Telomere shortening

Telomere shortening is a biological phenomenon, whereby each time a cell divides, the telomeres get shorter in length, until the telomere reach a point where they can no longer divide further. This is thought to be a major reason for the Hayflick limit and is one of the hypotheses involved in the idea of a Maximum lifespan in humans.

Research has shown that stress can lead to telomere shortening, which could help to explain how life stress beyond normal can lead to accelerated aging.

In experiments conducted by Maria Blasco PhD telomerase therapy extending telomeres have resulted in extended mean lifespans of mice.

☀http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3494070/