The Milestones
of Ageing

Many scientists are of the belief that ageing is caused by limited cell lifespan, (we are all pre-programmed to age and die). In addition to this, we are also told that damage to those cells throughout a lifetime promotes the onset of ageing.

So what happens when we get older?

our immune function decreases

our blood pressure rises

we become less active

our strength decreases

our immune system is impaired

our body fat increases

what causes all these changes?

Well, its a cross-over of genes and lifestyle. We are all limited by our genetic make-up, but lifestyle and mental attitude plays a very important role in maintaining a longer, healthy life. We know that diet and exercise will help a great deal but what else?

(see article on genetic factors governing body shape)

Your mental state directly affects your immune system. Learning to cope with stress can have a beneficial effect on your ageing. Even the simplest of stresses can cause damage. So be happy and learn to relax and cope with life's pressures.

As you get older your Insulin levels and hormones don't function as well. Your cells don't get the best nutrients they need because of this, and you store more body fat resulting in higher blood pressure.

If you reduce the level of food that you eat, you have less need for Insulin. Reducing the food you eat but maintaining a healthy balanced diet will help in delaying the ageing process. Its not about starving yourself but more about stopping the overindulgence.

As the body matures it produces less testosterone in males and less growth hormone in both sexes. These hormones help build both muscle and strength. By exercising and training into old age the body is encouraged to keep on producing these hormones. This will ensure a level of strength and agility into later years.

Keeping your mind active will ensure that the body stays active too. We go through our whole lives developing and learning, so this shouldn't stop with old age. 

There are practical things we can do to hold the wrinkles and pains back, read the following checklist.

Eat regular healthy balanced meals, don't overindulge and eat small and often. This keeps insulin and blood sugar levels low.

Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, make sure you regularly get good levels of Vitamin C and E

(see vitamin c benefits article) these counteract the free radicals that cause cell damage from everyday living.

Relaxation techniques and meditation slow your body and mind allowing it to cope and not exert unnecessary stress on itself.

Regular exercise incorporating cardiovascular, stretches and resistance (weights) training keep muscles strong and keep you producing growth hormone and your blood pressure down.

Find a personally fulfilling role in your life. This creates a healthy mental attitude.

Be happy, a positive outlook on life and ageing only helps in the process.


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