Professor Deepak Saini, head of the newly launched Longevity India Initiative, likens the human body to a vehicle in a sense. “Certain lifestyle choices can influence how our bodies age and deteriorate, just like when you close a car door the hinge weakens over time,” Dr. Saini says. told The Indian Express.
The focus is on highlighting the unique aspects of the Indian people and finding ways to keep individuals healthy and active as they age. Therefore, this clinical study will assess human immunity, biological and functional changes as well as identify organ-specific signs of aging in the Indian population.
In the first stage, various biological materials, such as blood and stool, are collected from healthy people, and a detailed questionnaire about their lifestyle and medical history is taken. At least 2,000 people in the age group of 19 to over 100 years will be recruited for this campaign. Research planned by Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore. Initial data sampling will take at least two years to process. There will be five different age groups and the project will initially partner with Banglaore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) and MS Ramaiah Medical College.
People with chronic illnesses, a history of surgery, or recent infections will not be included in the study. The second half has comparative data with groups of individuals suffering from different types of disorders. “The main goal of our research is to identify biological markers of healthy aging and counteract age-related decline,” Dr. Saini said.
“Then we can predict which organs in the body are the weakest,” Dr. Saini added, adding that this large-scale study is designed to extend healthspans and promote longevity. he emphasized. “The aim is to study aging through a scientific and technological lens and discover interventions that can prevent age-related diseases,” he said.
Researchers from multiple departments at IISc, clinicians, industry, philanthropists, and civil society will participate in this study. The effort received initial funding from Accel India founding partner Prashant Prakash, and researchers say it is an ambitious project.
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Date first uploaded: April 24, 2024 19:35 IST