Researchers at the University of Connecticut have developed a groundbreaking treatment that not only extends the lifespan of mice but also enhances their health and physical function in their later years.

The study, published in 'Cell Metabolism', revealed that treated mice lived 9% longer, which translates to approximately 79 additional days of life.

Some of the treated mice reached an impressive age of 43 months, equivalent to about 130 human years, while also benefiting from a longer average lifespan.

The treatment led to significant improvements in the physical condition of the mice, resulting in less frailty during their final stages of life compared to control groups.

This innovative treatment involved the monthly removal of highly inflammatory cells from mouse tissues, specifically those expressing the p21 gene.

The research team employed a rigorous methodology, conducting monthly health assessments starting from the age of 20 months, which is comparable to 60 years in humans.

Indicators of frailty in humans, such as slowed walking speed and weakened grip, highlight the importance of addressing aging-related health issues.

The findings from this study suggest promising implications for human health, particularly in reducing frailty associated with aging.

Researchers are now aiming to translate these findings to humans, potentially offering an additional 8 to 10 years of healthy aging.

The research team comprised experts from various institutions, including UConn Health, The University of Texas, Cedars-Sinai, The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, and the UNMC College of Dentistry.