The Hallmarks of Ageing: What We Are Actually Fighting
Ageing is not a single process. It is the accumulated result of twelve interconnected biological mechanisms — the Hallmarks of Ageing, first described by López-Otín et al. in Cell in 2013 and updated in 2023 to include three additional hallmarks. Understanding these hallmarks is the foundation of advanced longevity medicine, because it transforms the question from 'how do I feel better?' to 'which specific biological mechanisms are I targeting, and how?'
The hallmarks include: genomic instability (DNA damage accumulation), telomere attrition (shortening of chromosomal caps), epigenetic alterations (changes in gene expression patterns), loss of proteostasis (protein quality control failure), disabled macroautophagy (cellular clean-up system decline), deregulated nutrient sensing (mTOR, AMPK, sirtuins), mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence (zombie cell accumulation), stem cell exhaustion, altered intercellular communication, chronic inflammation (inflammageing), and dysbiosis (microbiome disruption).
Each of these hallmarks is measurable, and each is addressable through targeted interventions. This is the framework that SEVYN's advanced longevity protocols are built upon.
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Explore mechanisms, readiness, safety, cycling, and cellular signalling strategy.
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Protocols
- ◆Zone 2 cardio 150+ minutes per week (the single most evidence-backed longevity intervention)
- ◆Resistance training 3–4x per week
- ◆7–9 hours quality sleep
- ◆Whole food, protein-sufficient diet (1.6–2.2g/kg)
- ◆Stress management and HRV optimisation
- ◆No smoking; minimal alcohol
- ◆NMN 500–1000mg or NR 300–600mg daily (NAD+ precursor)
- ◆Spermidine 1–5mg daily (autophagy inducer)
- ◆Berberine 500mg 2–3x daily with meals (AMPK activator)
- ◆Creatine monohydrate 5g daily
- ◆Omega-3 2–3g EPA+DHA daily
- ◆Rapamycin (low-dose intermittent) — emerging evidence, requires clinical oversight
- ◆Epigenetic age testing (TruAge, Elysium Index, or equivalent) for baseline and tracking
- ◆Peptide protocols tailored to specific goals (BPC-157, Epithalon, Ipamorelin/CJC-1295)
- ◆Senolytic protocol (Dasatinib + Quercetin, 2-day pulse quarterly) under medical supervision
- ◆HBOT (60-session protocol at 2 ATA) for telomere and senescent cell effects
- ◆Red light therapy (660nm + 850nm) for mitochondrial and skin benefits
- ◆Comprehensive biological age panel annually to track intervention efficacy
Key Biomarkers
- ●Biological age (epigenetic clock — Horvath, DunedinPACE, GrimAge)
- ●Telomere length (via TruDiagnostic or equivalent)
- ●p16INK4a expression (senescent cell burden marker)
- ●NAD+ levels (intracellular)
- ●IGF-1 (growth hormone axis)
- ●hs-CRP (systemic inflammation)
- ●Comprehensive metabolic panel
- ●Annual DEXA for body composition tracking
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