Astroglia represent a class of heterogeneous, in form and function, cells known as astrocytes, which provide for homoeostasis and defence of the central nervous system (CNS). Ageing is associated with morphological and functional remodelling of astrocytes with a prevalence of morphological atrophy and loss of function. In particular, ageing is associated with (i) decrease in astroglial synaptic coverage, (ii) deficits in glutamate and potassium clearance, (iii) reduced astroglial synthesis of synaptogenic factors such as cholesterol, (iv) decrease in aquaporin 4 channels in astroglial endfeet with subsequent decline in the glymphatic clearance, (v) decrease in astroglial metabolic support through the lactate shuttle, (vi) dwindling adult neurogenesis resulting from diminished proliferative capacity of radial stem astrocytes, (vii) decline in the astroglial-vascular coupling and deficient blood-brain barrier and (viii) decrease in astroglial ability to mount reactive astrogliosis. Decrease in reactive capabilities of astroglia are associated with rise of age-dependent neurodegenerative diseases. Astroglial morphology and function can be influenced and improved by lifestyle interventions such as intellectual engagement, social interactions, physical exercise, caloric restriction and healthy diet. These modifications of lifestyle are paramount for cognitive longevity.

星形胶质细胞代表一类在形式和功能上的异质细胞，称为星形胶质细胞，可提供稳态和中枢神经系统 (CNS) 的防御。衰老与星形胶质细胞的形态和功能重塑有关，并且普遍存在形态萎缩和功能丧失。特别是，衰老与 (i) 星形胶质细胞突触覆盖减少，(ii) 谷氨酸和钾清除不足，(iii) 星形胶质细胞合成突触因子如胆固醇的减少，(iv) 星形胶质细胞末端水通道蛋白 4 通道减少有关随着随后的淋巴清除率下降，（v）通过乳酸穿梭的星形胶质细胞代谢支持减少，（vi）由于径向干星形胶质细胞的增殖能力降低导致成人神经发生减少，(vii) 星形胶质细胞-血管耦合下降和血脑屏障缺陷，以及 (viii) 星形胶质细胞产生反应性星形胶质细胞的能力下降。星形胶质细胞反应能力的降低与年龄依赖性神经退行性疾病的增加有关。生活方式干预可以影响和改善星形胶质细胞的形态和功能，例如智力参与、社交互动、体育锻炼、热量限制和健康饮食。这些生活方式的改变对于认知长寿至关重要。生活方式干预可以影响和改善星形胶质细胞的形态和功能，例如智力参与、社交互动、体育锻炼、热量限制和健康饮食。这些生活方式的改变对于认知长寿至关重要。生活方式干预可以影响和改善星形胶质细胞的形态和功能，例如智力参与、社交互动、体育锻炼、热量限制和健康饮食。这些生活方式的改变对于认知长寿至关重要。