Markers of Aging and Highlights of How to Age in Healthy Ways

Ageing can be split up into two types. The first, chronological age, is an individual’s age measured by a calendar. In other words, the number of days that they have been alive. The second, physiological age, ties in with how the body functions. This might be determined using physical attributes, such as bone, muscle mass, or skin characteristics, as well as physiological factors like fitness level, cardiac output, basal metabolic rate (the amount of energy one burns at rest on a daily basis), or respiratory capacity. Depending on the person, chronological and physiological age can be quite different.

Indicators of Physiological Age

Dental Perspective

For a young individual, the type and number of teeth present might serve as a marker of their age. Similarly, in adults, teeth have been analyzed to discover age due to the changes in mineralization and demineralization that occur in them throughout the lifespan. On the other hand, fluoride treatments and fluoridation in water supplies have slowed the process of demineralization that comes with age. Thus, investigating the properties of teeth does not remain a fully useful task for this type of prediction in older individuals.

Skeletal Aspect

Early in life, bones go through the process of developing in length, thickness, and density. Beginning in middle age, a decrease in the latter characteristic starts to occur. Bones lengthen at their growth plates, which are located at the ends, within infants and children. When these growth plates close, the bones will stop increasing in length. If they close prematurely, due to factors such as damage or steroids, shorter final bone length or adult height attainment are likely to be caused.

Skin

One of the main changes that come with ageing, and appeared on the surface of the body, is wrinkles. They begin to appear usually around 30 years of age and their number and depth rise over time. Wrinkles result due to the loss of elasticity present in the skin. Elastin, as well as collagen, are the skin’s two major components. Influenced by age, the skin loosens and loses its elasticity, leading to the formation of permanent wrinkles. The timing and rate at which they emerge are impacted by certain aspects (including genetics) and are sped up by the elements of sun exposure and smoking. Wrinkle creams help the appearance of them through hydrating the skin, providing antioxidants that protect the skin from damaging agents, and supplying exfoliants that remove the presence of dead skin. These products generally work best when used on a regular basis, and have a modest effect. While wrinkles are nothing to be ashamed of, it is beneficial in a number of ways to safeguard one’s skin from the sun and to avoid smoking.

Hair

In terms of the relationship between ageing and men, hair loss or male pattern baldness is commonly observed. This process can also be experienced by women, though it is less frequent in nature. The loss of hair stems from specific androgens binding to the follicles in the scalp. Male pattern baldness is not a consequence of wearing hats or high hair product use, but it does have the effect of reducing the quality of hair. Drug therapies are available for treating this circumstance, however, they are often more effective at maintaining hair, rather than fully restoring the loss of it. These substances require chronic use and the results are lost quickly if intake is discontinued. In this scenario, the density of the individual’s hair will gradually become what it would have been without the addition of treatment. Lastly, further to a reduction in the number of hairs that can occur with time, the thickness of each piece can lesson as well. Taken together, both factors contribute to the emergence of balding with age (a natural event).

Wellbeing

Differences between the physiological ages of individuals are significantly shaped by lifestyle habits, but genetics also plays an important role. While one cannot change their genetic makeup, it is crucial to establish and maintain a healthy day-to-day lifestyle overall — one that will support physical as well as mental health. This is in order for physiological age to be in line with a state of wellbeing for the body, as much as possible given the unique experiences that people face. Suggested by WebMD, the following are some helpful tips (backed by science) for continuing to age in a healthy manner:

• Eat whole foods — such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and low-fat dairy
• Go for walks — aim for 30 minutes every day, whether all at once or broken up
• Stay connected — and Amintro is the perfect place to do it!
• Incorporate fibre — among other benefits, fibre fills one up and for longer
• Try tai chi — a gentle Chinese exercise that pairs slow movements with deep breathing

For other recommendations, and to read the full article, check out the page at this link: https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/healthy-aging-secret#1. The information contained in the rest of this piece was retrieved from York University professors Jennifer L. Kuk (Ph.D.), Michael Riddell (Ph.D.), and Angelo Belcastro (Ph.D.).

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