Modifiable Factors Influencing Telomere Length and Aging

Aging is inevitably connected with telomere shortening in somatic cells, mainly because telomeres shorten by each cell division, but also as both aging and telomere attrition are driven by the cumulative burden of inflammation, oxidative stress, ultraviolet irradiation, and DNA damage. The intriguing question whether and to what extent the telomere–aging relationship may be causal is still unresolved. Like aging and longevity, telomere length is affected by both endogenous and environmental factors, the former being non-modifiable and the latter modifiable. Because longevity combined with maximal health is an ideal ambition for mankind, favorably modifiable factors influencing aging and telomere length are of particular interest. Not surprisingly, such factors are related to healthy lifestyle and, to a lesser extent, to some drugs. In contrast, unhealthy lifestyle is well recognized to be associated with shortened lifespan and telomeres, and to an increased incidence of age related diseases.