Kongress in Frankfurt: Longevity-Trend: Kann man Altern aufhalten?

In Frankfurt, a discussion unfolded about the trend of longevity, which aims to delay aging biologically. Prof. Michael Denkinger, president of the German Society for Geriatrics, opposes this notion, stating that aging is not a disease. While age-related diseases exist, pathologizing aging itself could be harmful to society, he argues.

Denkinger, a director at a geriatric clinic and leader of the Institute for Geriatric Research at Ulm University Medical Center, criticizes the Longevity movement, which seeks a long and healthy life, and its influence by influencers and industries promoting strategies and products like peptides to rejuvenate tissue. However, he emphasizes that there is no evidence to support these claims; most findings come from animal studies, and no product has proven to extend human life.

Despite this, Denkinger believes that focusing on living longer and healthier lives is not to be dismissed. The key to achieving this lies in proven strategies such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, abstaining from smoking and excessive drinking, undergoing preventive examinations, and maintaining social connections. From September 23rd to 26th, around 1,000 geriatricians and gerontologists will gather in Frankfurt, Germany, to discuss current challenges related to aging and longevity.

The conference will cover topics such as innovative Alzheimer's treatments, the impact of climate change on elderly individuals, new technologies in care, and concepts for independent living. The debate on whether aging is a disease will take place on Saturday.