MASTERING THE UNAVOIDABLE: AGING - AN INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

By Mojisola Alaiya

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could find an elixir that keeps us perpetually youthful, as depicted in films?

Sigh! Aging is an unavoidable journey that all humans, as well as every living being, have to face. Indeed! The time of wrinkles, hair loss, and grey hairs will inevitably arrive. No one can evade this fate, not even with treatments like Botox, dyes, or plastic surgery.

Ageing is commonly linked to reduced immune function, increased susceptibility to infections, and the onset of various health problems categorized under degenerative disorders like high blood pressure, cardiac conditions, diabetes, dementia, among others. That’s why during the COVID-19 pandemic, older individuals made up most of the fatalities.

According to reports, researchers from a Japanese skincare firm identified 35.09 years as the critical juncture where the aging process significantly kicks in, particularly for women. If you're a woman who hasn't reached this age yet, prepare yourself since this is typically when visible signs of aging start appearing. Nonetheless, keep in mind that individual experiences can vary, as people experience aging at distinct rates.

Why do we age?

The generation of substances known scientifically as free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the body plays a crucial role in aging and disease progression. These entities are created through various metabolic biochemical reactions in the body. Hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radical serve as examples of such chemical compounds.

As we grow older, the levels of these metabolic substances in our bodies increase, leading to various outcomes like gray hair. Besides aging, elements such as ultraviolet rays (from sunlight), chemicals, specific pathogens, and high blood sugar can also cause an uptick in the concentrations of these metabolites within us.

What exactly happens during the aging process?

Pigment cells known as melanocytes reside within your hair follicles and generate melanin, the substance responsible for coloring your hair. However, once the production of this pigment ceases, your hair begins to turn grey. What exactly causes our body cells to cease producing melanin? The greying process in humans—or turning grey—is due to an accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in the hair follicles, effectively bleaching the hair internally. Typically, the human body has enzymes like catalase and glutathione peroxidase, created by the liver, which break down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Yet, the creation of these enzymes diminishes with age.

A high level of free radicals and ROS can lead to an imbalance within the body, causing oxidative stress. Fortunately, nature has provided us with a solution through plants, as they hold the key to reducing these metabolic compounds (ROS and free radicals) in our systems. These plants include components known as phytochemicals, which exhibit strong antioxidant qualities. Antioxidants are capable of neutralizing both free radicals and reactive oxygen species.

As we cannot halt the aging process, can we decelerate it?

YES! WE CAN!

Below are some suggestions that may assist in decelerating the aging process:

Consume abundant amounts of fruits and veggies.

It might be challenging to obtain fresh vegetables occasionally; however, you can establish your own small veggie patch utilizing unused containers or flower pots. In Nigeria, numerous fruits become easily accessible and affordable when they're in season throughout the year.

Steer clear of specific foods that could potentially add years to your appearance.

These foods include:

Battered and fried dishes as well as charred meats or items cooked at elevated temperatures produce advanced glycation end products. These cooking methods encourage the formation of free radicals which can harm various bodily molecules and contribute to premature aging of the skin.

Packaged meats like sausages often contain preservatives to prevent spoilage; however, these additives, including high levels of salt and chemicals, can lead to inflammation which may deteriorate your health from within and without.

Additionally, as you increase your intake of carbonated beverages or energy drinks, the cells within your tissue tend to age at an accelerated rate. High-fructose corn syrup, commonly found in certain carbonated drinks, energy drinks, and fruit juices, can disrupt your body’s capacity to utilize copper effectively. This interference hampers the formation of collagen and elastin—essential components that maintain the tautness and youthfulness of your skin.

Margarine and butter contain trans-unsaturated fatty acids, which raise levels of bad cholesterol in your body, lower the good type, and trigger inflammation throughout your system. This inflammation is associated with heart disease and strokes, both of which can contribute to an older appearance.

Foods high in salt can lead to greater feelings of thirst. Drinking excessively not only puts additional strain on your kidneys but also risks overwhelming them. Furthermore, research links the sodium ions found in salt to an increased risk of cardiovascular issues.

Make lifestyle changes

1. Make an effort to steer clear of alcohol or reduce how much you consume.

   This point cannot be overstated. A significant method to invite severe aging and deterioration of multiple organs is succumbing to uncontrolled alcohol consumption.

2. Additionally, stay away from smoking. This practice, along with its counterpart (excessive alcohol consumption), severely depletes bodily moisture, leading to an older-looking appearance.
3. A further suggestion for decelerating the aging process is to remain engaged with both work and leisure activities. Consider adopting a pastime such as gardening if necessary. Regular exercise plays a crucial role too. It’s essential to keep your weight within a healthy range.
4. Maintaining a positive and hopeful outlook on life is crucial as well. Your character can affect how your physique evolves over time. Individuals who are often irritable usually appear more aged than they actually are. Stay cheerful and engage in activities that bring joy to your heart.
5. Furthermore, surrounding yourself with beloved family members and close friends who maintain wholesome lifestyles can inspire your own pursuit of healthful living.
6. SLEEP!! SLEEP!! SLEEP!! Taking naps can be rejuvenating and enables your body’s metabolic functions to repair damaged tissues. Depriving the body of sleep takes away these crucial metabolic activities necessary for survival.

There you go. It’s possible to stay youthful and decelerate the aging process without resorting to a "magic pill."

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