Age Management

Aging — it’s a natural part of life that none of us can avoid. Even as you read this, the clock is ticking. With each passing second, we all grow a little older, but that doesn’t mean that we have to look, feel, or even act older. Recent advancements in age management medicine now enable physicians to assist patients in managing the aging process more effectively. But what does this really mean? 

When you think of aging, you probably think of the drooping skin or gray hairs you see in the mirror, but these aren’t the only things to consider. In fact, physical signs of aging are just one small piece of the puzzle. When exploring treatments, you’ll want to consult with a qualified age management physician to discuss what changes you’re experiencing and what you’d like to address.

At thriveMD, we focus on improving health through science-based age management medicine. Continue reading to learn more about what we do and what “age management” really means. 

Age isn’t just about the number of years you’ve lived; it’s about the condition of your mind and body. This distinction is made through various biomarkers that differentiate chronological age (years lived) from biological age (how well your mind and body function). As you’ve probably noticed, chronological age doesn’t always align with physical and mental well-being.

For example, a person whose chronological age is 60 may have the same physical and mental capacity as someone whose chronological age is 30. For this reason, we must evaluate specific biometrics and advanced age measurements to track a patient’s biological age.

A biomarker is a measurable indicator in the body that provides evidence about the health, longevity, and functional capacity of a bodily part or process. Some well-known biomarkers include metabolism and hormonal balance, but these are just the tip of the iceberg. While these biomarkers are a great starting point for researchers and physicians, in recent years many different tests have been developed for measuring biological age, such as:

• Oxidative Stress: When free radicals outnumber antioxidant defenses, the body experiences oxidative stress. Not only does this increase the risk of diseases like cancer, but it also increases common signs of aging like gray hair, wrinkles, and reduced energy levels. Measuring oxidative stress is one important way to determine biological age.  
• GlycanAge: This measures the health of your IgG glycome which is proving to be one of the most accurate ways to measure biologic age.
• DNA Methylation: The transfer of methyl groups in DNA is another major biomarker used to determine biological aging. As you age, DNA methylation tends to decrease, so this biomarker often aligns more closely with chronological age. It is also the basis of the epigenetic clock, one of the most common ways of measuring biological age.

• Telomere Length: Telomeres are DNA sequences that protect the ends of chromosomes from degradation. As cells divide, telomeres become shorter. Measuring the length of telomeres provides insight into the biological age of cells. This test is falling out of fashion as better testing has become available
• Physical Capabilities: There are more common tests that can also determine your biological age using more rudimentary methods. For example, we can test the strength of your grip, your gait speed, and your balance when moving (just to name a few). These are reflections of your biological age and are often the result of changes at the cellular level.  
• Cognitive Capacity: Cognitive tests can also help determine your biological age by examining your ability to solve problems, recall memories, and communicate. However, like physical capabilities, cognitive tests are not always perfectly accurate, as they could be affected by preexisting conditions that may unfairly skew the results.

At thriveMD, we continue to follow the most up to date literature on testing and utilize the most accurate validated current biomarkers for this purpose. Ultimately, we want to help improve health and longevity, and this process looks different for each person. As a result, we may focus on specific methods when devising an age management plan for each patient. 

The contemporary study of gerontology has helped doctors and researchers compile their findings on the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging. Today, the focus has shifted away from remedial medicine to preventative measures aimed at reducing age-related decline. The ability to study cell development and even individual strands of DNA has also greatly expanded our understanding of the aging process and how it can be redirected using modern age management medicine. 

Thanks to modern advances in longevity care, age management goes far beyond conventional care. It provides proactive methods to improve health. This requires extensive health, cognitive, and lifestyle evaluations, along with advanced diagnostics. With this data, age management doctors can customize transformative health programs and care plans to meet the needs of each patient.

There are too many age management approaches to name here, and not all are well-suited for everyone. The best age management medicine or treatment plan will depend on your specific needs, biological age, and age-related goals. With that in mind, here are some common age management treatments you may encounter:

• Hormone Therapy: Hormone replacement therapy (estrogen, testosterone and many others) is a common treatment option, particularly for adults over the age of 50. This can help counteract declining hormone production that naturally occurs with age. Growth hormone therapy might also be used to rebuild muscle mass and improve bone density. 
• Supplements: Supplements may also be beneficial to aid in age management.
• Lifestyle Changes: Once again, medical age management is only effective if the patient is willing to make changes and strive to enjoy life to the fullest. Some of the most common lifestyle changes recommended by our physicians include improved sleep habits, dietary changes, and adequate exercise. 
• Regenerative Medicine: Stem cell and PRP therapy are two forms of regenerative medicine that can counter some of the cellular changes caused by aging. This can include replacing aging tissue, rebuilding bone marrow, and increasing blood platelets that accelerate tissue healing.