Visible Cellular Senesence
The life expectancy of any give species is pretty much determined by its genetic make up. This in turn is the result of evolutionary processes governed by one single imperative: survival of the species. The goal of every species is to reach a prime reproductive age in order to ensure that that species will survive. Living beyond that prime age is just ‘gravy’ for the particular individual. In the case humans, because of unique intellectual and physical abilities, our life expectancy extends well beyond the reproductive years.
Previously I talked about cellular senescence. It is now in these ‘gravy’ years that the ravages of cellular aging become apparent in how we and how different diseases become manifest.
Those cells that loose their ability to divide prematurely have great significance if they happen to be kidney, liver or cells of other vital organs. Organ failure or sub optimal function can have a ripple effect on other crucial physiologic mechanisms. Take, for example, cellular immunity. Elderly individuals have a much more difficult time fighting off infectious disease. Diseases that in a younger person would be far less serious. It is interesting to note that even though one may have a terminal disease such as cancer; it is bacterial infections that most often cause the terminal event.
How each of us age is a product of a lifelong list of decisions. Each decision has impact on the cellular and sub cellular level. There are bad ones: excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, poor nutrition, ultra violet ray exposure, inactivity. These choices lead to increase in cellular free radicals, protein damage, DNA damage and shortened cell life expectancy. What we see is cirrhosis, coronary artery disease, cancer, diabetes, wrinkles, obesity/frailty, poor posture. On the other hand making better choices such as leading a more balanced life, reducing stress and having proper exercise and nutrition can go a long way in reducing the effects of cellular aging and their resulting diseases.
Keep in mind that all these deleterious process are going on while we are still relatively young and, of course, immortal. This is the best time to make positive changes in your lifestyle. Be aware that even with advanced age, programs involving strength and cardiovascular training can slow down and even reverse some diseases of aging. We will discuss this in greater detail next month.
Previously I talked about cellular senescence. It is now in these ‘gravy’ years that the ravages of cellular aging become apparent in how we and how different diseases become manifest.
Those cells that loose their ability to divide prematurely have great significance if they happen to be kidney, liver or cells of other vital organs. Organ failure or sub optimal function can have a ripple effect on other crucial physiologic mechanisms. Take, for example, cellular immunity. Elderly individuals have a much more difficult time fighting off infectious disease. Diseases that in a younger person would be far less serious. It is interesting to note that even though one may have a terminal disease such as cancer; it is bacterial infections that most often cause the terminal event.
How each of us age is a product of a lifelong list of decisions. Each decision has impact on the cellular and sub cellular level. There are bad ones: excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, poor nutrition, ultra violet ray exposure, inactivity. These choices lead to increase in cellular free radicals, protein damage, DNA damage and shortened cell life expectancy. What we see is cirrhosis, coronary artery disease, cancer, diabetes, wrinkles, obesity/frailty, poor posture. On the other hand making better choices such as leading a more balanced life, reducing stress and having proper exercise and nutrition can go a long way in reducing the effects of cellular aging and their resulting diseases.
Keep in mind that all these deleterious process are going on while we are still relatively young and, of course, immortal. This is the best time to make positive changes in your lifestyle. Be aware that even with advanced age, programs involving strength and cardiovascular training can slow down and even reverse some diseases of aging. We will discuss this in greater detail next month.
posted by Dr. Lou Moretti at
6:09 PM
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