Cellular Aging and Senolytics: A Scholarly Synthesis for Clinical and Translational Medicine

Cellular aging is a complex, multifactorial biological process underlying functional decline, chronic disease, and reduced resilience across organ systems. A central feature of aging is the accumulation of senescent cells—cells that have permanently exited the cell cycle yet remain metabolically active and biologically influential. While cellular senescence initially serves protective roles, its persistence contributes to chronic inflammation, tissue dysfunction, and age-related pathology. This scholarly synthesis reviews the biological foundations of cellular aging, the mechanisms and consequences of senescence, and the emerging role of senolytic therapies. Emphasis is placed on molecular pathways, systemic effects, and translational relevance across neurological, cardiovascular, and metabolic domains, positioning senolytics within the evolving framework of modern longevity and clinical medicine.