2 x 20)

5. ⁠ Abdominal crunches: 30 LB (1 x 20)

6. ⁠ Band walk: 50 steps

7. ⁠ Close grip: lateral (3x10)

8. ⁠Ear press (3x10)

9. Plank in push-up position: 45 seconds

10. ⁠Farmers walk: 2 sets for 30 seconds

11. ⁠ 50 meters dash: (4x50)

LI: How do you manage stress, both in sports and in life?

Premkumar: Nobody can escape strains, and annoyances associated with daily routine activities, and they can have a negative impact on the immune system. Surely, it is a silent killer. Often, I listen to Tamil melodious songs to reduce anxiety, and change of mood, sometimes, I close my eyes and try to collect phone memories in my life.

On a given distressed or difficult day, be alone, have a cup of filter coffee, watch a good movie, and talk to your friends or family. Just breathe…

The best part is walking down the beautiful memory lane in my life with my mentor, son, and my passionate daughter.

In sports, stress can arise from various factors such as pressure to perform, facing a strong opponent, fear of injury, lack of practice, and environmental stress. To relieve this stress, engaging in physical activity stimulates endorphins, which naturally lift your mood. Changing your mindset, talking with a trusted adult, returning to the basics, and maintaining a normal routine are effective ways to manage stress and stay balanced.

LI: How do social interactions and community support impact your overall well-being?

Premkumar: Social interactions and community support are vital in reducing stress and preventing isolation. Engaging with others fosters empathy, communication, and valuable life skills. These connections provide a sense of purpose, making life more fulfilling and helping me stay motivated.

LI: What role does mental health play in your fitness journey, and how do you prioritize it?

Premkumar: Mental health is just as important as physical health. I maintain strong relationships with family and friends, stick to a routine, and stay engaged with sports. National and international events help me stay mentally tough, adaptable, and focused. Challenging situations enhance my mental resilience, helping me push through physical and mental barriers.

LI: How has being an athlete influenced your perspective on aging and longevity?

Premkumar: My style: Lifestyle plays a pivotal role in human longevity, such as diet, psychosocial health, etc.

Physical activity can contribute to a significant reduction in the risk of developing age-associated diseases. Changing the latter half of life say 40 years trajectory can improve strength and power with an appropriate training regimen, doing relatively small doses of activity.

LI: What advice would you give others who want to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle?

Premkumar: Firstly, I go for a positive mental attitude that sees the good and accomplishments in life, rather than the negatives and failures.

Different parts of our body and brain, age at different rates, so it is very difficult to say what the peak age might be. The first phase of life is dominated by growth, while declines are more apparent in the second half.

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The Epigenetic Clock: A Revolutionary Tool for Measuring Biological Age and Healthspan

Writers: Bhumika Garg, Shreya Vashista, Suvani Rohatgi

An epigenetic clock is a fascinating algorithmic tool that estimates biological age by analyzing DNA modification patterns—specifically methylation—which changes as we age. Think of DNA methylation as a molecular switch that controls gene activity without altering the genetic code itself. While chronological age simply counts the years you've lived, biological age reveals how your cells and tissues are actually aging, influenced by your lifestyle, environment, and genetics.

The gap between your biological and chronological age is called epigenetic age acceleration—a crucial biomarker for understanding how epigenetic aging relates to various health conditions, including frailty, cancer, lung function, and both physical and cognitive fitness. When your biological age outpaces your chronological age (positive epigenetic age acceleration), it often signals health concerns. Research has linked this accelerated aging to increased body mass index (BMI), obesity, sedentary lifestyle, fat-rich diets, alcohol consumption, and smoking.

The epigenetic clock represents a breakthrough in our quest to understand aging, predict disease risk, and develop personalized longevity strategies.

As we age, our DNA methylation patterns undergo distinct changes: they decrease globally while simultaneously showing localized increases at specific sites. This shift may disrupt gene regulation and contribute to aging. Intriguingly, DNA methylation is reversible, opening up exciting possibilities for anti-aging interventions and longevity enhancement.

Types of Epigenetic Clocks:

First-generation clocks, such as the Horvath and Hannum clocks, measure methylation at various sites and predict chronological age with remarkable accuracy, though they're limited by tissue specificity and adult-focused data. Second-generation clocks take this further by incorporating clinical biomarkers; the PhenoAge clock predicts aging-related outcomes like mortality and disease, while the GrimAge clock uses plasma proteins and smoking data to provide more accurate lifespan and mortality risk predictions. Third-generation clocks, like the DunedinPACE clock revolutionize the field by measuring the rate of aging itself, tracking changes over time, and showing how slower aging correlates with better physical and cognitive health.

Epigenetic Clocks and Diseases:

Epigenetic changes play a pivotal role in complex and chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative conditions. A striking example comes from Horvath's research, which found that every 10-unit increase in BMI aged liver tissue by an additional 3.3 years. In type 2 diabetes, chronic high glucose levels trigger epigenetic changes that alter gene expression, accelerating disease progression. Research has also revealed that better cardiovascular health scores—which consider lifestyle and clinical markers—correlate with slower epigenetic aging and reduced cardiovascular disease risk, highlighting how lifestyle choices can influence longevity through epigenetic regulation.

The power of epigenetic clocks lies in their potential for early disease detection, identification of aging biomarkers, treatment monitoring, and understanding of disease mechanisms.

The Future of the Epigenetic Clock in Medicine:

Epigenetic clocks offer unprecedented insights into how external factors influence aging and disease risk. By revealing the gap between biological and chronological age, they help us understand how lifestyle factors impact our aging process. As these tools evolve through different generations, they provide increasingly sophisticated predictions for age-related outcomes and disease risk. Their promise extends beyond mere measurement—they're poised to revolutionize how we predict, prevent, and treat age-related diseases, steering medicine toward a more personalized and preventative approach.

References: Click Here

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Digital Health Landscape in India: Transforming Elderly Care

Writer: Ruchismita Deb

India stands at a critical juncture in elderly healthcare, with our senior population projected to reach 347 million by 2050. Digital health technologies are emerging as powerful tools to meet this growing challenge, integrating telemedicine, mobile apps, electronic health records, and AI-driven solutions to revolutionize healthcare delivery.

Telemedicine: Breaking Barriers in Healthcare

Under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, telemedicine has become a cornerstone of digital healthcare transformation. Through video consultations and mobile apps, it's bridging crucial gaps in elderly care:

• Enabling remote diagnosis and treatment for rural seniors

• Providing specialized care through tele-ICU, teleophthalmology, and telepsychiatry

• Supporting chronic condition management like diabetes and hypertension

• Offering mental health services without stigma or travel burden

AI and Remote Monitoring: The Future of Care

Modern healthcare is being revolutionized by:

• AI-driven systems for medication management and fall detection

• Predictive healthcare using data from wearables and health records

• Smart home systems for independent living

• Continuous vital sign monitoring through Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

Image Credit: Aninda Biswas

Government Initiatives Leading the Way

India has launched several pioneering programs:

1. National Digital Health Mission (NDHM)

   • Unique health ID for every citizen

   • Integrated electronic health records

   • Enhanced telemedicine services

2. SAGE Initiative

   • Promotes aged-care products and services

   • Focuses on improving seniors' quality of life

3. E-Sanjeevani

   • India's first online outpatient platform

   • Connected to Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centres

4. Digilockers

   • Secure storage for medical records

   • Easy document management for seniors

5. National Program for Healthcare for the Elderly

   • Specialized healthcare at various levels

   • Comprehensive outreach services

While challenges like limited internet access and digital literacy remain, India's digital health transformation shows promising potential for creating an inclusive and accessible healthcare system for our aging population. The integration of technology with healthcare is not just improving service delivery—it's paving the way for a healthier, more connected future for India's seniors.

References: Click Here

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Meet the Scientist

In this edition, we are excited to highlight Dr. Annapoorni Rangarajan whose pioneering work has left a profound mark in the field of cancer stem cells. Dr. Anu completed her Masters in Biochemistry at Nagpur University, and earned her Ph.D. from NCBS, Bangalore, after which she went on to complete her post-doctoral fellowship at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, MIT, USA. We are proud to feature her achievements and offer a glimpse into her incredible journey and current endeavors.

⁠Longevity India: What led you to your career in aging research? 

Dr. Anu: In my laboratory, we focus on cancer and stem cell biology, both of which are closely related to aging. It was a natural transition indeed! Our work on breast cancer and stem cell biology has led us to uncover AMP-activate protein kinase (AMPK), our lab's favorite molecule, which is activated when cells are matrix-detached. AMPK is also a central regulator of metabolism and could thus be a nexus between healthy aging and cancer.

LI: What are you currently working on? 

Dr. Anu: Metabolic homeostasis and stress control are critical for improved health and lifespan. AMPK serves as a central energy regulator that controls cellular metabolism by activating catabolism, including autophagy. Evidence indicates that AMPK activation promotes longevity. However, recent work from our laboratory has uncovered pro-tumorigenic functions of AMPK by aiding metastasis. Therefore, it is important to distinguish the specific molecular mechanisms downstream of AMPK activation that contribute to longevity from those that facilitate tumor spread.

LI: Your goal for the Longevity India Initiative?

Dr. Anu: I am interested in exploring how normal stem cells influence both cancer development and the aging process. We propose to study the metabolic and molecular consequences of AMPK activation, its various isoforms, and signaling integration with exercise, yoga, traditional practices such as ‘Upawaas’ (fasting), and inflammation.

LI: What are your personal health hacks?

Dr. Anu: Group exercise (Aerobics and Yoga) is my preference. I find it difficult to do all of this on my own...as I tend to lose my motivation or get distracted! However, being in a group surrounded by others who are much younger than me works wonders…

I also like meditating, but I often find myself thinking of a monkey way too quickly!

I remind myself to take it slow and tell myself, "This (bad moment) too shall pass,"… deep breathing. Staying positive through all situations is the only key!!

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For more information or contributions that would benefit you and the Longevity India initiative, please write to longevity@iisc.ac.in