The hallmarks of aging include cellular senescence (the accumulation of dysfunctional cells that secrete inflammatory signals), mitochondrial decline (reduced energy production at the cellular level), telomere shortening (progressive loss of chromosomal protective caps), NAD+ depletion (loss of a critical coenzyme required for DNA repair and energy metabolism), and chronic low-grade inflammation (sometimes called “inflammaging”).
At St. George Hospital, our healthy aging program addresses each of these mechanisms through a combination of advanced diagnostics, targeted therapeutic protocols, and ongoing optimization, guided by physicians with deep experience in integrative and preventive medicine.
Understanding these mechanisms is the foundation of our targeted approach. Each represents a measurable, modifiable pathway that our protocols address directly.
Senescent cells stop dividing but resist normal cell death, accumulating in tissues and secreting a pro-inflammatory cocktail (the SASP) that damages neighboring healthy cells, drives chronic inflammation, and accelerates tissue aging. Clearing these cells is a primary target of longevity medicine.
Mitochondria are the energy factories of every cell. With age, mitochondrial number, efficiency, and membrane integrity decline, leading to reduced ATP production, increased oxidative stress, and impaired cellular repair. This contributes to fatigue, cognitive decline, and organ dysfunction.
Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division. Critically short telomeres trigger cellular senescence or apoptosis. Telomere length is both a biomarker of biological age and a modifiable target through lifestyle, nutrition, and targeted therapies.
NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is essential for over 500 enzymatic reactions including DNA repair, energy metabolism, and sirtuin activation. NAD+ levels decline by approximately 50% between ages 40 and 60, driving many age-related functional losses.
Low-grade, persistent systemic inflammation ("inflammaging") is both a driver and consequence of cellular aging. It is fueled by senescent cells, gut permeability, metabolic dysfunction, and environmental exposures. Reducing this inflammation is critical to slowing biological aging.
Age-related decline in testosterone, DHEA, growth hormone, melatonin, and thyroid function contributes to loss of muscle mass, bone density, cognitive sharpness, and metabolic efficiency. Restoring optimal hormone levels supports healthy aging across all organ systems.
Each protocol addresses specific aging mechanisms identified through our diagnostic workup. Treatment plans are fully individualized based on your biological age profile.
Targeted clearance of senescent cells using clinically validated senolytic agents. Our protocol follows emerging research on quercetin, fisetin, dasatinib combinations, and other senolytic compounds administered under physician supervision with monitoring of inflammatory biomarkers to track response.
Bioidentical hormone replacement for testosterone, DHEA, thyroid, melatonin, and growth hormone secretagogues where indicated. Our approach uses comprehensive diagnostics to identify deficiencies and monitors response to maintain optimal, physiological levels without exceeding safe ranges.
Controlled alternation between low-oxygen and high-oxygen breathing stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis, triggers autophagy of damaged mitochondria, and improves cellular energy production. IHHT is a cornerstone of our mitochondrial rehabilitation program, typically delivered in 10–15 session courses.
High-dose IV vitamin C, glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid, and targeted anti-inflammatory protocols to reduce systemic inflammation, support hepatic detoxification, and protect against oxidative damage. These therapies create the internal environment that supports cellular repair and regeneration.
Intravenous NAD+ infusions combined with oral NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) supplementation to restore cellular NAD+ levels. This supports DNA repair mechanisms, sirtuin activation, mitochondrial function, and neurological health. Patients frequently report improved energy, mental clarity, and recovery within the first treatment course.
Lifestyle, nutritional, and supplemental strategies to support telomere maintenance and favorable epigenetic expression. We monitor telomere length and biological age markers (including DNA methylation-based clocks) to track the measurable impact of our interventions over time.
Our healthy aging program begins with a comprehensive biological age assessment that goes far beyond chronological age to evaluate your true physiological status.
Based on the complete assessment, we design a targeted protocol addressing your specific aging mechanisms with measurable goals and follow-up monitoring.
Overview of our complete longevity program including preventive diagnostics, detox, and optimization protocols.
Detailed information about our precision hormone diagnostics and bioidentical therapy protocols.
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key driver of chronic fatigue. Learn about our targeted treatment approach.
Clears senescent "zombie cells" that accumulate with age, reducing chronic inflammation and restoring tissue regenerative capacity.
Rejuvenates the mitochondrial pool through controlled hypoxic stress, directly counteracting age-related cellular energy decline.
Restores NAD+ levels that decline 50% by middle age, supporting DNA repair, sirtuin activation, and cellular maintenance.
Bioactive peptides stimulate growth hormone release, collagen synthesis, and immune regulation for measurable anti-aging benefits.
Platelet-rich plasma harnesses your body's own growth factors to support tissue regeneration and repair aging-related damage.
