The 13 Hallmarks of Ageing: What They Are and Why They Matter

Ageing is more than just wrinkles and grey hair—it’s a complex, biological process that affects every cell and system in the body. Scientists have identified 13 core “hallmarks of ageing”, each representing a biological pathway that contributes to the gradual breakdown of function we associate with getting older.

Understanding these hallmarks can help us intervene earlier, promote healthspan (the healthy years of life), and even slow or reverse aspects of biological ageing.

1. Genomic Instability

As we age, our DNA accumulates damage from environmental factors (like UV light or pollution) and internal processes (like cell division). This instability leads to mutations that impair cellular function and increase the risk of disease.

2. Telomere Attrition

Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes. Each time a cell divides, telomeres shorten—eventually becoming so short the cell can no longer divide, entering a state of dysfunction or death. This process is a key marker of biological ageing.

3. Epigenetic Alterations

Epigenetics controls which genes are switched “on” or “off.” Over time, these patterns shift, turning off protective genes and activating harmful ones—disrupting normal cell function, increasing inflammation, and contributing to age-related diseases.

4. Loss of Proteostasis

Proteostasis refers to the body’s ability to maintain healthy proteins. Ageing disrupts this balance, leading to misfolded or damaged proteins that build up in tissues. This is seen in diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

5. Deregulated Nutrient Sensing

Cells rely on nutrient-sensing pathways to regulate metabolism and energy. Ageing disrupts these systems—particularly the insulin/IGF-1, AMPK, and mTOR pathways—contributing to metabolic disorders, weight gain, and inflammation.

6. Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Mitochondria are the “powerhouses” of the cell. As we age, they produce less energy and more harmful free radicals (ROS). Mitochondrial decline is linked to fatigue, brain fog, and slower cellular repair.

7. Cellular Senescence

Senescent cells are old or damaged cells that stop dividing but don’t die. Instead, they release inflammatory substances that damage nearby cells and tissues, accelerating ageing and increasing disease risk.

8. Stem Cell Exhaustion

Stem cells regenerate tissues throughout life. But with age, they decline in number and function, reducing the body’s ability to heal and repair itself—impacting everything from skin to immune health.

9. Altered Intercellular Communication

As we age, the communication between cells becomes disrupted. This leads to chronic, low-grade inflammation (known as “inflammaging”) and impaired immune responses, both of which accelerate ageing.

10. Disabled Macroautophagy

Autophagy is the process by which cells clean themselves—removing damaged components. With age, autophagy becomes less efficient, leading to a buildup of cellular “waste” that impairs function and increases inflammation.

11. Chronic Inflammation

Known as “inflammaging,” this refers to persistent, low-level inflammation that increases with age. It plays a central role in many age-related conditions—from cardiovascular disease to neurodegeneration and skin ageing.

12. Microbiome Dysbiosis

The gut microbiome—home to trillions of bacteria—shifts with age, becoming less diverse. This impacts digestion, immunity, mood, and inflammation, and is increasingly recognised as a driver of biological ageing.

13. Altered Mechanical Properties

With age, tissues become stiffer and less elastic, due to changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM). This affects organs, joints, and skin, and can impair circulation, wound healing, and mobility.

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Why These Hallmarks Matter

These 13 hallmarks don’t act in isolation—they are interconnected, and changes in one often affect the others. At Maverick Aesthetics, we take these hallmarks seriously, using them to guide our approach to longevity, skin health, and cellular wellness.

Whether through advanced testing (like biological age analysis), targeted supplements (like Nuchido Time+), or regenerative treatments, we’re here to help you understand your body and age more intelligently.

Can We Do Anything About It?

Yes - many of the hallmarks of ageing are modifiable. Scientific advances now show that we can target some of these processes to slow, and in some cases reverse, elements of biological ageing. Interventions like optimised nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management can all influence mitochondrial health, inflammation, and epigenetic expression. Therapies such as NAD⁺ restoration (e.g. Nuchido Time+), skin regenerative treatments, autophagy-boosting protocols (like fasting or AMPK activation), and gut health optimisation can directly impact key hallmarks. At Maverick Aesthetics, our approach to longevity is about empowering you to understand and work with your biology—so you can look better, feel better, and live longer with purpose and vitality.