Anti-aging interventions in geriatric mice: insights into the timing of treatment, benefits, and limitations

Studies aimed at preventing age-associated diseases are fundamental in addressing the challenges posed by an aging population. However, biomedical and technological advancements have now reached a stage where it appears increasingly possible to repair the damage caused by severe pathologies and reverse the functional decline that accompanies aging. This perspective highlights the significance of using aging models, specifically non-transgenic geriatric mice (aged over 24 months), to study interventions aimed at reversing or ameliorating age-related pathologies. While most research typically utilizes young, adult, and mid-aged mice to investigate aging mechanisms and develop preventive strategies, geriatric models provide unique insights into the efficacy and safety of treatments in conditions that mimic the complexities of multiple concurrent diseases or syndromes. This manuscript highlights the importance of considering timing responses in aging interventions, illustrated by recent findings such as those involving canagliflozin. These studies reveal that the timing of intervention can significantly influence the outcomes, highlighting aspects often overlooked. Practical challenges and resource demands associated with geriatric mouse studies including concerns related to animal husbandry and aging phenotypes are also discussed. This perspective aims to foster a deeper understanding of the potential benefits and limitations of geriatric mice models in geroscience research and emphasizes the need for continued innovation in this field to meet the critical need to develop effective treatments for age-related diseases.