Life Phase Age

Reaching a biblical age while remaining healthy and vital is the dream of us all. A dream still, even though scientists are working flat out to extend our lifespan. However, we can already do some things to age “successfully”.

The stages of human life

Humans are subject to constant changes in form and performance. The phase of physical-mental development and maturity lasts until about the age of 25. In the period up to the age of 45, the human being is fully capable. Then the phase of degenerative changes and increasing loss of function begins. At first, many people hardly realize the aging process because nature proceeds slowly and cautiously. Only when the first losses in performance become noticeable at the age of 50 and 60 does it become clear: we are aging.

Why do cells age and die?

Cells cannot divide indefinitely. Leonard Hayflick, an American researcher on aging, was able to demonstrate in cell cultures that individual cells divide only 50 times, after which these cells degenerate. Endogenous (the body’s own metabolic processes) and exogenous influences can be identified as the main factors. Attacks from outside are triggered by:

Environmental toxins such as:

  • Chemicals
  • Heavy metals
  • Pollutants
  • UV radiation

Pleasure toxins such as:

  • Tobacco
  • Alcohol

Pathogens (viruses, bacteria).

They all damage the genetic material and other components of human cells, so that cell division gets out of hand. In addition, the body’s repair mechanisms are also aging, so that the cell wear is driven (“Oxidative Stress Theory”). Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that are generated during the various chemical reactions in the cells as part of metabolism and can lead to death under extreme conditions. Among endogenous factors, the “telomere hyopthesis of aging” represents a significant starting point. According to this, the lifespan of an individual is determined by the number of possible cell divisions, which in turn is related to the length of the so-called telomeres. Telomeres are the end pieces of chromosomes in which the number of divisions possible for the cell individually is determined.

Aging process favors diseases

As a result of increasing genetic instability and progressive decrease of physical and mental adaptability of the body due to the change of organs and organ systems, typical diseases of old age occur. Common are diseases of the cardiovascular system, osteoporosis, diabetes with its sequelae, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia, rheumatism, osteoarthritis and cancer. Many of these age-related diseases in turn lead to an increased oxidative load on the body, which – if the theories are correct – further accelerates the aging process. Although organ functions reduce to varying degrees, they are sufficient to enable us to lead a physically and mentally satisfying life into old age.

Living longer through anti-aging medicine?

Less spectacular anti-aging remedies are already in use. For example, especially the intake of antioxidants (including provitamin A, vitamins E and C) and fish oil capsules has a high value. The free radicals are rendered harmless and the body cells can thus be protected from premature wear and tear.

How to keep yourself “young”

Leaving aside the importance of inherited predispositions or fateful diseases, it is an all-around healthy lifestyle that can delay aging. What is indispensable to this: physical and mental activity, a balanced diet, the renunciation of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption and sporting activity. But it is very important to live this healthy lifestyle from early youth and not only “five to twelve”.

What health values can you get tested for?

In addition to the free check-up at the doctor from the age of 35, there are also interesting offers in pharmacies. There one can – depending upon equipment – most diverse parameters seize to let, for example Lipidprofil (total cholesterol, Triglyceride, HDL, VDL, LDL), the blood sugar values (fasting value, postprandial value, HbA1c value), kidney parameters (Albumin etc.), determination of free radicals for the collection of oxidative stress, body fat measurements.In addition to these health checks, quality of life can be significantly improved with appropriately qualified nutritional counseling for individuals or specific risk groups (nutrition for osteoporosis patients, for type 2 diabetics, for people with rheumatic diseases, for cancer patients) and appropriate additional recommendations of high-quality nutritional supplements.