Bumrungrad and VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center Present Exclusive Talks on Longevity Medicine to Assert Leadership in Sustainable Health and Wellness
Thailand’s population structure has changed over time. Today, Thailand’s birth rate is lower than ever before and people are living much longer, which has resulted in an increased elderly population. The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council stated that in 2023 Thailand has become an aging society, with 20% of its population being over 60 years of age. In 2040, Thailand will likely join the list of super-aging societies, where 30% of the population is over 60. The result will be an increased socio-economic burden driven by geriatric healthcare costs.
The WHO reports noncommunicable diseases are the main cause of death worldwide, which aligns with reports from the Thai Ministry of Public Health’s Division of Noncommunicable Diseases. More people in Thailand are dying of noncommunicable diseases due to risky lifestyle behaviors such as the overconsumption of sugars and fats, grilled foods, and alcohol, as well as smoking, lack of exercise, sleep deprivation, and chronic stress. These high-risk lifestyle factors are the main cause of cell damage. People must prioritize sustainable health and wellness to live healthier lives.
Bumrungrad has been recognized as a global leader in healthcare for over 43 years. And the VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center has been a pioneer in longevity medicine for over 20 years. We joined hands to help develop medical science through research to create medical innovations that can be used to reduce lifestyle factors that worsen health, and instead promote sustainable health and longevity.
Recently, Bumrungrad and the VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center held two exclusive talks on the topics of — “Longevity Medicine: Upskilling the Physicians of Tomorrow” and “Longevity Medicine: Shaping the Future of Healthy Aging”. The talks aimed to exchange and enhance the knowledge of longevity medicine. We were honored to have the first lady of Thailand, Dr. Pakpilai Thavisin, who is also an aesthetic and anti-aging & regenerative medicine specialist at the VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center, preside over the opening ceremony and deliver the keynote address. We were also delighted to welcome Dr. Brian Kennedy, Dr. Collin Ewald, and Dr. Evelyne Bischof, the world-renowned experts in the field of longevity medicine, to speak at the events as well.
Dr. Pakpilai Thavisin, stated, “Longevity medicine represents a profound shift in how we think about healthcare. It goes beyond merely treating diseases and ailments. It focuses on preventing them and promoting wellness throughout our entire lives. This knowledge is crucial for shaping a future where healthcare professionals can offer more comprehensive, proactive, and personalized care.”
Dr. Brian Kennedy, Director of the Center of Healthy Ageing at the National University Health System, Singapore. He is a world-renowned researcher on chronological age and its influence on biological aging. His research focuses on preventing senility. He also studies cellular biology & genetics, focusing on the role of genes and chemical compounds that may cause senility. He is also interested in the effectiveness of calorie counting on diet and the performance of drugs such as rapamycin in prolonging life. Dr. Kennedy also notes that other factors that lead to sustainable wellness include regular exercise, a healthy diet, good stress management, and good-quality sleep.
Dr. Collin Ewald, Professor and Scientific Investigator at the University Department of Geriatric Medicine Felix Platter Hospital, Switzerland. He is widely recognized for his work on the molecular mechanisms of healthy aging. His research focuses on the relationship between the nervous system and aging. He has found how reduced insulin/IGF-1 signaling (rIIS) affects Alzheimer’s disease and collagen balance in older patients. He has also studied the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) genes during aging. Dr. Collin Y. Ewald’s team applies their research on gene expression to predict drugs that could be used to delay aging.
Dr. Evelyne Bischof, Professor of Medicine at the Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences. She specializes in internal medicine and integrating AI with deep health analysis and longevity medicine. Her research on gerontology and the development of biological factors for aging analysis represents a breakthrough in the clinical practice of gerontology and enables the prediction of cancer through personal genetic analysis. Her work is crucial to how genetic analysis can prevent cancer in 100-year-old patients.
In her remarks, Dr. Evelyne Bischof emphasized the need to develop and benefit from biomarkers related to aging, such as aging clocks. She believes that these biomarkers should be integrated with clinical practices to improve longevity medicine and develop more effective treatments.
These three scientists not only conduct medical research, but also provide significant insight into preventive medicine and wellness. Their research sheds light on how people can maximize the benefit of longevity medicine to sustain healthy lives.
Bumrungrad and the VitalLife Scientific Wellness Center continuously transforms healthcare with its innovative methods and dedication to research. We realize that each age group has different healthcare needs, so we customize our healthcare services accordingly. Our goal is to enable our patients to live long, vibrant, and healthy lives, no matter their age.
