National expert consensus on accelerated aging and metabolic health

Background. The National Consensus on Accelerated Aging and Metabolic Health was the first large-scale step towards the formation of a state strategy in this area, uniting more than 3.3 thousand doctors of different specialties. The purpose of the study was to present the results of the First National Consensus on Accelerated Aging and Metabolic Health (Kyiv, February 20–21, 2025) and to formulate scientifically based approaches to creating a national protocol on the accelerated aging and metabolic health. Materials and methods. A survey of 3395 doctors from all regions of Ukraine was conducted. The questionnaire contained 51 questions in four blocks: definition of aging, longevity and metabolic health, diagnostic methods, biomarkers, preventive and therapeutic interventions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Results. 88.5 % of respondents consider aging as a physiological process, not a disease. 91.3 % supported the concept of “healthy longevity”. The following methods received the greatest support: biochemical analyses, functional tests, telomere and epigenetic analysis, microbiome research. Among the interventions, the leading place is occupied by balanced nutrition (83.8 %), physical activity (80.1 %), mental health (87.8 %), timely medical care (89.2 %). Pharmacological and cellular technologies (senolytics, stem cells) are supported by a moderate share of doctors. A feature of the consensus is the impact of war, which accelerates aging due to chronic stress, traumatic events, and social instability. This necessitates the inclusion of psychosocial interventions in the national protocol. The development and implementation of a longevity protocol in Ukraine can have a dual effect: improving the quality of life of citizens and increasing the demographic stability of the nation. Further steps should include standardization of diagnostic methods, training of doctors to work with new technologies, development of interdisciplinary research, and international partnerships in the field of gerontology and biomedicine. Conclusions. The consensus confirms the need to create a national strategy for longevity and metabolic health in Ukraine, which will integrate preventive, biomedical and psychosocial approaches. The development of the protocol can become the basis for improving the health of the population, resilience to the consequences of war and overcoming the demographic crisis.