Ever wondered what happens in our bodies over time? 12 key biological processes, also known as hallmarks of aging, have been identified by researchers. These hallmarks explain the deterioration of cells over time. These are not just theories but quantifiable variations that control everything from wrinkles to chronic diseases. Let’s simplify each hallmark:
1. Genomic Instability
Our DNA manages everything in our body. Our DNA is damaged with age due to:
- Environmental factors
- Toxins
- Daily wear and tear
This damage to DNA results in:
- Genomic instability
- Disrupting cellular functioning
- Increased disease risks
Why is that important?
Genomic instability is a core aspect of the aging process. It affects every process of our body.
2. Telomere Shortening
Telomeres are the chromosome ends. As cells divide, these caps shrink a bit. Telomeres shorten with age. Cells in our bodies either cease dividing or die off.
In simple words:
Telomere shortening is like the circadian rhythm. Aging gets accelerated when this clock runs out.
3. Epigenetic Alterations
Your DNA is relatively stable, but the expression and reading may differ with time. These changes are known as epigenetic alterations. They can turn off your protective genes or activate harmful genes when exposed to:
- Stress
- Poor lifestyle
- Environmental factors
The impact:
Epigenetic regulation is a core process in aging as it has many biological consequences, such as:
- Inflammation
- Weak immunity
4. Loss of Proteostasis
Proteins play an important role in cellular functioning. Our body loses its ability to fold, maintain, and dispose of protein with age. This breakdown in proteostasis results in the accumulation of damaged proteins, a common cause of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
What happens:
The cellular “clean-up crew” starts to slack. This results in the malfunctioning of the internal environment.
5. Deregulated Nutrient Sensing
Your cells have nutrient monitoring systems that help balance the growth, repair, and energy usage of your cells. With age, these systems get dysregulated. This results in metabolic diseases and faster aging.
Longevity tip:
Nutrient pathways can be rebalanced by using strategies such as intermittent fasting and calorie restriction.
6. Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Mitochondria are the cellular powerhouse. They produce energy needed by our cells to function. With age, mitochondrial functions become ineffective and start producing harmful free radicals. This leads to dysfunction of mitochondria, causing:
- Fatigue
- Organ decline
- Chronic disease
Why it’s key:
Healthy mitochondria mean healthy aging. Maintaining mitochondrial health is necessary for sustained well-being.
7. Cellular Senescence
Sometimes cells die off instead of dividing. This state is called cellular senescence. These dead cells secrete inflammatory mediators, resulting in:
- Dysfunctioning of healthy cells
- Tissue damage
- Chronic inflammation
Think of it as:
Aged cells that do not budge and interfere with the neighbouring cells.
8. Stem Cell Depletion
Stem cells help renew and regenerate tissues. Our stem cells' reserves deplete and become dysfunctional with age. This phenomenon is termed stem cell depletion.
The consequence:
There is a decline in the regenerative ability of your body. This makes you prone to injury and disease.
9. Altered Intercellular Communication
Cells are constantly doing cellular communication. Age often disrupts this communication network, leading to inflammation and immune dysfunction.
What does it mean for you:
When the cell signalling gets disturbed, systemic imbalances and faster aging occur.
10. Disabled Macroautophagy
Autophagy refers to the process that performs the body's internal recycling. It helps in breaking down dysfunctional cellular components so that they may be reused or recycled. Aging leads to the failure of this system, resulting in a dangerous accumulation of cellular “junk”.
Why it matters:
Disturbances in autophagy cause:
- Diseases
- Slow down the healing process
- Make the body more susceptible to degradation
11. Chronic Inflammation
Good inflammation helps heal injuries. Whereas, chronic low-level inflammation lingers unobtrusively that damaging tissues and promoting aging. It’s a hallmark of many age-related conditions, such as:
- Arthritis
- Heart diseases
- Dementia
Best defense:
You can keep inflammation in check by:
- Anti-inflammatory diet
- Stress management
- Regular movement
12. Microbiome Disturbance
Every function in your body, from digestion to brain function, is affected by the gut microbiome. With aging, an imbalance of good and bad bacteria occurs, causing microbiome disturbance. This imbalance triggers:
- Inflammation
- Malnutrition
- Mood issues
Gut feeling:
You can restore your gut microbe health by taking a fiber-rich diet containing probiotics.
