The Hallmarks of Aging as a Conceptual Framework for Health and Longevity Research

Course overview

Course Description: This course is based on material published in Frontiers in Aging and is available as an open-access article. The inexorability of the aging process has sparked the curiosity of human beings since ancient times. However, despite this interest and the extraordinary scientific advances in the field, the complexity of the process has hampered its comprehension. In this context, The Hallmarks of Aging were defined in 2013 with the aim of establishing an organized, systematic and integrative view of this topic, which would serve as a conceptual framework for aging research. Ten years later and promoted by the progress in the area, an updated version included three new hallmarks while maintaining the original scope. The aim of this review is to determine to what extent The Hallmarks of Aging achieved the purpose that gave rise to them. For this aim, we have reviewed the literature citing any of the two versions of The Hallmarks of Aging and conclude that they have served as a conceptual framework not only for aging research but also for related areas of knowledge. Finally, this review discusses the new candidates to become part of the Hallmarks list, analyzing the evidence that supports whether they should or should not be incorporated. This course on the hallmarks of aging is designed for clinical social workers, psychologists, professional counselors, nurses, and substance abuse counselors who do clinical work. It is appropriate for intermediate and advanced-level practitioners who wish to develop their expertise in the hallmarks of aging. The course material includes a literature review of research. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require continuing clinical education courses for license renewal. The course is based on a journal article that includes research. It contains statistical analysis and data that some clinicians enjoy reading, and others do not. A significant benefit of reading peer-reviewed research-based articles for continuing education is that they provide practitioners with the latest findings in their field. Authors: Tartiere, Freije, López- Otín Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding the hallmarks of aging. Specifically, a professional will: Recognize the hallmarks of aging and their history. Describe the role of aging hallmarks in rejuvenation research. Identify emerging hallmarks of aging. Citation: Tartiere, A. G., Freije, J. M. P., & López-Otín, C. (2024). The hallmarks of aging as a conceptual framework for health and longevity research. Frontiers in aging, 5, 1334261. https://doi.org/10.3389/fragi.2024.1334261