Presumably, telomere length can be increased in two ways: by increasing the activity of the telomerase enzyme or by changing one’s lifestyle towards a healthier one.

There are no “magic” telomerase-based drugs that could restore telomeres yet. Nevertheless, scientists are researching the problem. For example, experiments were conducted in which they managed to increase telomere length by 10%. To do this they used a preparation based on modified ribonucleic acid (RNA) – it was altered so that it encoded one of the most important active components of telomerase.

It is important to understand that these experiments were conducted on cell cultures – that is, on individual cells, under laboratory conditions. So far, according to scientists, these successes may help them obtain more biological material (i.e., cells) for medical experiments, but not to prolong life.

There are also studies claiming that a healthy lifestyle can have a positive effect on telomere length. Lengthening them helps:

● a diet rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates (such as a Mediterranean diet);
moderate physical activity (e.g., light walking for half an hour six days a week);
Exercise to reduce stress (meditation, breathing practices, yoga).

According to studies, this lifestyle also increases telomere length by about 10%.

After age 60, a person’s risk of dying doubles every 8 years (that is, a 68-year-old person has twice the risk of dying within a year compared to a 60-year-old). And this difference is only 4% due to telomere length. Many other factors are responsible for the rest: chronological age, sex, oxidative stress, and glycation.

Glycation is a reaction in which carbohydrates bind to our proteins, rendering them unable to do their jobs. The problem gets worse as one gets older. This, in turn, disrupts body tissues and leads to disease.

Although telomere length is not a decisive factor in longevity, preserving telomere length can add several years to longevity. And so far, the safest tool for this is a change in lifestyle towards a healthier one: eating right, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and regular physical activity.