Scientists have taken an important step in understanding the ageing process. They are using a mathematical formula, known as the Gompertz law, to describe how the risk of death increases as people grow older. This law helps to better understand patterns in mortality and health among older people.
In the study, two important factors, named α and β, have been examined in more detail. These factors provide insight into how long someone lives in good health and how long someone deals with health problems. Factor α is related to the healthy years early in life and factor β to the time in poorer health closer to the end of life.
The study was conducted using experiments on nematode worms, an organism frequently used to study biological processes. These models help scientists to better understand how certain treatments can slow down the ageing process and improve health.
For people who want to age healthily, this knowledge offers a lot of hope. By better understanding how different aspects of ageing work together, future treatments can be developed in a targeted way not only to live longer, but also healthier.
Source: Reason
