Glucose metabolism shifts in aging—not because cells need less energy, but because they're hedging against oxidative damage

Old cells favor glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation. We call this metabolic dysfunction, but it may be protective.

Mitochondria in aged cells produce more ROS per ATP. Switching to glycolysis reduces ROS production even though it's less efficient.

The Warburg effect in aging isn't a failure—it's risk management. Cells trade efficiency for safety.