Most of us would like to hang around on the planet for as long as possible, and thankfully, lifespans in many countries are increasing. Scientists are also developing a new field known as longevity medicine, which aims to help people stay healthier for longer as they age.
But according to an international group of researchers, interventions should happen much earlier, perhaps even before birth. In a correspondence published in the journal Nature Health, they propose a new global consortium called PROSPER (Pregestational and Pediatric Research for Optimal Healthspan and Early-life Resilience). Instead of treating aging in middle age, their idea is to better understand, measure and eventually help improve the way our bodies age.
The scientists argue that our future health isn't a blank slate at birth. External factors such as maternal and paternal health, nutrition, sleep and early-life experiences leave lasting impressions on our biology. Instead of looking at early life as just a time of growth, the authors see it as a critical window to build up the body's baseline resilience, helping us stay healthier later in life.
So what exactly are they suggesting?
Their proposal is not about any specific treatments or interventions. Rather, it's about building the scientific and research infrastructure needed for future discoveries.
