Every year, millions of people take aspirin-not just for headaches or heart trouble, but because they’ve heard it might help them live longer. The idea sounds simple: if aspirin reduces inflammation, and inflammation speeds up aging, then maybe popping a low-dose aspirin every day could slow down the clock. But is it true? And more importantly, should you do it?
What aspirin actually does in your body
Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, isn’t just a painkiller. It blocks an enzyme called COX-1, which plays a key role in making prostaglandins-chemicals that cause pain, fever, and inflammation. That’s why it works for headaches and arthritis. But it also stops platelets from clumping together, which is why doctors prescribe it to people at risk of heart attacks or strokes. That anti-clotting effect is why it’s been studied for decades in older adults.
What’s less known is that aspirin also affects cellular aging. Chronic low-grade inflammation, often called "inflammaging," is a major driver of age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and even some cancers. Studies from the University of California and the University of Oxford have shown that older adults with higher levels of inflammatory markers in their blood tend to decline faster physically and mentally. Aspirin, by reducing those markers, might theoretically interrupt that process.
The long-term studies: what the data says
The biggest clue came from the ASPREE trial, a major study published in 2018 that followed over 19,000 healthy adults aged 70 and older (65 for African Americans and Indigenous Australians) who took either 100 mg of aspirin daily or a placebo for nearly five years. The results surprised many. Aspirin didn’t extend life free of disability. In fact, it slightly increased the risk of major bleeding-especially in the brain and gut-and didn’t reduce the rate of dementia or physical decline.
But here’s the nuance: people who took aspirin for more than two years showed a small drop in cancer deaths, particularly colorectal cancer. That’s consistent with earlier research from the 2010s showing aspirin may lower cancer risk over time. Still, the trade-off was clear: for healthy older adults without heart disease, the bleeding risk outweighed the benefits.
Another study from the University of Edinburgh tracked over 14,000 people for 10 years and found that those who took low-dose aspirin regularly had slightly longer telomeres-the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes that shorten as we age. Longer telomeres are linked to slower biological aging. But this was an observational study, not a controlled trial. It showed correlation, not causation. Maybe people who take aspirin daily are also more likely to eat well, exercise, or see doctors regularly.
Who might benefit-and who shouldn’t try it
Aspirin isn’t a one-size-fits-all anti-aging pill. For some, the risks are too high. If you’re over 70 and healthy, don’t start aspirin just to live longer. The evidence doesn’t support it.
But if you’ve had a heart attack, stroke, or stent placed, or if you’re at high risk for cardiovascular disease (based on cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking, or family history), daily low-dose aspirin (usually 75-100 mg) is still recommended by the American Heart Association and the British Heart Foundation. In those cases, the benefit is proven.
People with a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, or kidney disease should avoid it. So should anyone taking blood thinners like warfarin or newer anticoagulants. Even over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen can interfere with aspirin’s protective effect on the heart if taken together.
And here’s something most people don’t realize: aspirin’s effect on inflammation isn’t immediate. It takes months, sometimes years, to show any impact on biomarkers like CRP or interleukin-6. That means if you’re considering it for longevity, you’re committing to a long-term decision-not a quick fix.
What about younger adults?
If you’re under 50 and healthy, there’s zero reason to take aspirin daily. The risk of bleeding is higher relative to your baseline risk of heart disease. Plus, your body’s natural inflammation control is still working fine. Taking aspirin now won’t give you a "head start" on longevity-it just adds unnecessary risk.
Some people think, "If it helps older people, why not start early?" But biology doesn’t work that way. Aspirin isn’t a vitamin. You don’t build up a reserve. You don’t get stronger by taking it over time. It’s a drug with side effects that accumulate. The longer you take it, the more likely you are to develop stomach irritation, kidney strain, or a dangerous bleed.
Alternatives that actually work for slowing aging
If you’re looking to slow aging, aspirin isn’t your best bet. There are proven, safer ways:
- Exercise: Just 150 minutes a week of brisk walking or cycling reduces inflammation markers by up to 30%, according to a 2023 study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
- Sleep: Getting less than 6 hours a night raises IL-6 and TNF-alpha-two key inflammation drivers-by 40%. Prioritizing sleep is more powerful than any pill.
- Diet: The Mediterranean diet, rich in olive oil, fish, nuts, and vegetables, lowers CRP levels as effectively as low-dose aspirin, without the bleeding risk.
- Weight management: Fat tissue, especially around the abdomen, produces inflammatory chemicals. Losing just 5-10% of body weight can cut inflammation significantly.
These habits don’t just reduce inflammation-they improve insulin sensitivity, boost mitochondrial function, and activate autophagy, the body’s natural cleanup process for damaged cells. That’s real anti-aging biology.
The bottom line: aspirin isn’t an anti-aging miracle
Aspirin can help some people live longer-but only if they’re already at high risk for heart disease or certain cancers. For healthy people, it doesn’t slow aging. It just adds risk.
There’s no magic pill for longevity. The idea that popping a tablet every day will keep you young is appealing, but it’s not backed by solid science. What does work? Moving your body, eating real food, sleeping well, and managing stress. These habits have been proven across decades of research, across cultures, and across age groups.
If you’re thinking about starting aspirin for aging, talk to your doctor first. Don’t assume it’s safe just because it’s cheap and over the counter. It’s a drug. And drugs, even common ones, come with trade-offs.
The real secret to aging well isn’t in a bottle. It’s in your daily choices-and they cost nothing.
Can aspirin really slow down aging?
Aspirin reduces inflammation, which is linked to aging, but studies like ASPREE show it doesn’t extend healthy lifespan in healthy older adults. It may lower cancer risk over time, but the risk of serious bleeding often outweighs that benefit. It’s not a proven anti-aging treatment.
Is it safe to take aspirin every day?
Daily aspirin is only safe for people with a high risk of heart attack or stroke, under a doctor’s guidance. For healthy individuals, especially over 70, it increases the risk of internal bleeding without clear benefits. Never start daily aspirin without medical advice.
Does aspirin help with joint pain and arthritis as you age?
Yes, aspirin can relieve arthritis pain because it reduces inflammation. But it’s not the best choice for long-term use. Other NSAIDs like naproxen or non-drug options like physical therapy, weight loss, and glucosamine have better safety profiles for chronic joint pain.
What’s the best dose of aspirin for heart health?
For heart disease prevention, the standard dose is 75-100 mg per day. Higher doses don’t offer more protection and increase side effects. Always use the lowest effective dose and never self-prescribe.
Can I take aspirin with other supplements like fish oil or turmeric?
Fish oil and turmeric also have anti-inflammatory effects and can thin the blood. Taking them with aspirin increases bleeding risk. If you’re on aspirin, avoid high-dose fish oil (over 1,000 mg EPA/DHA daily) and turmeric extracts unless your doctor approves it.
If you’re concerned about aging, focus on habits you can control: movement, food, sleep, and connection. Aspirin might help a small group of people with specific medical needs-but for most, it’s not the answer. The best anti-aging medicine is still a walk in the park, a good night’s sleep, and a plate of vegetables.