Petition to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to Declare Aging a Public Health Emergency.

Introduction:
We, the undersigned, submit this petition to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) urging the declaration of aging as a public health emergency. Given the growing impact of aging on public health, the economy, and society, we call for an urgent national response to address the aging process and its related diseases through innovative research, preventive measures, and targeted therapies. This declaration will accelerate the allocation of resources, research funding, and regulatory approval for age-related interventions, ultimately improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of age-associated diseases on the U.S. healthcare system.

Background:
Aging as a Global Crisis:
The global population is rapidly aging, with the U.S. experiencing one of the fastest-growing elderly populations. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, approximately one in five Americans will be 65 years or older, a demographic that is expected to grow even more in the coming decades.
Age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and frailty are the leading causes of death and disability in the elderly, placing an enormous strain on the healthcare system.
Aging-related costs account for a significant portion of healthcare spending in the U.S., with estimates suggesting that the total healthcare costs of aging in the U.S. exceed $4 trillion annually.
The Advancements in Aging Research:
Scientific advancements in aging research have demonstrated that aging is not an inevitable, irreversible process but a modifiable condition. Recent breakthroughs, including studies on cellular senescence, telomere extension, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine, show great promise in slowing, halting, or even reversing aspects of the aging process.
For instance, interventions like senolytics, which target senescent cells, have been shown to extend the healthspan and lifespan in animal models, offering a glimpse of the potential to delay or reverse aging in humans.
However, despite these scientific advances, age-related interventions remain underfunded, and aging itself is not yet considered a priority in national health strategies.
The Urgency of Action:
As the U.S. population ages, the demand for age-related healthcare will only increase, exacerbating the burden on the healthcare system, caregivers, and society at large. If we do not take decisive action now, the aging crisis will have far-reaching consequences for public health, the economy, and the workforce.
The aging process is fundamentally linked to chronic diseases that disproportionately affect older populations, leading to diminished quality of life, increased healthcare costs, and premature death. An official emergency declaration would focus national attention on these issues, mobilizing resources to accelerate the development of treatments and preventive measures.
Petition Requests:
We respectfully request that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) take the following actions in response to the emerging aging crisis:

Declare Aging a Public Health Emergency:
Acknowledge that aging, as a biological process, has profound and far-reaching consequences for public health, the economy, and society at large.
Recognize the urgency of addressing aging and the diseases associated with it as a national health priority.
Allocate Funding for Aging Research and Interventions:
Prioritize funding for the development and clinical translation of age-reversal and anti-aging therapies, including regenerative medicine, cellular reprogramming, and gene therapies.
Establish emergency funding mechanisms to support research into the biological mechanisms of aging and the development of interventions aimed at slowing, halting, or reversing age-related decline.
Establish Regulatory Pathways for Age-Related Interventions:
Expedite the review process for therapies targeting aging and age-related diseases through fast-track approval pathways similar to those used for cancer or other critical conditions.
Work closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish clear regulatory frameworks for age-reversal treatments, ensuring that promising therapies are safely and swiftly brought to market.
Launch a National Public Awareness Campaign on Aging and Longevity:
Inform the public about the scientific progress being made in age-related health, the potential for proactive aging interventions, and the importance of preventive care in aging populations.
Provide resources to educate healthcare providers on the latest research in aging biology, ensuring that clinical practices are updated to reflect new advancements.
Collaborate with International Partners:
Work with international health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), to develop a global response to the aging phenomenon and share knowledge, research, and resources.
Create strategic partnerships with private companies and academic institutions to ensure that the U.S. remains at the forefront of age-reversal research and innovation.
Supporting Evidence:
Scientific Consensus:
Leading experts in the field of aging research, such as Dr. David Sinclair of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Aubrey de Grey of SENS Research Foundation, and Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn (Nobel Prize winner), have called for a global focus on aging and its underlying biological mechanisms.
Studies like those by Professor Nir Barzilai (Albert Einstein College of Medicine) on human longevity and anti-aging drugs highlight the transformative potential of age-reversal therapies.
Economic Impact:
A report by the National Institute on Aging estimates that by 2050, the number of Americans aged 65 and older will more than double, from 46 million to 98 million. This rapid demographic shift will create unprecedented strain on public health systems, healthcare providers, and social programs.
The World Economic Forum has highlighted that investing in longevity science could save trillions in healthcare costs and dramatically improve quality of life.
Conclusion:
Aging represents one of the most profound challenges facing society today. The science is clear: aging is not an irreversible, unavoidable process, and advancements in the field of aging research have the potential to dramatically improve human health and extend quality of life. By declaring aging a public health emergency, the Department of Health and Human Services can help ensure that the U.S. leads the world in addressing the aging crisis.

We urge the Department of Health and Human Services to take immediate action in declaring aging an emergency, prioritizing research, allocating funding, and establishing a national strategy to combat the effects of aging and promote longevity.

We thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Respectfully submitted,