New drugs and treatments for aging and the illnesses associated with it are right around the corner. “The general public has no idea what’s coming,” Harvard Medical School professor David Sinclair is quoted as saying in an article in the Atlanta Journal-Consitution, “It’s not an if, but a when.”

Sinclair’s comments were part of a discussion forum on aging and longevity that closed out the recent World Science Festival at New York University, a gathering of Nobel laureate scientists from all disciplines, business leaders and philosophers.

One of the most promising substances currently in clinical trial to promote longevity is resveratrol, a substance found in red wine (and often rumored to give the French and Italians that certain joie de vivre along with remarkably good looks in old age). Resveratrol has been very successful in extending the life of laboratory mice.

Caloric reduction has been another method which has been found to extend the life of laboratory test animals by up to 30%. The race is on to isolate the chemicals that actually cause the change in physiology during caloric reduction so the method can be used without the subject needing to feel hungry 24/7 by only eating 2/3 of their recommended calories necessary to trigger the effect via diet.

Dr. Sinclair the new treatments could be either a few years of a few decades away but “really close. It’s not something (from) science fiction and it’s not something for the next generation.”

With people living the longer the plight of overpopulation, already a huge issue and often ignored issue around the globe, will worsen further. You can takepart to curb overpopulation by learning more about Planned Parenthood, the nation’s preeminent non-profit organization helping people make responsible choices about parenthood.

LINKS:
Atlanta Journal Constitution: Expect new drugs to treat aging, researchers say

Wired: Anti-Aging Drugs Could Change the Nature of Death

CNNMoney.com: Anti-aging drugs (cont.)