Breaking the Grip of Time The Cutting-Edge Science of Slowing Aging
Over the last century, vast improvements in public health have led to nearly doubling the average human lifespan. Now, researchers are targeting even greater gains to slow the aging process and prevent dementia. At Columbia University, one research team is using animal models to explore techniques to change brain activity in areas that coordinate circadian rhythms. By improving sleep, scientists believe they may be able to reduce the risk of dementia, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Other researchers are analyzing lab data from patients’ medical records to calculate biological age and assess its value in predicting health risks and improving care planning. At Yale University, scientists are studying rodents that live long lives to determine the metabolites that may slow the aging process. Researchers are also looking at
how to slow the organ damage caused by inflammation or changes in blood supply, which are common problems in old age. New technologies such as genome sequencing and machine learning have helped spur advances in aging research. At the Buck Institute for Research on Aging near Novato, California, scientists are analyzing large data sets from fruit flies and humans to identify the central metabolites that shape the lifespan in both species. They have identified one metabolite, threonine, as a potential therapeutic for interventions in aging. Artificial intelligence and systems biology enabled these researchers to skip testing mice, which is usually essential in determining whether discoveries apply to humans.
together scientists from many fields who have seldom collaborated. The initiatives reflect a growing awareness that disease is not necessarily part of the aging process. Rather than simply increasing people’s lifespan, scientists focus on improving the “health span,” or years lived free of disability and disease. The goal is to keep older people around longer and maximize seniors’ natural generativity — the natural human desire at later stages of life to improve the world and support younger generations. Researchers also hope to reduce the burden of disease, as people over 65 are on track to outnumber those 18 and younger within the next decade.
Aging research has evolved in both scope and purpose. The latest efforts bring
complicated and strict. A modest estate can take six months to two years to settle, and probate for more complex cases can take even longer. There are court and attorney fees and expenses for filing notices to creditors. You also need to pay accounting fees, executor costs, and administrative fees. It’s not uncommon for probate costs to be upward of 10% of an estate’s value. How to Avoid the Probate Headache The delays, legal fees, and administrative costs of probate eat into the value of your estate and often make a difficult time more stressful for your family. Fortunately, you have several ways to reduce this burden and even avoid probate altogether. Setting up a Revocable Living Trust allows you to transfer your assets during your lifetime while maintaining control over your estate. Upon your death, the trustee distributes the assets directly to beneficiaries, bypassing the need for probate. Other options include payable-upon-death accounts and transfer-on-death designations for property, bank accounts, and investments. Regularly reviewing your estate plan can reduce complications and ensure assets are distributed according to your wishes. Having a Will is important, but it’s just one part of an estate plan. If you have probate or estate planning concerns, contact us today for a free discovery call.
When clients come to us for help with estate planning, we clear up a few common misconceptions about the process and required documents. We often hear, “I have a Will, so my family won’t have to deal with the probate process, right?” Well, this isn’t exactly true. Understanding the role of a Will can ensure you have a plan that makes things easier for your loved ones. Why a Will Is Only Part of the Plan A Will serves several key purposes. It outlines how you want your property and assets to be distributed upon your passing and names an executor to fulfill your wishes. It also minimizes confusion over the distribution of your estate and makes the probate process easier. A Will doesn’t eliminate the need for probate, which is required to legally transfer assets. The Hidden Costs and Hassles of Probate Probate can be time-consuming and costly, especially in Pennsylvania, where the court process has recently become more Think a Will Avoids Probate? Think Again
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