Vitality & Rejuvenation Medicine

Regenerative medicine is among the fastest-growing medical specialties in the world, according to the World Anti-Aging Academy of Medicine. The specialty is based on a scientific and technological approach to the detection, prevention, treatment and reversal of age-related disorders and diseases.

Considerations

Whether it is called rejuvenation, regeneration, vitality, longevity or anti-aging medicine, the purpose is the same -- medical treatment based on sound care consistent with other preventative health specialties. Specifically, anti-aging practitioners seek to not only prolong your life, but to be sure that your additional years are vital, enjoyable and productive.

Professional Societies

There are many professional societies representing practitioners of restorative medicine, Three main professional organizations for practitioners of anti-aging or regenerative medicine, including The World Anti-Aging Academy of Medicine. WAAM began in 1995. It is affiliated with both the European Society of Anti-Aging Medicine and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. The goals of these professional organizations is cooperation on national and international levels for the advancement of progressive, preventive, restorative medicine. These bodies are affiliated with professional anti-aging medial organizations in many countries, from Argentina to the Ukraine.

Philosphy

The WAAAM released a white paper calling for a change of approach concerning the provision of traditional medical therapy. Instead of disease based medicine, they suggest a philosophy of health care that is wellness oriented. In 2040, they predict the number of people worldwide who are 65+ years old will increase from 506 million to 1.3 billion. The increase will result in individuals 65 years and older comprising 20 percent of the U.S. population by 2030. They urgently recommend steps to address the social, economic, and personal ramifications of a graying population consuming medical care in the current model.

Focus

The combined medical societies for the rejuvenation model suggest expanding medical care to focus on bio markers of aging and health measurement, free metabolic testing, aging intervention medications, genetic testing, nutrigenomics, free access to gyms, spas, rehab and detox facilities and creation of a database of aging intervention among others. Currently, vitality and rejuvenation practitioners offer therapies such as acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs and restoratives, massage, bio-identical hormone replacement and other treatments including HCG supplementation and stem cell therapies. Unfortunately, this care is not covered by your health insurance. In an anti aging model, these and other therapies would be reimbursed by third party payers because they would help prevent dysfunction related to aging. Proponents of this model believe it will reduce health care costs and improve vitality.