If scientists can stimulate autophagy, they could effectively stave off or even reverse the effects of ageing.
Many people practise it to slow down the negative effects of ageing.
'We have learnt multiple treatments that can delay or dilute the effects of ageing.
But resistance exercise strengthens bones and stabilises joints, helping to prevent injury and the effects of ageing.
However far-fetched Dr de Grey's theories, others at the conference were also offering solutions to the effects of ageing.
Antioxidants are reckoned by many to protect against the general effects of ageing.
There may be internal problems such as genetics (we probably all carry some genes for mental illness), infection or the effects of ageing.
Investments in the developing world boosted by funds from reformed pensions offer a way to make future prosperity less vulnerable to the effects of ageing.
They could do even more if we realised the potential of their talents and they did not underestimate their ability because of prevailing social attitudes and the exaggeration of the effects of ageing.
Amy Wagers, a senior author on both Harvard papers, said there was good reason to think that a similar approach could help combat the effects of ageing in older people.
Consideration is given to vaccine strategies and to the effects of ageing.
