Ageing

The following article on ageing is courtesy of the BBC Health Site – and was last medically reviewed by Dr. Rob Hicks in July 2007. First published in March 2000.

Age limits

Modern health, medicine, sanitation and lifestyle have done remarkably little to extend the overall maximum lifespan of the human species, but they have made a difference to the number of people reaching old age in good health.

Why we age

“Ageing is the result of a build-up of damage in our bodies' cells”

Ageing is the result of a build-up of damage in our bodies' cells. It takes a long time for the damage to get to a level where it may harm us, but eventually we can no longer overlook it.

The protein fibres keeping our skin and artery walls elastic go through changes that lead to loss of that vital flexibility. The DNA strands inside our cells get damaged, too. Ultimately, the cells' energy production systems fail.

An important type of damage is oxidisation, the result of attacks by free radicals. Oxidisation rusts metal, makes fat go rancid and causes browning of peeled fruits and vegetables. It also helps to make us age.

Our bodies have evolved powerful antioxidant enzymes to guard cells against free radicals, but these defences aren't 100 per cent.

Role of genes

Longevity tends to run in families. The genes influencing the ageing process seem to be those that influence how well the body maintains and repairs its cells.

The risk of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's also appears also to have a genetic component.

Lifestyle factors

We can control some aspects of the process

Aging isn't all down to our genes. We can control some aspects of the process.

The lifestyle choices we make are important. We can eat food that burdens our bodies with saturated fats, for example, or we can eat food that's high in natural antioxidants to aid the body's defences.

We can exercise so our natural systems for renewal and repair keep our muscles, lungs and blood circulatory system in good shape, and we can stretch our minds to reinforce the networks of connection between brain cells.

Uncertain future

We know ageing catches up with all of us in the end, but we don't know exactly what lies in store.

Some people keep their mental faculties intact until they're 100, while others can get dementia in their 50s. Some people retain their mobility, but others with conditions such as arthritis find it more difficult.

What do Vitamins and Minerals Do for You?

Build up your Immune System - Illness and disease are not "caught". one doesn't catch cancer, heart disease or a cold. You create these ailments with deficiencies based on what you eat or don't eat.

Increase your Energy - Vitamins and minerals are involved in the release of energy from digested foods. Strong lasting energy levels are good indicators of healthy vitamin and mineral intake.

Enhance your Appearance - Skin clearness, tone, and elasticity; hair strength, thickness and colour; fingernail strength, colour and texture all depend on vitamins and minerals. Some people look 50 years old at 30. Some look 30 at 50.

Expand your Intelligence - Brain function, ability to concentrate and memory require proper vitamin and mineral levels. Everyone will die, but how you look and feel for the last 20-50 years depends on your lifestyle and vitamin and mineral intake throughout your entire life

When it comes to nutrients stick with reputable companies producing pharmaceutical grade products that are guaranteed for potency.