Mitochondrial maintenance complements senolysis

This longevity hypothesis asks whether a longer, healthier life requires two interventions: maintaining mitochondria, the cell structures that supply usable energy, in heart and muscle, and clearing senescent fibroblasts, support cells that can impede recovery. Across seven combinations, the model predicts a pattern. Only mitochondrial maintenance plus cell removal, with or without a third treatment that reduces cell-secreted molecules, would meet one shared criterion for lasting benefits across body systems and lifespan. That treatment cannot replace either partner. A full factorial experiment would test every combination, verify each manipulation, and track function and survival. Mitochondrial maintenance alone succeeding would weaken this proposal and fit a rival explanation.