United Tribes - WHY DO WE AGE? The biology starts inside our cells. Aging involves many connected changes. DNA damage accumulates. Mitochondria, the cell's energy-producing structures, can become less efficient. Protein quality control (proteostasis) and cellular recycling (autophagy) can weaken. These are some of aging's interconnected hallmarks. One important process is cellular senescence. Stressed or damaged cells stop dividing but remain alive and active. You may hear them called "zombie cells." Senescence can help protect us by limiting the multiplication of damaged cells and supporting wound repair. But when senescent cells accumulate, their secreted signals can promote chronic inflammation and disrupt nearby tissue. Scientists call this collection of secreted factors the senescence-associated secretory phenotype, or SASP. Researchers are studying treatments that target harmful senescent cells, including senolytics. Human benefits and risks are still being tested. Removing useful senescent cells could cause harm, and rejuvenation claims go beyond what these findings establish. Watch for the physiology behind aging. Dr. Kamy DrKamy.com Educational information, not individual medical advice. Cell imagery is a conceptual illustration. <span class="feed-hashtag" data-hashtag="DrKamy">#DrKamy</span> <span class="feed-hashtag" data-hashtag="Longevity">#Longevity</span> <span class="feed-hashtag" data-hashtag="HealthyAging">#HealthyAging</span> <span class="feed-hashtag" data-hashtag="AgingScience">#AgingScience</span> <span class="feed-hashtag" data-hashtag="CellularSenescence">#CellularSenescence</span> <span class="feed-hashtag" data-hashtag="ZombieCells">#ZombieCells</span> <span class="feed-hashtag" data-hashtag="Geroscience">#Geroscience</span> <span class="feed-hashtag" data-hashtag="CellBiology">#CellBiology</span>