Understanding the Causes of Aging

Aging describes the process people go through from birth to death, which is inevitable. As humans, we must all go through this process. The rate at which people age differs, based on a variety of factors. The exact causes of aging are not known, but numerous suggestions have been made on this matter. We will be looking at some of these in this piece while also providing useful information on how you can slow the aging clock.

Aging and the Body

We are all made up of several trillions of cells – each human is believed to have about 13 trillion of these to be a bit specific. These cells make up the various tissues, muscles and organs in our body. They start to age right from the time we are conceived and the rate becomes more rapid as we grow older. From around age 30, the signs of aging starts to become more apparent and could range from declining metabolism to nervous and cardiovascular issues. Some of the changes that may be observed with aging include:

Slower rate of cell multiplication
Stiffening of connective issues between cells
Accumulation of waste products
Weakening of bones
Longer heart rate normalization after exercises
Decrease in brain and spinal cord nerve cells
Increased disease susceptibility
Urinary incontinence
Slump in energy levels
Appearance of wrinkles

There are several other changes that may also be observed as a result of aging.

Theories on the Causes of Aging

As stated previously, the specific causes of aging have yet to be understood. The phenomenon has been attributed to interplay of several factors, including genetic, hormonal, environmental and dietary. A number of theories have been put together on the causes of aging. These are broadly divided into two major groups, namely: programmed factor or built-in breakdown theories and Damage-related theories.

Programmed Factor or Built-in Breakdown Theories

Genetic theory – This is based on the idea that aging has been pre-programmed into the human genes. The genetic theory postulates that cell aging is an active process, suggesting that the phenotype of senescence is dominant. From the perspective of this hypothesis, you are virtually helpless about the occurrence of aging.

Telomere theory – Those working with this theory postulate that aging is the result of the shortening of telomeres, the chromosome ends inside every cell. With each cell division, the telomeres get shorter and shorter to the extent that this causes cells to die off. The ability of cells to replicate has been associated to telomere length – replication is halted when these chromosome “caps” become too short leading to cellular death. The death of cells contributes to aging and eventual mortality.

Immunological theory – Decline in the health of the immune system causes aging, according to this theory. The level of immunity against diseases a person enjoys is said to be at its peak during puberty, after which a slump sets in. As years pass by, the efficacy of T cells in particular begins to decline as a result of weakening thymus gland. This makes a person more prone to infections and leads to increase in auto-antibodies which attack body tissues. Cellular stress and death result from this decline in immunity.

Hormone theory – Perhaps, this may be considered part of the built-in breakdown theory. The hormone theory holds that aging is mainly attributable to the endocrine system, which regulates the hormones in charge of processes in the body. The changes that are seen in this system as people get older are believed to responsible for aging signs, including menopause. The pituitary gland, the main center of the endocrine gland, is suspected of secreting other substances than known hormones which may be contributing to the aging process.

Damage Theories

Free radical theory – A free radical is a chemically unstable molecule that is capable of attacking cells and damaging DNA. It can be a byproduct of important reactions in the body or the result of exposure to cigarettes, toxic waste, trans fat, air pollution or some types of chemicals. Free radicals are powerful oxidizing agents capable of causing problems at the cellular level. The damage caused by these molecules lead to manifestations of aging signs. Free radicals, also known broadly as reactive oxygen species, can give rise to debilitating diseases, including potentially lethal ones such as arteriosclerosis and cancer.

DNA damage theory – The DNA plays a very key role in the life of an average human. Therefore, it is easy to accept implication in the aging process. Genetic damage, including mutations (DNA sequence impairment) and epimutations (disruption of DNA scaffolding), leads to abnormal gene expression. This can cause aging and give rise to diseases such as cancer. A good number of DNA damage are repaired, but some build up and can possibly interfere with RNA transcription. Majority of DNA damage come as oxidative damage. It has been observed in mice that the anti-aging sirtuin gene, which is activated by resveratrol, can inhibit gene expression profiles and help to slow the aging process.

Radiation Theory – This theory is connected to the free radical theory of aging in a way. Radiation is known to increase the presence of free radicals in cells, with this supposedly accelerating the process of aging. However, the radiation theory is viewed as being rather superficial.

These are just a handful of the theories that have been developed in the effort to explain the causes of aging. There are several others that have not been touched on here. The ones mentioned here just happen to be more popular. Stress and Glycation, more precisely advanced glycation end products (AGEs), are also known to contribute to aging.

Why Do People in Certain Countries Live Longer?

You are very likely aware that life expectancy varies across different countries. People are said to live longer in Japan than in any other countries in the world, with 60-year-olds expected to live until around age 86 on average. That’s quite impressive, you’d say. Sizeable number of individuals living on the Japanese Islands of Okinawa are said to live beyond 100 years. The islands are just one of five regions around the world, known as the Blue Zones, where people live unusually longer. The other areas include Sardinia (Italy), Ikaria (Greece), Loma Linda (California, USA), and Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica).

One might ask what is responsible for people in certain countries or regions living longer than those in other places. In answering that question, let’s consider the case of Japan. People in the Asian country have been shown to possess two special genes which protect against certain adult onset diseases, making it possible for them to live longer. However, it is not genes which no one has control over that stands the Japanese apart. Diet plays a crucial role, with plant-based calories, vegetables, fruits and pulses featuring prominently. Fish and seaweed also feature in dishes. The active lifestyle and socializing habits of Japanese people is also believed to contribute to longevity. They are mostly health-conscious and enjoy universal healthcare.

Similar diet and lifestyle trends have also been observed in a number of Mediterranean and East Asian countries that follow Japan closely in terms of life expectancy.

What Can Be Learned from Countries with Highest Life Expectancy

Let’s highlight some of the lessons we can draw from countries like Japan where people regularly live beyond the age of 100.

Eat healthy – You should endeavor to maintain a healthy diet featuring vegetables, fruits and fish oils. Beans, a popular food in Ikaria, and artichokes are rich sources of antioxidants that can help to combat the dangers of free radicals in the body. Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cranberries and cherries are also high in antioxidants. You should also avoid processed food and salty food.

Exercise regularly – Many people in today’s society have little or no time for exercise with this having negative impact on their wellbeing. This is one of the reasons we now see many obese people at risk of grave health issues. By comparison, most people in areas with high life expectancy make effort to exercise regularly – be it by walking, cycling, doing yoga or Tai Chi to name a few. Exercise offers numerous attractive benefits, including prevention of hypertension, obesity, osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues. If you are not quite comfortable with vigorous exercise, regular moderate workouts can still be beneficial. Exercise also helps deal with stress which is capable of setting off hormones, such as cortisol, which could speed up the aging process.

Make lifestyle changes – If you are the type that smokes, you should consider making an effort to kick the habit. You should also cut down or eliminate alcohol intake and keep away as much as possible from pollutants, chemicals and toxins. Make effort to get up, stretch and walk around every now and then if you work on a job that requires you to sit in the same place for a long time. Going out and socializing will also be helpful.

Use supplements – It might not be possible for you to get all needed nutrients from the food you consume. You may want to consider using supplements to make up for whatever may be missing. Vitamin D and natural fish oil supplements are recommended. And since aging has also been linked to decline in growth hormone levels, you may want to consider using a potent HGH supplement like Genf20 Plus, Genfx, Provacyl or Sytropin to boost production by the pituitary gland.

Several explanations have been provided on possible causes of aging and there appears to be no consensus. What is certain, however, is that a healthy (mainly plant-based) diet, regular exercise and lifestyle changes as well as supplementation can help to slow the aging process.