
Ageing is the process during which structural and functional changes accumulate in an organism as a result of the passage of time. These changes manifest as a decline from the organism’s peak fertility and physiological functions until death1.
Rather sombre … we are all aware of the inevitably of our death… we know that we are mortal in nature, however, is there anything we can do to reverse aging ? What are the secrets to longevity, if any? How can make most of the resources we have and aid ourselves to live longer lives?
Can we have a better quality of life , without illness disability or pain as we age?
What are the scientifically proven ways in which we can live longer, healthier and more fuller lives? What are the scientifically researched ways in which we can slow down our aging?
Many people think that life expectancy is largely determined by our genetics. True to some extent, however, genes play a much smaller role than originally believed. It is estimated that about 25 percent of the variation in human life span is determined by genetics 2, but which genes, and how they contribute to longevity, are not well understood by scientists as yet.
It does turn out ,however that environmental factors, like diet and lifestyle, and where we live , are key to living a longer, more healthier life.
Below is a short summary of some of the researched ways in which we can improve our quality of life and reduce effects of aging.
Optimism
Being an optimist and having a positive outlook in life can make us live longer. Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, have found that individuals with greater optimism are more likely to live longer and to achieve “exceptional longevity,” that is, living to age 85 or older.3
Go for a jog
Of all the things you hear about how to live longer, one of the most critical is exercise- which we cover in this article. Aerobic activity, especially running, is crucial for getting your blood pumping and your heart working. A recent study4 showed that a one-hour run adds seven hours to your life, up to four hours per week. People who run have a 25 to 40% reduced risk of early death and live about three years longer, Running also regulates blood pressure, increases lung capacity, reduces stress, and increases bone density.
Intermittent fasting
Fasting rituals are part of most human populations and cultures that have prevailed to date, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, and Islam as well as African animistic religions5. Caloric restriction of 10-40% has consistently been shown to increase lifespan in mice and primates6. In humans, a 2-year study with up to 12% caloric restriction decreased the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke with no side effects on libido, mood, sleep, and quality of life. Rare, but significant, side effects of fasting included bouts of anaemia and loss of bone density (which, the scientists suggested, could be counteracted with exercise). Caloric restriction is too harsh for most people, so intermittent fasting, is a milder & more popular alternative being practised by many today7.
However, the efficacy of most fasting strategies as they relate to medical conditions and/or aging might be limited if they are not integrated with diets that have health-associated benefits, such as the Mediterranean diet or the Okinawa low protein diet of the Blue Zone areas8 ( as noted in this article).
Exercise
Exercise training can have a beneficial impact against diseases and metabolic disorders that typically accompany aging, notably cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and osteoporosis9.
A study found that 150 minutes of moderate exercise (or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise) per week added approximately 3.4 extra years to one’s life10.
Diet
Ever heard of the Blue Zones? It is a non-scientific term given to geographic regions that are home to some of the world’s oldest people. It was first used by the author Dan Buettner, who was studying areas of the world in which people live exceptionally long lives. They were called the Blue Zones because when Buettner and his colleagues were searching for these areas, they drew blue circles around them on a map11.
People in Blue Zones typically eat a 95% plant-based diet that’s rich in legumes, whole grains, vegetables and nuts, all of which can help reduce the risk of death12.
Caloric restriction and periodic fasting are common in Blue Zones. Both these practices can significantly reduce risk factors for certain diseases and prolong healthy life13.
Human Connection
People who lack social connections have 50% higher odds of dying than others who are more connected, according to a reviewof 148 studies14. Being isolated was also shown to have a greater effect on high blood pressure than having diabetes in old age, according to another recent study15.
Supplements
Some companies are developing supplements that may help to reverse aging by providing beneficial molecules in large quantities. One interesting molecule in this field is nicotinamide riboside, which is converted inside the body into NAD+. Nicotinamide riboside, or niagen, is an alternative form of vitamin B3, also called niacin16. In normal conditions, levels of this compound decline in the body as we age, but it may become a therapeutic strategy in the future to help protect us against aging.
Cellular Mechanisms Mutation
Pathways that extend lifespan by 500 percent have been identified. The discovery of cellular mechanisms could open door to more effective anti-aging therapies.17
Living environment
Where you live has a significant impact on the likelihood that you will reach centenarian age ( 100 years of age) , suggests a new study , conducted by scientists at Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. They found that neighbourhood walkability, higher socioeconomic status, and a high percentage of working age population (a measure of age diversity) were positively correlated with reaching centenarian status.18
Having & living your life’s purpose
People in the Blue Zones tend to have a life purpose, known as “ikigai” in Okinawa or “plan de vida” in Nicoya19. Feeling that you have a sense of purpose in life may help you live longer, no matter what your age, according to new research. Finding a direction for life, and setting overarching goals for what you want to achieve can help you actually live longer, regardless of when you find your purpose,” says Hill ( lead researcher Patrick Hill of Carleton University in Canada)20.
So some basic easily strategies to implement in your life? Which of them can you start implementing in the new year?
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References :
- Nature Resource, what is aging : https://www.nature.com/subjects/ageing
- Medline plus , is longevity determined by genetics https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/longevity/
- Boston University School of Medicine. “New evidence that optimists live longer: After decades of research, a new study links optimism and prolonged life.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 26 August 2019. Link: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/08/190826150700.htm
- Elsevier website, Progress in Cardiovascular Diseases link : https://www.journals.elsevier.com/progress-in-cardiovascular-diseases
- Cultural awareness , Fasting around the world article https://culturalawareness.com/fasting-around-the-world/
- Willcox BJ, Willcox DC. Caloric restriction, caloric restriction mimetics, and healthy aging : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5403510/
- Atlas bio med The Facts On The Reverse Aging Process And Reversing Age link: https://atlasbiomed.com/blog/ageing-can-you-reverse-it/
- De Cabo R, Carmona-Gutierrez D, Bernier M, Hall MN, Madeo F. The search for antiaging interventions: from elixirs to fasting regimens. Cell. 2014;157(7):1515-1526. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2014.05.031 link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4254402/
- Fontana L, Partridge L, Longo VD. Extending healthy life span–from yeast to humans. Science. 2010;328:321–326. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3607354/
- Leisure Time Physical Activity of Moderate to Vigorous Intensity and Mortality: A Large Pooled Cohort Analysis Link: https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1001335
- Blue Zones website, About History https://www.bluezones.com/about/history/
- Happy Earth People, article https://happyearthpeople.com/2017/10/16/people-blue-zones-live-longer-rest-world/
- Health line Nutrition Blue Zones https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/blue-zones
- Social relationships & mortality risks a metanalytical review https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316
- Social relationships & mortality risks a metanalytical review https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1000316)
- Fricker RA, Green EL, Jenkins SI, Griffin SM. The Influence of Nicotinamide on Health and Disease in the Central Nervous System. Int J Tryptophan Res. 2018;11:1178646918776658. Published 2018 May 21. doi:10.1177/1178646918776658 link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5966847/
- Pathways that extend lifespan by 500 percent identified. Discovery of cellular mechanisms could open door to more effective anti-aging therapies Link: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/01/200108160338.htm
- Rajan Bhardwaj, Solmaz Amiri, Dedra Buchwald, Ofer Amram. Environmental Correlates of Reaching a Centenarian Age: Analysis of 144,665 Deaths in Washington State for 2011−2015. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 2020; 17 (8): 2828 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082828
- Why People in “Blue Zones” Live Longer Than the Rest of the World. Link: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/blue-zones#:~:text=Having%20a%20life%20purpose%3A%20People,54%20%2C%2055%20%2C%2056%20).
- Having a sense of purpose may add years to your life , Association for Psychological Science link: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/05/140512124308.htm