All of us chart our age according to our official birth certificates. But consider this: apart from certain cells in our eyes and brains every part of our body is constantly renewing itself. This means we should feel younger and younger. But more often than not, we even feel older than that! There are several reasons for this mismatch between our chronological (certified) and biological age. For one, the rate of renewal begins to chug slowly down even after we turn 25 years. Some Drastic Changes: Muscle tone is less. This means we are less efficient at utilizing all that stored up energy. So we become fatter even as our muscles become slacker. Memory loss is on a subtle but definite downswing. The white coating of nerve cells is wearing out, biting into our reaction and recall abilities. Ageing skin is a fact. It loses its moisture-retaining capacity, causing wrinkles. Bones are shrinking inside, providing less support. The elasticity of collagen, which gives that nice firm support, is also wearing out. Pain is felt more. Because collagen is becoming thinner, giving a less cushioning effect. Bone density is less, meaning it is more prone to fractures. Healing takes longer. Nutrient absorption is also hit, so repair is again compromised. Hormones are winding up. Glands are beginning to shut their taps. We suffer this as chronic fatigue, less interest in sex, lack of enthusiasm in most things and more susceptibility to infections. Escaping The Age TRAP: Exercise is the only way to restore and retain our muscle tone. This also makes our bones denser, helping them store minerals. Pain management becomes easier. Exercise also improves the tone of arteries, so that they can more efficiently transport blood to all the minute neglected parts of the body. This helps the skin retain its youthful bloom. Improved blood circulation, through exercise. This facilitates transport of nutrients, fuel and oxygen and removal of waste, so we look younger. Resistance training doing weights, machines, intermediate and advanced yoga postures all help. Keeping yourself actively engaged, with social work, hobbies and friends would help in keeping your brain younger. Even though neurons or brain cells are bound to die, we can help the remaining nerve cells by building fresh connections, by keeping ourselves mentally stimulated. |
