The beauty industry’s obsession with slowing down or reversing the signs of aging is relentless. From enjoying a stroll through a botanical garden to exploring advanced tech procedures that promise to erase fine lines or add years to one’s life, the methods for retaining the elixir of youth range from simple to radical.

The obsession with aging has shifted the perspective of this inevitable process from a natural phase of life to one that can be treated, managed, or even reversed. This mindset prioritizes the pursuit of solutions that promise to uphold youthfulness, often overlooking the beauty and wisdom that come with aging. As a result, there is a growing tendency to view aging not as an intrinsic part of life but as a condition wanting medical intervention, further fueling the desire for treatments and technologies that claim to combat its effects.

This contrasts with doctors’ view regarding classifying aging as a disease that stems from a difference in focus. “Most traditional doctors are sub-specialized into organ-specific diseases and work within the current model of a reactive sick system, hyper-focused on symptomatic management of chronic or treatment of end-stage disease,” he adds.

However, he says, there is a division between supporters and naysayers about aging being classified as a disease. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, aging is a normal process experienced by all, as opposed to a disease state experienced only by some. Second, age does not automatically deteriorate: chronological aging is a heterogeneous, potentially plastic process and, when taken alone, is a poor marker for disease risk. Third, to characterize aging as a disease is to risk exacerbating already globally endemic ageism and age-related discrimination.

The World Health Organization nearly classified aging as a disease by suggesting “old age” as a potential diagnosis but later decided against this proposal.

“Aging itself is not classified as a disease, but it is the primary risk factor for many diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions. While aging is a natural biological process, its effects on the body—such as cellular damage, reduced organ function, and genetic changes—can lead to the development of age-related diseases,” says  Simone Gibertoni, CEO of Clinique La Prairie, a newly launched wellness solutions clinic in Dubai’s One Za’abeel.

In a region where youth is often idolized, the rise of longevity clinics in the Middle East reflects a growing belief that aging is a disease to be treated rather than a natural progression of life. These clinics promise an extended lifespan and a redefined vitality, drawing individuals into a quest for eternal youth. As societal emphasis shifts towards combating the effects of aging, it prompts a profound question: are we losing sight of the beauty and wisdom that come with aging?

AGE: JUST A NUMBER

Crucial to the age-reversal obsession are longevity clinics cropping up worldwide, including in the Middle East. According to Allied Market Research, the longevity sector is projected to reach a market value of $44 billion by 2030.

“There has been a movement towards preventative, personalized health. Healthcare providers who identify what matters most to that patient take a holistic multi-dimensional view by focusing on syndromes, like falling or dementia, rather than specific diseases,” says Dr. Al Jafari. The increased influence of gerontology medicine has partly driven the study of aging processes. “The loss of physiological integrity, leading to impaired function and increased vulnerability to death – otherwise referred to as the nine hallmarks of aging – is the fundamental risk factor for major human pathology,” he says.

He says treatment options for human aging processes are limited. However, classifying aging as a disease would prompt a huge increase in funding for aging research and the development of biomedical procedures that could eventually solve aging.

“Even minimal attenuation of the aging process by accelerating research on aging and the development of geroprotective drugs and regenerative medicines can greatly improve the health and well-being of older individuals,” adds Dr. Al Jafari.

DNA Health & Wellness offers anti-aging treatments ranging from Mesenchymal Stem Cell IV ($3,500), which aims to rejuvenate aging tissues, boost the immune system, and improve skin and hair health, to Peptide therapy ($150), which enhances various bodily functions, from muscle growth and cognitive enhancement to improved skin and hair quality. NAD+ IV Therapy ($450) increases cellular energy, reduces inflammation, and improves overall health.

At Clinique La Prairie, Gibertoni emphasizes that while aging is inevitable, “many of its negative effects can be mitigated through proactive, preventative medicine.” This personalized approach utilizes advanced diagnostics to target health vulnerabilities, positioning aging as a process to be managed rather than a disease to be cured.

Clinique La Prairie offers a Revitalisation Program that combines “over 90 years of expertise in age-defying treatments to rejuvenate the body and mind” while enhancing vitality and overall well-being. The program aims to be comprehensive and includes advanced diagnostics and holistic approaches focused on nutrition, sleep, and stress management, promoting deep cellular renewal and longevity.

“Many guests experience noticeable effects over the long term, with their overall health and well-being,” says Gibertoni. After completing programs, short-term benefits include increased energy and a heightened sense of well-being.

CHASING THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

As people prioritize quality of life alongside lifespan, the longevity market is poised for significant growth, attracting investment and fostering research to unlock the secrets to extended vitality.

As per Dr. Al Jafari, since COVID-19, there has been a rapidly rising trend internationally of people prioritizing preventative health. “At the time, many people suddenly felt some sense of vulnerability, which shifted the definition of being ‘well’ from avoiding sickness to being health-optimized. The limitations in both insurance-led and publicly funded sick-care systems were exposed. As such, we started to reframe our health-seeking behavior, none more so than empowering ourselves and taking health into our own hands,” Dr. Al Jafari says.

Moreover, he explains that the increase in demand was driven by the consumer, who started to demand a more data-driven and scientific approach under the supervision of holistic, forward-thinking longevity practitioners, all to improve health span for a better quality of life and length of life.

This trend has been most evident in the UAE due to the increasingly discerning inbound expatriate population and rising awareness amongst Emiratis, he explains, due to the moves by the government and regulators who prioritize advancements in health, particularly in the longevity space.

“The trend has also shifted from a traditionally pure aesthetic focus to more of an internal root cause and multi-system approach, incorporating a wide portfolio of testing through to multiple cutting-edge treatments,” adds Al Jafari.

Another reason for heightened interest in health and wellness, as per Gibertoni, is increased affluence and heightened awareness of longevity and quality of life. “As populations across the Middle East grow more concerned about health and wellness, they are actively seeking advanced anti-aging solutions, preventive health care, and holistic approaches to maintain vitality,” he says.

Establishing 40 longevity hubs globally, including in cities like Doha and Dubai, reflects a keen understanding of the region’s appetite for wellness services.

She says opening the second Health Resort in Amaala, Saudi Arabia, in 2025 will further tap into the Middle East’s burgeoning interest in luxurious health retreats offering world-class anti-aging and longevity programs.

“This growing demand in the Middle East complements the brand’s long-term vision of establishing itself as a global wellness leader, combining its prestige heritage with modern health innovations,” she says.