Researchers at the Buck Institute are focusing on extending the so-called ‘healthspan’, the period during which people remain healthy and vital. Instead of waiting for diseases to develop, they want to use artificial intelligence (AI) to predict and prevent diseases at an early stage. This means a shift from medicine that reacts to disease to an approach focused on prevention and wellbeing.
The use of AI and advanced data analysis is currently growing at lightning speed. The researchers are making use of these rapid developments to analyse large amounts of data about the human body. This includes looking at various physical characteristics and how they change as we age. In addition, they also take lifestyle habits and environmental factors into account.
By combining all this information, they hope to gain new insights into the ageing process and to prevent diseases before they develop. Furthermore, the team is working on new treatments that are first thoroughly tested using computer simulations and only later applied to humans. In that way, they can develop innovative and effective therapies more quickly.
This approach helps to transform our healthcare system from a focus on illness to a focus on health. This is important for people who want to age healthily, as it means more years without health problems. The insights and technologies that emerge from this can contribute to a longer and better life.
Source: Buck Institute
