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Aging better isn’t just about adding more years. Tech to reduce chronic disease is just as important
The episode highlights mRNA vaccines, CRISPR and lifestyle prevention, with an early pancreatic cancer vaccine trial showing seven of eight patients responded.
Journalist Kara Swisher investigates methods for healthy longevity in her series, "Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever," which premiered Saturday, May 2, examining medical advancements against chronic disease.
About 6 in 10 young adults in the United States report chronic conditions, rising to 9 in 10 by older adulthood; heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer drive major mortality and disability.
Jilian Melamed of the University of Pennsylvania noted mRNA vaccines for HIV and cancer are entering clinical trials, while Jennifer Doudna is exploring CRISPR technology to prevent Alzheimer.
Lifestyle modifications around exercise, diet, sleep, and social connectivity represent the most effective preventive measures available now, according to Nir Barzilai of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
The United States currently operates as a "sick care industry," Swisher noted, waiting until people become ill rather than supporting proactive nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress removal.
It is attractive to imagine bionic humans who have deciphered the code to stop aging. But, perhaps less glamorous and much more important for longevity, it is to address chronic diseases.