Aging is a process that humans cannot really control but are constantly fighting against, dedicating arduous studies to slow it down. Getting older is not necessarily perceived as a bad thing but we often equate it to stepping closer and closer to death. People instinctively fight aging because life is what we've come to know and explore; it is something that we can handle some way or another while death approaching equals loss of control and the unknown. It is not only physical aging that we need to worry about but also social and mental aging, which rarely coincide with each other.
Biological aging means getting weaker, experiencing stronger and longer lasting pains in the body; having weaker bones; skin getting thinner, drier and fat appearing in specific places. The body is more susceptible to disease and our brain functions decrease and memory is affected. Nature tells us that our body is no longer capable of counteracting outside aggressions and the reproductive system no longer functions. For women it is menopause while men experience infertility.
Mentally we can no longer achieve the same results even though we increase our efforts. We tend to seek quieter places and we retreat among those of our own age, who experience different problems of aging. Memory is affected the most, which is why it is most important to learn and acquire as much information as possible when young. Our practical skills are also affected because of lack of proper coordination. In other cases serious disease appear, like Alzheimer or Parkinson. Some diseases are genetically transmitted and are impossible to avoid or cure but for those that can be prevented by a consistently healthy life throughout the years, there are diets and physical exercises that prolong youth as long as possible.
To slow down aging, the solution needs to be addressed at a cellular level. Our system is able to renew cells. Telomeres are responsible for that and they shorten once cells are restored. That happens through enzymes but as time passes the power to restore is overwhelmed by the damage. Our main enemies come from the outside and are called free radicals, caused by stress, pollution, UV radiations and tobacco among other things. What free radicals consist of is bad molecules of oxygen in the body. These free radicals destroy DNA and proteins, so as when the cells regenerate they turn out imperfect and can't perform the function they were designed for
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Because free radicals oxidize the body needs to counteract with antioxidants, which are said to have a paramount role in anti aging. The most common are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, flavonoids, selenium, carotenoids and, lately, Coenzyme Q10. As we are not able to always include vegetables and fruits in our daily diet, it is advisable to take antioxidant supplements that complete the meals but do not replace it. As far as food is concerned, we should avoid phyto inflammatory products and choose neutral or anti inflammatory ones like fruits and vegetables that are richly colored. Our immune system should also be the focus as it is one of the main sources of early aging.
Overall, one should have a plan about how to keep healthy and extend life. First of all, you should have regular consults with your doctor; second of all, eating healthy should be followed by daily exercise; third of all, a healthy mind automatically leads to a healthy lifestyle. We should be consistent in our diet and try to prevent rather than cure, because it might be too late to do it.
