Genetics and lifestyle are fundamental factors that influence the length of the telomeres and the rate of shortening. Certain living habits are clearly linked to whether telomeres are longer or shorter. For example, smoking, overweight and mental stress, increasing oxidative stress and inflammation, which contribute to higher facts of telomeric abrasion over the years.
Other factors such as diet, exercise, sleep affect the biological impact of aging.
Current therapies based on telomerase activation, e.g. TA-65® capsules have been developed to achieve a taper.
The measurement of telomere length is necessary to determine whether these therapies effectively improve the length of the telomeres.