Charles Neil takes a snapshot of the latest findings in biological age reduction and the diverse ways being utilised to measure the health of people's cells and organs.
As we grow older, we may find ourselves yearning for the days when our skin was smooth, our energy levels high, and our memory sharp. While we can't turn back the clock, researchers are exploring new ways to help us age gracefully and maintain our ‘healthspan’, rather than merely holding onto our ‘lifespan.’
One scientist leading the charge is Dr. Nir Barzilai, director of the Institute for Aging Research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He believes that by "targeting aging" with drugs like metformin and rapamycin, we may be able to reduce the onset of age-related diseases such as cancer, dementia, and type 2 diabetes.
Although research into these drugs is still ongoing, some people are already using metformin in an attempt to slow aging. However, it's important to note that no geroprotector drugs have been FDA-approved for this purpose.
Aside from medication, there are other anti-aging practices that have been shown to have an impact on our longevity and healthspan. These include enjoying a non-inflammatory diet like the DASH diet and the Mediterranean diet, exercising for 30 minutes, five times a week, meditating 20 minutes a day, and maintaining strong social connections with family and friends.
Don’t let age change you, change the way you age
Scientists believe that these practices help maintain the fitness of our cells, which can lead to a longer, healthier life. However, biological age is just one factor that affects our healthspan. Other reasons, like genetics and access to healthcare, also play a role.
Despite the challenges, many scientists remain optimistic about the potential of geroprotectors and anti-aging practices to slow down the aging process. For instance, a group of US lawmakers from New York, Texas, California, and Florida recently formed a congressional longevity caucus aimed at developing treatments that broadly affect multiple diseases, so people can continue living healthier lives as they age.
While we may not be able to turn back the clock, the research into geroprotectors and anti-aging lifestyle practices gives us hope that we can age gracefully and maintain our healthspan for as long as possible
We aren’t old, we’ve just been young for a long time.
The health wisdom is clear but we constantly need to be reminded. Here is a checklist of some of the most effective strategies:
Exercise regularly: Regular daily physical activity - 30 minutes minimum - can help maintain muscle mass, improve cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation, all of which decelerate the aging process.
Eat a healthy diet: Consuming a diet rich in low fructose fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fats loads the body with the nutrients it needs to function optimally and reduce the risk of age-related diseases.
Manage stress: Chronic stress can lead to accelerated aging, so finding ways to manage stress, like through meditation, deep breathing or exercise, can foster serenity and show down aging.
Get enough sleep: Getting sufficient high-quality sleep is essential for healthy aging, as it allows the body to repair and regenerate. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can both contribute to premature aging, so avoiding or minimising these habits is fundamental.
Stay socially connected: Maintaining grassroots social connections can help to reduce stress and improve cognitive function, which can keep us engaged over time.
Protect your skin from the sun: Excessive exposure to the sun's UV rays can speed up skin aging, so wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen is vital.
Stay mentally active: Engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as reading, puzzles, or learning a new skill, can sharpen cognitive function and slow down age-related cognitive decline.
Consider supplements: Certain supplements, such as vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and resveratrol, may have anti-aging effects. However, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.