Hallmarks of aging Drosophila intestinal stem cells

•Drosophila ISCs are a model for regeneration of barrier epithelia.•Age-related changes in ISC function suggest mechanisms for the decline in regenerative capacity.•Hallmarks of aging are reflected in ISC aging.•The interconnection of various hallmarks identifies nodal points for intervention to improve health- and lifespan. The age-associated decline of regenerative capacity in many tissues is a consequence of stem cell intrinsic and extrinsic perturbations that are only beginning to be understood. To gain insight into mechanisms of this age-related decline, a comprehensive understanding of these perturbations is necessary. Drosophila intestinal stem cells (ISCs) have served as a prime model in which to explore these age-related changes, and in which to identify intervention strategies to improve regenerative capacity and extend lifespan. In this review, we summarize and discuss important work that has contributed to our understanding of how aging impacts ISC regulation in relation to well-described “hallmarks” of aging.