Can a hyperbaric chamber really slow down aging?
For decades, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), better known as hyperbaric chamber treatment, has been used for specific medical conditions such as decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, chronic non-healing wounds, and radiation damage. In recent years, however, it has become one of the most intriguing fields in longevity medicine — the field concerned with extending healthy life years.
For decades, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), better known as hyperbaric chamber treatment, has been used for specific medical conditions such as decompression sickness ("the bends"), carbon monoxide poisoning, chronic non-healing wounds, and radiation damage. In recent years, however, it has become one of the most intriguing fields in longevity medicine — the field concerned with extending healthy life years.
Global interest has increased mainly following a series of studies conducted at the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine at the Shamir Medical Center (Assaf Harofeh), which indicated potential effects of the treatment on biological markers associated with aging, cerebral blood flow, and cognitive function. However, experts emphasize that as of today, there is no proof that a hyperbaric chamber slows down aging or extends life expectancy in healthy people, and it is not approved for this indication.
The Israeli study that sparked global interest
One of the most prominent studies in the field was published in 2020 and included 35 healthy adults aged 64 and over, who underwent 60 hyperbaric chamber treatments over about three months. The researchers reported an increase of more than 20% in telomere length — the ends of chromosomes considered one of the markers of cellular aging — and a decrease of up to 37% in the number of senescent cells. In addition, changes were observed in the expression of genes associated with aging. The findings sparked great interest in the research world, but the researchers emphasized that these were changes in biological markers only, and not proof that the patients lived longer or reduced the risk of age-related diseases.
The brain may also benefit — but research is still in its infancy
Another area that is the focus of research is the effect of the treatment on the brain. A number of studies conducted in Israel indicated an improvement in blood flow to certain areas of the brain and an improvement in some cognitive tests among people with mild cognitive impairment or after a brain injury. A double-blind study published in 2025 also found changes in brain imaging metrics and some cognitive function metrics. However, the researchers emphasize that large and long-term studies are required to determine whether this is a treatment with significant clinical impact.
How does a hyperbaric chamber work?
During the treatment, the patient stays in a sealed chamber and breathes oxygen at a high concentration and at a pressure approximately twice the normal atmospheric pressure. This condition significantly increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood and allows for increased oxygen supply even to tissues where blood flow is limited. According to the researchers, the cyclical exposure to oxygen activates cellular mechanisms that may encourage the creation of new blood vessels, improve mitochondrial activity, recruit stem cells, and assist in tissue repair.
What has been proven — and what has not?
Despite the promise, it is important to distinguish between basic research and proven treatment. Today, there is no study that has shown that hyperbaric chamber treatment: extends life expectancy, reduces mortality, prevents dementia, prevents heart disease, or provenly changes biological age over years. On the other hand, there are established medical indications where hyperbaric chamber treatment is considered part of conventional medicine, including decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, diabetic foot ulcers, radiation damage, certain infections, and chronic non-healing wounds.
Not a magic treatment
Despite the growing interest in the field of longevity, experts emphasize that a hyperbaric chamber should not be seen as a "fountain of youth" or a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Even if it turns out in the future that it has some contribution to delaying aging processes, it is expected to be part of a broader approach that includes physical activity, a Mediterranean diet, quality sleep, management of chronic diseases, and maintaining muscle mass.
The bottom line
Hyperbaric chamber is one of the most promising fields in longevity medicine, and the studies — especially those conducted in Israel — point to encouraging changes in markers associated with aging and brain function. However, at this stage, science has not yet proven that the treatment slows down clinical aging or extends life, and therefore experts call for caution and to wait for large and long-term studies that will provide clearer answers.
