Aging is accepted as a natural part of life. There is no distinct start point, it just begins in each individual person at a different time, and it affect each person uniquely. There are many lifestyle and biological factors, however, that we have learned does affect the aging process.
One such relationship is that of aging and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In recent studies, it has been proven that there is a direct link between not only high levels of HDL and lower risk of heart disease increasing one's lifespan (Cohen, 2007), yet it is apparent that higher levels of HDL decreases the memory loss associated with aging (Nagourney, 2008). Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential as one ages, to ensure not only a long life, but a high quality life.
Genetics also have a drastic affect on aging. When studying the length of
telomeres, the protective caps on the ends of each chromatid which prevent deterioration. As one grows, one's cells divide, and, during this process, the telomeres get shorter and shorter. It is suggested that since we are born with a specific length of our telomeres, and since siblings often have telomeres of similar lengths, that there is a gene that codes for telomere length (Moisse, 2010). Research has also been performed revealing a potential link between telomere length and heart disease, as well as the idea that unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, being obese and not exercising could accelerate telomere shortening.
As recent as 2003, a major discovery of the link of aging and genetics was uncovered by biologist David Sinclair. Sinclair, knowing that humans and yeast cells both utilize sirtuin, decided to test the effects of the gene SIR2 in yeast, which is comparable to SIRT1 is humans. He fed one group of yeast cells a normal amount of glucose, while he fed his experimental group 30-40% fewer calories of glucose. In the control group, the yeast cells aged, losing the shape of its DNA and thus deteriorating in the same way a human's cells would with cancer. However, in the calorie-restricted diet group, the yeast cells trigged SIR2 in response to the hungry, stressful situation and, as a result, stayed young. (Chadda, 2007). Now, scientists are using Sinclair's discovery as inspiration in their own studies between SIRT1 and aging in human cells. In the meantime, pharmaceutical companies are currently looking into resveratrol, a substance that appear to mimic the affects of a calorie-restricted diet by stimulating SIRT1, yet not reducing one's calorie intake. In an experiment on mice, it was revealed that mice who were given resveratrol lived 10-20% longer than those who did not consume it. Studies have also shown that red wine also contains this precious chemical, yet, in order to obtain the desired anti-aging affects illustrated in mice, humans would have to consume approximately 1,000 glasses a day (Cohen, 2007).
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also necessary in order to prevent or control aging. Even as one ages, one must take care of and protect one's body. Provided below is a compiled list of healthy habits to extend one's quantity and quality of life (Oz, 2010):
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Exercise consistently
- Don't drink or smoke
- Take 1,000 mg of calcium
- Take 1,000 IU of Vitamin D (or get some sun for 15 minutes)
- Sleep at least 7 hours a day
Bibliography:
Cohen, C. (2007, January 9). Aging. Retrieved November 28, 2010
from , Public Broadcasting Services: NOVA Web site:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/aging.html
Chadda, R. (2007, January 1). Healthy Old Age. Retrieved
November 28, 2010 from , Public Broadcasting Services: NOVA Web
site: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/aging-longevity.html
Moisse, K. (2010, February 8). Researchers Identify Genetic Variant
Linked to Faster Biological Aging. Retrieved November 28, 2010
from , Scientific American Web site:
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=aging-telomere
Nagourney, E. (2008, July 1). Aging: Good Cholesterol, Good
Memory. Retrieved November 28, 2010 from , New York Times Web
site:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/01/health/research/01agin.html?_r=1
Oz, M. (2010, February 11). Living Long and Living Well.
Retrieved November 28, 2010 from , Time Magazine Web site:
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1963392_1963369_1963380,00.htm
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