There are many causes of aging. Let's break it down:
1. Biological Causes of Aging
These are your body’s internal factors causing aging.
- Genetic influence: 20-30% of our aging is determined by our genes. Some people can stay healthy for longer as they inherit strong protective traits. While some may have risks of conditions like heart problems or dementia genetically. However, more than genes, lifestyle and environment have a greater impact.
- Telomere shortening: Another biological aging factor is telomere shortening. Telomeres are the protective ends of DNA. They shorten when cells divide. Over time, shortening of telomeres affects the replication of cells. This contributes to aging, tissue breakdown, and diseases.
- Hormonal changes: Your hormones are responsible for regulating everything in your body. Your hormone levels decline with age, such as:
- Estrogen
- Testosterone
- Melatonin
- Growth hormone
This hormonal shift makes you more prone to frailty and fatigue as it affects:
- Sleep quality
- Energy
- Skin elasticity
- Bone density
2. Cellular and Molecular Factors
- DNA damage: Every day, our DNA is bombarded with:
- UV rays
- Pollutants
- Natural metabolic byproducts
Over time, these factors cause mutations and errors in the genetic code. This disrupts the natural cellular repair process. These mutations increase the chances of age-related diseases.
- Oxidative stress: Free radicals are constantly produced by our bodies. These are unstable molecules that damage our cells. Oxidative stress and thereby aging accelerate when our antioxidant defences can’t work properly. This harms our internal organs. It also causes:
- Wrinkles
- Pigmentation
- Sagging skin
- Mitochondrial dysfunction: Mitochondria provide everyday energy. Mitochondrial function declines with age, contributing to:
- Slow energy production
- Fatigue
- Slow healing
- Reduced cellular function
3. Lifestyle-Related Causes
- Unhealthy diet: An unhealthy diet causes:
- Inflammation
- Oxidative stress
So, avoid diets rich in:
- Processed foods
- Sugar
- Tans fats
Prefer whole, nutrient-rich foods. These can act as protective fuel against the aging process.
- Lack of movement: Lack of movement is the biggest aging accelerator. Physical inactivity causes:
- Weakening of muscles
- Loss of bone density
- Inefficient cardiovascular system
4. Smoking and alcohol:
- Smoking causes:
- Damaged DNA
- Accelerated telomere shortening
- Visible aging on the skin
- Excess of alcohol:
- Dehydrates your body
- Strains the liver
- Speeds up premature aging
5. Environmental Causes of Aging
- UV exposure: Even though it is important, the sun causes damage. We get vitamin D from sunlight. But excess exposure to the sun results in the breakdown of collagen and DNA mutations. So, the sun is a significant factor in aging.
- Pollution and toxins: Constant exposure to pollution and environmental toxins causes:
- Oxidative stress
- Systemic inflammation
This contributes to both visible aging and chronic illness.
- Stress overload: Emotional stress also causes physical consequences. Elevated cortisol levels cause:
- Disrupted sleep cycle
- Increased blood pressure
- Accelerated aging process
Chronic stress suppresses our immunity, triggering diseases.
5. Aging and the Immune System
With age, our immune system evolves. This evolution need not always be better.
- Immunosenescence: Immunosenescence is a process of gradual decline in your immune function. It makes older people more prone to infections. Immunosenescence also reduces the effectiveness of vaccines. This makes flu and pneumonia more dangerous in old people.
- Chronic inflammation: Chronic inflammation is known as "inflammaging”. It is a persistent inflammation, causing many age-related diseases. Over time, the body’s resilience is also affected.
