What is ageing? What causes it? Can ageing be halted or even reversed? Can disease, disorder and death be deferred or avoided? Is there a formula for longevity? Although these are complex questions with challenging solutions, one area that is commonly the object of scientific research is the search for prolonged health and wellbeing. Death is certain, but can ageing be delayed, prevented or reengineered?
Ageing is often defined as the process of becoming older or the changes observed with the passage of time. These changes are often seen and expected as negative reflecting damage and deterioration of structure and function of the human body and mind. This biological process has also been referred to as “senescence” in scientific language.
From a biological perspective, ageing implies a set of changes that increase our probability of disease and death. These changes include the loss of:
- height
- bone density
- muscle mass
- strength
- hearing, vision, olfaction
- reaction time
- skin elasticity
- range of motion
- balance
- memory function
- immune response
- metabolic rate (slower)
- physical and mental performance
While there are some ageing processes that seem to impact all people, such as reduced vision or hearing, much like a car or a machine that suffers wear and tear, there are others that are not necessarily universal. There is also an overall functional decline with ageing, as well as an increased vulnerability to certain conditions. However, loss of function does not necessarily mean higher mortality, although an organ or system failure can lead to death.
One major theory attributes ageing to oxidative damage that results from metabolism. As we breathe and our cells produce energy, oxidative stress occurs from free radicals generated from highly reactive molecules, if insufficient antioxidant response occurs. Ageing, from this perspective, is seen as cellular damage caused by the metabolic process. It has been observed that the incidence of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, kidney disease, asthma and cancer are directly linked to this oxidative damage. The best treatment is prevention and repair interventions that address disorders from antioxidant-oxidative stress perspectives.
Is it possible to strengthen the immune system, increase vitality and wellbeing, and slow the ageing process? Antioxidant therapies, anti-inflammatory approaches, cellular repair and rejuvenation, along with lifestyle changes, have shown positive results in managing healthy ageing and promoting longevity.
Life expectancy is a statistical measure of how long one is expected to live on average. Longevity refers to an ideal life expectancy and in quality of life and the meaning connotes long or prolonged life, and a sense of permanence and wellbeing. Human life expectancy has increased in the last century. Longevity means avoiding or treating premature ageing and disease for healthier and more fulfilling extended life.
Sources:
http://www.senescence.info/aging_definition.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK10041/
http://www.oxidativestressresource.org/
