Longevity medicine is a new, science-backed approach to staying stronger, sharper, and healthier as you age. It’s not just about living longer, it’s about feeling your best along the way. Scientists and physicians are investigating how cellular defects, inflammation, and lifestyle factors contribute to aging and exploring potential strategies to mitigate their impact.

As a Devine Concierge Medicine physician and co-founder, Dr. Michael Devine explains, “The most exciting thing happening in the longevity space right now is this idea that seems almost kind of sci-fi — that aging doesn’t have to happen. In fact, they’re starting to look at aging as a disease process that we could potentially treat, maybe even reverse, potentially even cure.” It’s a bold new way of thinking — one that challenges the assumption that aging is inevitable and opens the door to therapies that could radically reshape how we age, and how long we stay well.

This shift in perspective is opening doors to therapies that target the fundamental drivers of aging itself. From targeting "zombie cells" and boosting cellular energy to simple daily practices that strengthen the body's defenses, longevity medicine blends cutting-edge science with practical, proven strategies. We'll break down what's possible today in longevity medicine, what's on the horizon in longevity science, and what steps you can take to protect your health for the future.

Targeting the Core Drivers of Aging

Longevity science is increasingly focused on how aging starts at the cellular level. While many factors contribute to aging, researchers are exploring three interconnected areas that play a significant role: cellular repair, energy production, and the role of NAD+. Understanding and supporting these mechanisms could help slow the aging process and improve overall vitality. It’s a shift that’s transforming how we think about aging, not as something inevitable, but as something we may be able to influence.

Cellular Repair

A key factor in aging is cellular damage. Dr. Mike highlights the importance of this process, saying, “DNA damage accumulates with time, and our body's ability to repair it declines. That’s one of the key processes we’re looking at when we talk about slowing aging.”

As we age, our cells accumulate damage. This includes damage to the DNA within cells during the normal process of replication. Over time, the body becomes less efficient at correcting these errors, which can contribute to the development of age-related diseases and a decline in function. Supporting cellular repair mechanisms is crucial for maintaining resilience and overall health over time, a focus of ongoing research in the biology of aging. The more we can help our cells repair themselves, the better our chances are of staying healthier, longer.

Emerging approaches such as NAD+ boosters, time-restricted eating, and compounds that help clear out damaged cells are being studied for how they support the body’s natural repair systems. Staying active, getting nutrients that fuel your cells’ energy engines (called mitochondria), and strategies like eating in a daily window or using ketones as a fuel source may help your body make energy more efficiently and slow some of the declines that come with aging.

Energy

Every cell in the body requires energy to function, and this energy is generated by mitochondria, the "powerhouse" of the cell. As we age, mitochondrial function declines, resulting in fatigue, slower recovery, and reduced cellular function. Improving how the body produces and uses energy at the cellular level is a central focus of healthy aging strategies. Approaches like exercise, intermittent fasting, and NAD+ precursors can help the mitochondria, your cells’ energy engines, work more efficiently as you age. When your cells have more energy, your whole body feels the difference.

NAD+ Connection

Dr. Mike describes NAD+ as “a really important energy molecule… specifically energy production as a whole is dependent on this specific energy molecule that powers the entire cycle called NAD+.” He further explains the challenges and promise of NAD+ therapies: “If we could replace NAD+, we could potentially slow aging by that mechanism. The problem is that NAD+ is very short-lived, and getting it into the cells effectively is challenging.”

Levels of NAD+ naturally decline with age, potentially accelerating the aging process. Boosting NAD+ levels through compounds like NMN or targeted therapies is an area of intense interest among researchers, such as Dr. David Sinclair, Professor in the Department of Genetics at the Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at Harvard Medical School. Although clinical studies are still emerging, researchers have found important clues about how damage and repair of aging cells involve NAD+ pathways, showing promise for enhancing cellular health and slowing biological aging.

Eliminating "Zombie" Cells for a Healthy Future

As we age, one of the ways cellular repair systems begin to fail is by allowing damaged or dysfunctional cells to linger. These senescent cells, sometimes called “zombie” cells, stop dividing but don’t die. Instead, they remain in the body, releasing pro-inflammatory signals that damage nearby tissue and disrupt normal cell function.

Dr. Mike notes that clearing these lingering cells is a key opportunity in longevity medicine. “It’s like leaving trash out too long. It starts to affect the whole environment,” he explains. “If we can help the body remove these senescent cells, we reduce one of the major contributors to aging and chronic disease.”

This is where senolytics come in. These targeted therapies aim to selectively remove senescent cells, reducing chronic inflammation and potentially restoring healthier function across multiple systems. It’s a promising area of active research and one that may complement other strategies aimed at improving cellular resilience and extending healthspan.

Metabolic Balance and Fasting for Longevity

Longevity isn't just about what you add, but it's also about giving your body time to reset and recover. As mentioned earlier, supporting how cells produce and use energy is central to healthy aging. Fasting plays a key role in that process.

Traditionally used to support metabolic health, it helps the body clear out damaged cells, reduce inflammation, and rebalance energy pathways. This process taps into the MTOR pathway, which helps regulate how cells grow and repair. By limiting your eating window, for example, to eight hours a day, you activate a beneficial stress response. This tells your body to pause growth and focus on repair, boosting cellular cleanup and energy efficiency.

Over time, these shifts may reduce the risk of chronic diseases and support healthier aging at the cellular level. Pairing fasting with certain nutrients like glycine or periods of ketosis can deepen the effect and further support mitochondrial health.

Sleep, Nutrition, Movement, and Community for Healthy Aging

Cutting-edge therapies mean little if the foundations aren't strong. Consistent, restorative sleep of at least seven high-quality hours per night is non-negotiable. Movement, primarily a combination of cardio and strength training, supports metabolism, heart health, and muscle mass, all of which are crucial for maintaining overall vitality.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of activity each week, including time in higher heart-rate zones, like Zone 2 cardio, which typically falls around 60–70% of your max heart rate (roughly calculated as 220 minus your age). That’s the pace where you can still talk but not sing. Add in some resistance training, such as rucking (walking or hiking with a weighted backpack), to build strength. Together, these activities help preserve VO₂ max, a key measure of how efficiently your body uses oxygen during exercise and support long-term resilience.

Nutrition also matters profoundly. A single hot dog a day increases your risk of colon cancer by 11%,” says Dr. Daniel Devine. “That little decision, which seems like it’s just convenient, is really screwing you later in life.” The same goes for water. While energy drinks and electrolyte beverages are trendy, he adds, “plain old water is fantastic for the body in terms of flushing your kidneys and flushing toxins.” Favoring Mediterranean or plant-forward diets and minimizing processed foods can have a big impact over time. Even small shifts, like swapping a packaged snack for an apple or other whole foods and drinking more water, can add up over time.

Equally important is connection and social engagement. Research from the National Institute on Aging shows that social connection can be a powerful predictor of aging among older adults, underscoring the vital role of community and belonging in healthy aging. Dr. Dan adds, “Loneliness became almost a recognized disease during the pandemic. Whether it’s through community groups, spiritual practices, or even regular social activities, having that sense of belonging isn’t just good for the soul — it’s essential for living a longer, healthier life.” ​​It’s a reminder that longevity isn’t just biological. At the end of the day, we are social beings, and nurturing meaningful connections can be just as important as any medication or lifestyle change.

Care That Helps You Stay Stronger Longer

Longevity isn't just about living longer; it's about living well. It's about changing the experience of aging itself. We're entering a new era where decades of research are converging into real, accessible strategies to stay stronger, sharper, and more resilient. From supporting cellular repair and boosting NAD+ levels to eliminating senescent cells and balancing metabolism, the science of longevity is redefining what's possible. And while emerging therapies show great promise, the fundamentals of sleep, nutrition, movement, and connection remain the foundation of lifelong health.

We turn that science into personalized care. Devine Concierge Medicine physicians draw on top-tier expertise and the latest research to create custom longevity plans that support your health from the inside out, through metabolic support, cellular health, and everyday habits such as sleep, movement, and nutrition. It's care designed for your future, built around your life.