New research shows the human body begins to age at about 25 years of age. At this point, the body’s ability to repair itself starts to slow, and minute molecular damage begins to accumulate. These early changes are not always visible, but herald the beginning of biological aging.
Scientists point out that the process is not due to age alone. The environment and life habits play an important part. A poor diet, lack of sleep, and excessive stress, lead to more rapid cellular decline. Exposure to pollution, ultra-violet rays, and toxins adds more strain to the body’s repair systems.
In the cells, the mitochondria are the energy producers of the body and begin to lose efficiency. This leads to loss of energy output and a slower metabolism. Also, due to aging, the oxidative stress and inflammation increase, causing damage to the DNA and proteins that maintain the health of cells.
These slow and gradual changes promote the disease process, such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Before the disease symptoms are present, the various systems of the body are undergoing a slow modification from the years of cumulative damage.
Experts say that healthy living can retard these effects. Regular exercise, good nutrition, good sleep and stress management can lessen the effects of cellular aging. Smoking and limiting alcohol can lessen the chance of age-related diseases.
Although aging is a natural process, its progress and rate depend largely on how we live. The living that is done in the twenties and thirties determines how the body will function several decades later- aging starts from within.
