Aging is a largely mysterious process. History of the world is replete with tales of individuals trying to stave off aging. Rich Man, Poor Man, Beggar Man, Thief, all will go through the aging process. However, how well we endure that process will depend on the individual.
What is Aging?
Aging is the progressive accumulation of changes with time that are associated with or responsible for the ever-increasing susceptibility to disease and death which accompanies advancing age. These time-related changes are attributed to the aging process.
How do we age?
Aging happens due to many processes happening in our bodies. The first is the genetic clock which is running, this may be linked to the component in the cell which after many divisions runs out and aging begins. Deficiencies created over time lead to the cell being deprived of the essential needs and it dies out earlier than its time or may under perform leading to aging. The common areas which are prone to aging are the high exposure/high function areas like skin (face and hand), liver function, hair, muscles.
As we go through life the accumulated toxins in the body along with stress accelerates aging. Aging shows as early graying, loose muscles, dry skin and pigmentation, weak bones and low energy.
Aging also depends upon genetics, environmental stress and nutrition with lifestyle. Genetics as we know can not be changed but the rest of the aspects of aging can be changed like stress, nutrition and lifestyle.
What changes take place when we age?
Here are a few changes highlighted:
- Cardiovascular system: As people age, the heart muscle becomes a less efficient pump, working harder to pump the same amount of blood through the body. Also, blood vessels become less elastic.
- Bones, muscles and joints: Bones reach their maximum mass between ages 25 and 35. As people age, their bones' size and density shrink. Some people might become shorter. Gradual loss of density weakens bones and makes people more susceptible to fracture.
- Digestive system: Swallowing and the motions that automatically move digested food through the intestines slow down as people get older. The amount of surface area within the intestines diminishes slightly.
- Weight: As men and women age, maintaining a healthy weight becomes more difficult. Metabolism generally slows, meaning that the body burns fewer calories.
Aging is something none of us can do anything about. Aging is inevitable, but the rate of aging is not. We certainly can do something about how well we age and how little we show the effects of aging. There is a lot more you can do to slow the visible and health effects of aging. The overall process of aging is one that is irreversible, but the health effects and the outward visible effects can all be tackled, quite naturally.
