We are a product of our habits, lifestyle choices and the local environment. And we are now being reshaped by it.

By Sanjeev Kumar

My own journey did not start with me but thousands of years ago with my ancestors, and before them, millions of years ago with other species. The bases of DNA and RNA found in meteorites crashing on earth for billions of years most likely contributed to making a life that is learning to live as much as possible. So I am a by product of partnership and continuous collaboration, where laws of physics have played a key part.

?We were created and nurtured on this amazing ship that we have come to refer to as the “ Earth “. The journey of modern humans started about a million years ago. And in that period, our physiology has evolved.?

?New studies suggest that our bones became weaker when we switched from being hunter-gatherers to farmers, about 12,000 years ago. Our bodies have undergone changes since our species first evolved. While some of these changes were universal, others were more regional in effect. Most apparent changes across our species worldwide include a decrease in both overall body and brain size and a reduction in jaw and tooth proportions. The regional populations have also evolved different physical and genetic characteristics, mostly in response to varying climates and lifestyles.

?Over the course of 192,000 years of human history, at least 109 billion humans have lived and died. And during that time we have built empires, fought many wars, and found a way to survive and thrive. But we have also become a victim of our own success. As we push our bodies to adapt to a modern lifestyle, we are also causing damage to ourselves physically.?

?Since the invention of the chair some 5,000 years ago, our bodies have had to adapt to our new habits and lifestyle changes. Which has impacted negatively on our bodies. For example, the body has all sorts of negative reactions to sitting for longer periods. From cardiovascular conditions to back problems as well as cancer and diabetes, can be attributed to sitting for long hours. We are discovering that our habits are now remaking us.?

?The design of our modern society is such that most of us get busy with our lives, and then run out of time. We don’t want to die, but it is part of our design. Before we invented farming, humans would die because of starvation, and today, we are dying because of eating a lot of wrong food that does not work well with our bodies. We cannot escape death, but our habits along with lifestyle choices and the local environment are starting to impact negatively on our longevity.?

?We cannot cure this with a single pill, a selective therapy or a longevity and wellness retreat alone. Going to the gym and doing regular exercise helps, but the overall impact is insignificant unless we are committed to changing our habits and lifestyle. And one of the key contributors to the changes in our habits and lifestyle is technology. I would go as far as to say that the technological advancement that we have made does come at a cost. Technology has become quite addictive, serving as a distraction in most people's lives. It has made us lazy and also unproductive due to its added conveniences, but let us not kid ourselves. We have become a victim of our own success.?

?Our physiology is an engineering marvel but it has design limits. We are an extremely complex organism made up of trillions of cells, each with its own structure and function. These cells are mini-power plants in their own right. So, in a way, the electricity running through us shapes our bodies and our overall health.?

?Some of us believe a pure technological solution is the way forward to delivering health and wellness to the people, but I disagree, what we do need is an integrated ecosystems approach. Modern medicine and the ingenuity of the latest technological innovation wrapped around a thousands-year-old healing system that empowers individuals to look after themselves. Without changes in our habits, lifestyle choices and a conducive environment, I do not see how we can achieve better health for people and the society at large.?

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