Ageing refers to the physiological changes we experience during our lifespan. It’s also an inevitable part of life.

After all, our cells aren’t made to last forever. The structures and functions in our cells decline over time.

Cellular aging:

Cellular aging is due to intrinsic factors. It’s related to the biological aging of cells.

Cells are the basic building blocks of the body. Your cells are programmed to divide, multiply, and perform basic biological functions.

But the more cells divide, the older they get. In turn, cells eventually lose their ability to function properly.

Cellular damage also increases as cells get older. This makes the cell less healthy, causing biological processes to fail. Cellular damage accumulates over time, too.

Damage-related and environmental aging:

Damage-related and environmental aging is related to extrinsic factors. It refers to how our surroundings and lifestyle affect how we age.

This includes factors like:

Over time, these factors can damage our cells and contribute to aging.

Everyone experiences both types of aging. However, each form of aging varies from person to person, which explains why we age in different ways.

Genetic theory of aging:

The genetic theory proposes that aging primarily depends on genetics. In other words, our life expectancy is regulated by the genes we got from our parents.

Since genes have predetermined traits, it’s thought this theory overlaps with programmed theories of aging.

Genetic theories include:

  • Telomere theory. Telomeres protect the ends of your chromosomes as they multiply. Over time, telomeres shorten, which is associated with disease and aging.

  • Programmed senescence theory. Cellular senescence occurs when cells stop dividing and growing, but don’t die. This theory suggests that this causes aging.

  • Stem cell theory. Stem cells can turn into other cells, which helps repair tissue and organs. But the function of stem cells declines over time, potentially contributing to aging.

  • Longevity gene theory. This is the idea that certain genes extend lifespan. More research is necessary.

The limitation of genetic theories is that they disregard the importance of external factors. In fact, it’s estimated that just

25 % of lifespan is influenced by genetics. This suggests that environmental and lifestyle factors play a major role.

Why do life expectancies increase?

In recent decades, life expectancy around the world has increased. This is due to many factors, including:

  • better nutrition

  • improved hygiene

  • access to healthcare

  • improvements in modern medicine

These factors can protect our cells and reduce cellular damage, increasing life expectancy.

Why do women live longer than men?

In most parts of the world, women live longer than men. This is due to several biological, social, and environmental factors.

Women, on average, have more estrogen than men. Estrogen is the female sex hormone. It’s been found to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects, which may protect women from certain diseases.

In contrast, the male sex hormone testosterone may suppress the immune system. Men typically have more of this hormone.

There are also behavioural differences between men and women. Generally, compared to men, women:

Can we slow the effects of aging?

Though aging is inevitable, it’s possible to slow down some of the effects. You can do this by following healthy lifestyle habits.

Here’s how to slow aging:

  • Eat a nutritious diet. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit processed foods.

  • Stay active. Exercise reduces the physical and mental effects of aging. Aim for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

  • Avoid tobacco. Tobacco speeds up aging. Quitting is often difficult, but a doctor can help create a cessation plan that works for you.

  • Drink alcohol in moderation. Alcohol increases your risk of chronic disease.

  • Attend regular checkups. Routine checkups with a doctor are the best way to prevent or treat disease early.

  • Know your family history. Discuss your family’s health history with your doctor to have appropriate screening or get early treatment for potential chronic diseases.

  • Engage your brain. Protect your cognitive function by doing brain exercises.

  • Wear sunscreen. Sunscreen protects your skin from UV radiation, which can lead to premature aging.