Aging: Why we age and how to slow it down
01 Introduction
Getting older is an inevitable path for humans. As we get older, our skin thins and becomes less elastic, causing wrinkles. Our hair begins to gray, losing its melanin. Our bones begin to shrink in size and density, making them weak and more susceptible to fracture.
But why exactly do these things happen? What is happening inside our body to cause these changes, and is it possible to delay them? After all, some species like hydra and certain jellyfish are able to reset themselves back to youth, even in old age!
In this third edition of Inside Longevity by NOVOS, we’ll be talking about aging, why it happens, and what can be done to slow it down.
02 The causes of aging
At the microscopic level, there are ten key causes of aging that have been uncovered by the latest scientific research.
One of the causes is telomere shortening. Telomeres are the outer ends of our chromosomes that are made up of repetitive DNA. Just like the plastic caps at the ends of our shoelaces that protect them from unraveling, telomeres protect our chromosomes’ DNA. As we age, telomeres get shorter and cannot protect DNA any longer, ultimately increasing the likelihood of genomic instability and impairment of cell function.
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03 Anti-aging supplements you don’t want to take
Did you know that most anti-aging supplements don’t actually deliver on their big and lofty promises? Examples are most vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and herbs.
It’s still a widely popular belief that antioxidants slow down aging. Numerous large studies have shown that people who take antioxidants do not live longer, and in some cases even have shorter lifespans. This is because when a person takes antioxidants via a food supplement, their cells will make less of their own antioxidant proteins, which are in fact many times more effective than orally taken antioxidants.
04 The best way to slow down aging
It should come as no surprise that the best approach to living longer is our lifestyle.
Diet, exercise, and good sleep are among the key things we can do now to keep our biological age young. Shying away from sugary food, reducing your intake of animal protein, cutting unhealthy fats like trans fats and omega 6 fats, and drinking plenty of water are some great tips to start improving your diet. Taking a 20-minute walk on a daily basis can reduce your risk of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and many other aging-related diseases. Sleeping regularly for an average of 8 hours a day is essential for fighting age-related diseases, as well.