Every December, I like to take a few moments to reflect on all that’s transpired in the past 12 months, not only on a personal level but also on a scientific one. 2024 has been, in many respects, a watershed year, especially when it comes to advances in the longevity field. And while we may not have unlocked the secret to eternal youth yet (we’ll leave that to the Twilight crew), just about every day brings new insights and research about how to live longer, with health and vitality to spare, ideally, right up until our last breath. For this end-of-the-year review I want to share some of the most interesting reporting on anti-aging and longevity, a quick inside look this world of discovery to inspire your own journey:

1. GLP-1’s promise as an anti-aging and longevity juggernaut for brain and body.

The GLP-1 hormone plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels, but its impact extends far beyond that into overall health and aging. It may have neuroprotective effects to help keep your brain young. The new medications that mimic the natural hormone have dramatically improved the treatment of both diabetes and obesity. What’s more, GLP-1 has shown promise for its potential to boost cardiovascular health and reduce cellular aging. In short, utilizing GLP-1 may be the linchpin we need to help us slow the biological clock and promote a longer, healthier life. To learn more, check out:

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Unlocking longevity with GLP-1: A key to turn back the clock?

2. The surprising, disease-stopping benefits of GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Mounjaro.

Prescription meds such as Ozempic and Mounjaro have, almost overnight, revolutionized the way obesity and diabetes are treated around the globe. But for researchers, what’s becoming even more intriguing about these meds is their potential to ameliorate very different conditions, such as addiction and sleep apnea, and possibly even cancer. To learn more, check out NPR’s article:

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Weight-loss drugs like Wegovy may help stave off some cancers.

3. New research reveals the anti-aging potential of the classic diabetes-fighter Metformin.

In a recent study, researchers investigated the effects of metformin – a medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes – on cynomolgus monkeys. The study found that metformin has the potential to slow down aging in multiple organs, including the brain. Over a period of three and a half years, the monkeys who received metformin exhibited a reduction in age-related decline, with some showing a six-year regression in certain aging indicators. To learn more, check out:

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Metformin Slows Aging in Non-Human Primates.

4. Rapamycin, a treatment for cancer, shows early promise as a potential anti-aging drug.

Rapamycin, a drug commonly used in cancer treatment and transplant care, has shown promising results in extending the lifespan and health span of laboratory animals, which, down the road, may produce anti-aging breakthroughs in human trials. To learn more, check out:

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Unlocking the Secrets of Youth: How Rapamycin Could Redefine Aging.

5. Viagra’s other effect may include dementia prevention.

A new study reveals that sildenafil (Viagra) enhances brain blood flow and improves blood vessel function in patients at risk of vascular dementia. The team found that sildenafil increased blood flow in both the brain’s small and large vessels, potentially preventing dementia. These findings highlight the need for larger-scale trials to confirm its effectiveness. To learn more, check out:

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Viagra Shows Promise in Boosting Brain Blood Flow for Dementia Prevention.

6. Turns out, hormones for menopause are safe, a study finds. What changed?

A recent study published in the medical journal JAMA concluded that the benefits of hormone therapy for treating menopause symptoms are greater than the associated risks. The study's findings are based on a comprehensive analysis of two decades of follow-up data gathered from thousands of women who were undergoing hormone replacement therapy. To learn more, check out:

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Hormones for menopause are safe, study finds.

7. Low testosterone in men is a potential life shortener.

A recent study has discovered a correlation between low testosterone levels in men and an increased risk of mortality. Men with very low levels of testosterone are found to have a heightened susceptibility to dying from cardiovascular disease (CVD). This association may be attributed to the fact that low testosterone is linked to specific risk factors for cardiovascular disease. To learn more, check out:

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Low Testosterone in Men Linked with Higher Risk of Death.

8. Infrared therapy: An essential tool for your longevity and wellness toolbox.

Infrared therapy has been found to be a highly effective tool for enhancing wellness and longevity. Using infrared light to penetrate deep into the body’s tissues, this non-invasive therapy has been scientifically shown to support cellular regeneration, help tame inflammation and speed healing processes. To learn more, check out:

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Infrared Therapy: A new frontier in longevity and wellness.

9. Treating brains with low-level light therapy to heal and protect.

Low-level light therapy has been found to aid in the healing of the brain in patients with moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). In one recent study, researchers used a helmet emitting near-infrared light and found increased connectivity in the synapses of the brain, within two weeks of treatment, suggesting light therapy’s potential for treating various neurological conditions as well as for Alzheimer's prevention. To learn more, check out:

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Low-level light therapy aids brain healing in patients with moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI).

10. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy will boost your heart function.

A recent study has shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy has the potential to greatly improve physical performance and cardiac function. The study's findings revealed significant enhancements according to a variety of performance and cardiac measures. These findings suggest that hyperbaric oxygen therapy could be an effective and valuable treatment for combating age-related physical decline. To learn more, check out:

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Study strengthens evidence for HBOT's role in combating aging.

11. The path to a better ‘healthspan’ may begin with plasma exchange therapy.

Plasma exchange therapy, most often used to treat autoimmune and blood disorders, is gaining traction as a way to possibly remove toxins from blood plasma and in turn, enhance longevity. Early studies point to a correlation between plasma exchange and reversed biological age, making it a promising (though currently very expensive) potential anti-aging treatment. To learn more, check out: 

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New Longevity Treatment Trend: Aging Athletes and CEOs Use Plasma Exchange‍

12. Fighting multiple aging hallmarks with multiple therapies.

A group of researchers recently published a review of the current state of combination therapies that address multiple Hallmarks of Aging, and came to the conclusion that certain therapy combinations induced a greater lifespan extension than single treatments. To learn more, check out:

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Combining Treatments Against Multiple Hallmarks of Aging

13. Vitamin D may be the one to turn back the aging clock.

Vitamin D, is widely recognized for its important role in keeping our bones strong and immune systems healthy. A recent published review indicated that this essential nutrient may have even more to offer due to its ability to influence the 'hallmarks of aging,' the pivotal biological processes that contribute to age-related decline and disease. To learn more, check out: 

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The Fountain of Youth: Can vitamin D turn back the clock on aging?‍

14. Physical activity + Vitamin D = a recipe for slower aging.

A recent study has shown that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with a lower risk of biological aging. When higher D levels are combined with physical activity, preferably outdoors, protective effects are further enhanced, particularly in middle-aged or young adults. To learn more, check out:

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Synergistic impact of Vitamin D concentrations and physical activity on delaying aging.