Telomeres and Aging: Dr. Bill Andrews on the Science of Living Longer

What if the key to slowing — or even reversing — aging lies in the tips of our chromosomes?In this episode of Behind The Practice, guest host Jaimee from Wisdom & Motherhood sits down with longevity researcher Dr. Bill Andrews to explore the science behind telomeres and how they may influence the aging process.Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes that shorten every time our cells divide. According to Dr. Andrews, this shortening may be one of the primary biological drivers behind aging and age-related disease.During the conversation, Dr. Andrews explains how telomere shortening affects lifespan and healthspan, why chronic stress may accelerate cellular aging, and why many researchers believe telomere science could play a critical role in extending healthy human life.The discussion also explores the challenges caregivers face, how stress impacts telomere length, and why improving healthspan — not just lifespan — is the real goal of longevity research.If you're curious about the science behind aging and the research being done to extend healthy years of life, this episode offers an inside look at one of the most fascinating areas of longevity science today.