We find this topic interesting to know in this 21st century. Our ancestors have countless times try to defeat death in many circumstances, well they didn’t succeed! Can 21st-century scientists reverse aging in our lifetime?

A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has stated, through a mathematical equation, that it is impossible to stop ageing in multicellular organisms, which include humans, bringing the immortality debate to a possible end.

What is Ageing?

From Wikipedia

Ageing or Aging is the process of becoming older. The term refers especially to humans, many other animals, and fungi, whereas for example bacteria, perennial plants and some simple animals are potentially biologically immortal. Furthermore, ageing connotes a biological and social construct. It is usually associated with dynamic changes in the biological, psychological, physiological, environmental, behavioural and social processes. In the broader sense, ageing can refer to single cells within an organism which have ceased dividing (cellular senescence) or to the population of a species (population ageing).

In humans, ageing represents the accumulation of changes in a human being over time and can encompass physical, psychological, and social changes. Reaction time, for example, may slow with age, while memories and general knowledge typically increase. Ageing increases the risk of human diseases: of the roughly 150,000 people who die each day across the globe, about two-thirds die from age-related causes.

The causes of ageing are uncertain; current theories are assigned to the damage concept, whereby the accumulation of damage (such as DNA oxidation) may cause biological systems to fail, or to the programmed ageing concept, whereby problems with the internal processes (epigenomic maintenance such as DNA methylation) may cause ageing. Programmed ageing should not be confused with programmed cell death (apoptosis). Additionally, there can be other reasons, which can speed up the rate of ageing in organisms including human beings like obesity and compromised immune system.

Biologically, ageing results from the impact of the accumulation of a wide range of molecular and cellular damage over time. Thus, this leads to a gradual decline in physical and mental capacity, a growing risk of diseases, and ultimately, death. These changes are usually consistent, and they are associated with a person’s age in years. While some people aged 70 years may be strong and enjoy good health, others who are 70 years may be weak and require others to help them.

Fun Facts

• Experts have found that skin aging typically starts around age 25. In our mid-20s, our bodies gradually start to stop producing as much collagen as before which causes our skin to lose elasticity.

• Forehead wrinkles, or otherwise called furrow lines, occur due to weakened muscle tissues. … The fact is that wrinkles are not restricted to old age. Young people also face this problem of forehead wrinkles. Some of the reasons for this are stress, genetic heredity, lifestyle, excess make up and facial expressions.
• The study, carried out by Allure magazine, found women are considered most beautiful at 30, show signs of ageing at 41, stop looking ‘sexy’ at 53 and are thought of as ‘old’ at 55. Whereas men look most handsome at 34, start to age at 41, stop looking ‘good’ at 58 and are seen to be ‘old’ at 59.
• Both men and women tend to age in a similar way, according to the findings published in the American Journal of Physical Anthropology. However, before the age of 50, they found that women age twice as fast as men. But between 50 and 60 this process become three times faster. It doesn’t speed up at 50 for men.”

We Can’t Cheat Aging and Death, Claims New Study

Human beings and other primates all inevitably age at fixed rates, according to a new study in Nature Communications. “Human death is inevitable,” one of the researchers concludes gloomily in the accompanying press release. “No matter how many vitamins we take, how healthy our environment is or how much we exercise, we will eventually age and die.”

The study aims to test the “invariant rate of aging” hypothesis, which posits that the rate of aging is relatively fixed within species. Bodies break down as their tissue and genetic repair mechanisms fail at species-typical rates, leading inevitably to death. The researchers explore this hypothesis by comparing patterns of births and deaths in nine human populations and 30 non-human primate populations, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and baboons living in the wild and in zoos. Their results, they report, imply the existence of “biological constraints on how much the human rate of ageing can be slowed.”

To reach this conclusion, Fernando Colchero of the University of Southern Denmark and his team looked at the relationship between life expectancy—that is, the average age at which individuals die in a population—and lifespan equality, which measures how concentrated deaths are around older ages.

If deaths are evenly distributed across age groups, the researchers explain, “the result is high lifespan variation and low lifespan equality. If however, deaths are concentrated at the tail-end of the lifespan distribution (as in most developed nations), the result is low lifespan variance and high lifespan equality.”

Human life expectancy has been increasing at the rate of about three months per year since the 19th century. The researchers report that most of that increase has been “driven largely by changes in pre-adult mortality.” In the accompanying press release, Colchero notes that “not only humans, but also other primate species exposed to different environments, succeed in living longer by reducing infant and juvenile mortality. However, this relationship only holds if we reduce early mortality, and not by reducing the rate of ageing.”

Historically, about 1 in 4 children died before their first birthdays and nearly half died before reaching adulthood. Globally, only 1 out 35 children today don’t make it to their first birthday. The reduction of early adult deaths from accidents, natural disasters, and infectious diseases has also contributed to longer life expectancies. Consequently, global average life expectancy has more than doubled from just 31 years in 1900 to around 73 years now. Since more people are now dying at older ages, global lifespan equality has been increasing.

In the United States, average life expectancy at birth was 47 years in 1900; back then, only 12 percent of people could expect to live past age 65. Over the past 12 decades, life expectancy at birth in the U.S. has increased by 30 years; life expectancy at age 60 has risen by only 7 years. In 2014, U.S. life expectancy reached a high of 78.9 years before stalling out due to the rising deaths from despair among middle-aged whites and then from the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 88 percent of Americans can expect to reach 65 years of age.

Why do all animals, including human beings, age? One popular theory for how species-typical rates of aging emerge is that individuals are selected by nature so that they can keep their health long enough to reproduce and get the next generation up to reproductive snuff. If a body invests a lot of energy in repairing itself, it will reduce the amount of energy it can devote to reproduction. Thus, natural selection favors reproduction over individual longevity.

“Understanding the nature and extent of biological constraints on the rate of ageing and other aspects of age-specific mortality patterns is critical for identifying possible targets of intervention to extend human lifespans,” the researchers note. Colchero optimistically adds: “Not all is lost. Medical science has advanced at an unprecedented pace, so maybe science might succeed in achieving what evolution could not: to reduce the rate of ageing.”

The good news is that a lot of promising research on anti-aging and age-reversal interventions is advancing rapidly. In December, researchers at the University of San Francisco reported that a small molecule drug achieved rapid restoration of youthful cognitive abilities in aged mice, accompanied by a rejuvenation of brain and immune cells. Another December study found that dosing aged mice with a molecule called prostaglandin E2 can activate muscle stem cells to repair damaged muscle fibers, making the mice 20 percent stronger after one month of treatment. As we age, senescent cells accumulate and secrete molecules that cause various age-related diseases. Researchers are working on senolytic compounds that would help restore youthful vigor by clearing out these senescent cells.

The transhumanist biogerontologist Aubrey de Grey, co-founder of the SENS Research Foundation, argues that anti-aging research is on the trajectory to achieve that he calls “longevity escape velocity.” That’s when the annual rate of increase in life expectancy exceeds 12 months for every year that passes. De Grey recently tweeted that he thinks that there is a 50 percent chance that humanity will reach longevity escape velocity by 2036. If so, our species may finally be able to cheat aging and death.

Is it possible to reverse ageing?

From Gestroman by Michele Green, MD

It’s not possible to completely reverse ageing; it’s the process of life. However, you can slow it down and help prevent age-related diseases by living a healthy lifestyle as you get older and using treatments that help slow the physical signs of ageing. That includes healthy habits such as maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding the sun to prevent sun damage (or wearing sunscreen when it’s unavoidable), and exercising—which will help with building muscle mass that can fill out loose skin and make it look tighter and perkier. All of these things can help slow down ageing and create a more youthful appearance. Internally, these healthy habits can also ensure your biological age, how old your body seems, paces behind your chronological age, or how many years you’ve been alive.

There are also cosmetic procedures that can slow down ageing that people may refer to when they talk about how to reverse ageing. Many anti-ageing skincare products can help reduce the signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Products that include retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C are all wonderful ingredients that help your skin look more youthful and healthier. As you age, a couple of things happen to your skin: you can get discoloration (dark spots) from sun exposure, wrinkles, and fine lines may form, and your skin can lose volume from a lack of collagen. These products address those concerns. Hyaluronic acid, for instance, helps your skin cells hold onto more water, which creates a plump, dewy complexion that looks younger. Vitamin C can brighten dark spots, and retinol is known for its ability to soften fine lines and wrinkles. These are all easy interventions you can start early for prevention and do from home.

But if you want a stronger approach, there are also procedures that can be done by a dermatologist that more aggressively address these skin issues at the cellular level. Even better, some of these procedures help you address not only current skin issues but also prevent future ones. These include:

• Thermage. This treatment uses radiofrequency technology to safely heat the inner layers of your skin. Thermage is a wonderful procedure because it tightens the skin by promoting new collagen growth. The heat tightens the existing collagen, giving you some immediate firming results while encouraging your body to produce more of its own collagen, which means the results keep coming long after you’ve left the office. There’s no downtime, and most people get it done every year and a half, making it easy to maintain.
• Fraxel. Fraxel is a non-invasive laser treatment that has two settings: one for hyperpigmentation from sun damage and another for acne scars and wrinkles. As the skin repairs tiny injuries made by the laser, it also works to grow new skin cells and heal the older damage visible from sun exposure and other problems. I call this one “the magic eraser” because of its dramatic results.
• Dermal fillers. These treatments address the gaunt, sunken look that sometimes happens as we get older. As we age, our collagen—which gives parts of our body structure, like our cheeks and lips—breaks down. There are many different types of fillers that can plump these areas again, making them look more youthful. It doesn’t reverse the process, but it does create the appearance of it.
• Neuromodulators. Although Botox is the best known, there’s also Dysport and Xeomin. These injections create a youthful appearance by smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. But they can also help prevent signs of aging in the future. Because these treatments prevent muscle movement, they can stop future lines from forming.

But you should also play defense

The flip side of the coin is that certain habits can speed up ageing. You want to avoid all the different ways you could have bad eating habits. Not having enough antioxidants, for example, will lead to skin cells being damaged due to free radicals. Another thing to avoid is smoking and drinking, which can cause drastic effects to your health and appearance. Smoking can cause fine lines and wrinkles; it’ll make your skin look dull and less youthful and, overall, make you look older than you already are. Avoid going into the sun without sunscreen; excessive exposure to the sun can lead to sun damage, which results in wrinkles, sunspots, and poor skin texture.

Non-cosmetic ways to reverse aging

Ageing is an internal and external process. That means that cosmetic procedures to address external signs of ageing aren’t your only options if you’re thinking holistically about reversing ageing. Intermittent fasting may be one tool you can use, for example. It can increase the body’s metabolic activity resulting in an overall improvement in health—and skin as well. But it’s also important to remember that you need to strike a healthy balance, even with these anti-ageing strategies. If the fasting becomes extensive to the point at which it negatively affects nourishment, the signs will be evident on the skin. It’s important to find a proper balance so that you don’t cause any harm to your skin and, most importantly, your health.

At a young age, your body is able to repair damaged cells. However, as you get older, the repair system is not as efficient as it once was. Our organs are made up of different tissue groups, so the same concept applies to our organs. Cells are the building blocks of our bodies and our tissues. So again, as we age, our cells stop dividing and die, and, because of this, our tissues start to change, and so do our organs. They start to age and slowly lose their functions and show the effects of aging. A good example is your skin cells: the fewer skin cells you have, the thinner your skin will get, and the less elastin you will have, which causes wrinkles to appear. 

Cosmetically, wrinkles, and fine lines aren’t the only signs of aging, so anti-aging treatments or tactics should address more than just those. These other cosmetic markers of aging of the skin include hyperpigmentation, dark spots, sunspots, and uneven texture and tone. All of these can make one look older, and it’s important to address all skin concerns equally if you’re trying to look younger.

11 ways to reduce premature skin aging

The sun plays a major role in prematurely aging our skin. Other things that we do also can age our skin more quickly than it naturally would. To help their patients prevent premature skin aging, dermatologists offer their patients the following tips.

1. Protect your skin from the sun every day. Whether spending a day at the beach or running errands, sun protection is essential. You can protect your skin by seeking shade, covering up with sun-protective clothing — such as a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection — and using sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, SPF 30 (or higher), and water-resistant. You should apply sunscreen every day to all skin that is not covered by clothing. For more effective protection, look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) label.
2. Apply self-tanner rather than get a tan. Every time you get a tan, you prematurely age your skin. This holds true if you get a tan from the sun, a tanning bed, or other indoor tanning equipment. All emit harmful UV rays that accelerate how quickly your skin ages.
3. If you smoke, stop. Smoking greatly speeds up how quickly skin ages. It causes wrinkles and a dull, sallow complexion.
4. Avoid repetitive facial expressions. When you make a facial expression, you contract the underlying muscles. If you repeatedly contract the same muscles for many years, these lines become permanent. Wearing sunglasses can help reduce lines caused by squinting.
5. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Findings from a few studies suggest that eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables may help prevent damage that leads to premature skin aging. Findings from research studies also suggest that a diet containing lots of sugar or other refined carbohydrates can accelerate aging.
6. Drink less alcohol. Alcohol is rough on the skin. It dehydrates the skin, and in time, damages the skin. This can make us look older.
7. Exercise most days of the week. Findings from a few studies suggest that moderate exercise can improve circulation and boost the immune system. This, in turn, may give the skin a more-youthful appearance.
8. Cleanse your skin gently. Scrubbing your skin clean can irritate your skin. Irritating your skin accelerates skin aging. Gentle washing helps to remove pollution, makeup, and other substances without irritating your skin.
9. Wash your face twice a day and after sweating heavily. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, irritates the skin, so you want to wash your skin as soon as possible after sweating.
10. Apply a facial moisturizer every day. Moisturizer traps water in our skin, giving it a more youthful appearance.
11. Stop using skin care products that sting or burn. When your skin burns or stings, it means your skin is irritated. Irritating your skin can make it look older.

Note: Some anti-aging products prescribed by a dermatologist may burn or sting. When using a prescription anti-aging product, this can be OK. Just be sure to let your dermatologist know.

Never too late to benefit

Even people who already have signs of premature skin aging can benefit from making lifestyle changes. By protecting your skin from the sun, you give it a chance to repair some of the damage. Smokers who stop often notice that their skin looks healthier.

If signs of aging skin bother you, you may want to see a dermatologist. New treatments and less-invasive procedures for smoothing wrinkles, tightening skin, and improving one’s complexion are giving many people younger-looking skin.

What does it mean to age gracefully?

You can’t stand in a checkout line without seeing at least a few magazine headlines about how to look younger. While dreading some wrinkles and sagging isn’t uncommon, there’s so much more to aging well.

Aging gracefully isn’t about trying to look like a 20-something — it’s about living your best life and having the physical and mental health to enjoy it. Like a bottle of wine, you can get better with age with the right care.

Read on to find out what to do and what not to do on your quest to age happily.

Tips for aging gracefully

Use these tips to help you age gracefully from the inside out.

1. Be kind to your skin

Your skin is your body’s largest organTrusted Source. If you treat it with care, it can better protect your body from the elements, regulate your body temperature, and provide sensation.

To keep it looking and functioning at its best:

• Wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outside.
• Get yearly skin cancer screenings.
• Stick to gentle products in your anti-aging skin care routine.
• Stay hydrated.

2. Exercise

Regular exercise significantly lowers your risk of diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, and helps you retain your mobility longer. Exercise also lowers stress and improves sleep, skin and bone health, and mood.

The Department of Health & Human ServicesTrusted Source recommends that adults do:

• 2.5 to 5 hours per week of moderate-intensity exercise, 1.25 to 2.5 hours per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, or a combination of the two
• muscle strengthening activities of moderate intensity or greater, that involve all major muscle groups, two or more days per week

Some examples of aerobic exercise include:

• walking
• swimming
• dancing
• cycling

Muscle- and bone-strengthening exercises can be performed using weights or resistance bands.

Older adults should also focus on activities that include balance training in addition to aerobic and muscle strengthening exercises.

3. Mind your diet

Healthy foods are the way to go when it comes to aging gracefully. The Dietary Guidelines for AmericansTrusted Source recommends that you eat:

• fruits and vegetables, either fresh, frozen, or canned
• lean protein, such as fish and beans
• at least three ounces of whole-grain cereals, breads, rice, or pasta every day
• three servings of low-fat or fat-free dairy, such as milk, yogurt or cheese that are fortified with vitamin D
• healthy fats

Avoid using solid fats for cooking and use oils instead. Stay away from processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats.

You should also keep your salt intake to a minimum to keep your blood pressure down.

4. Mental health matters

Being happy and keeping your stress down goes a long way in helping you live and age well.

To keep your mood elevated:

• Spend time with friends and loved ones. Meaningful relationships and a strong social network improve mental and physical well-being and longevity. Don’t forget your furry loved ones as having a pet has been linked to lower stress and blood pressure, reduced loneliness, and better moods.
• Accept your age. There is evidence that people who maintain a positive attitude about aging live longer and may recover better from a disability. Aging is inevitable and learning to embrace it can make all the difference.
• Do things you enjoy. Taking the time to engage in activities you enjoy will only fuel your happiness. Spend time in nature, pursue a new hobby, volunteer — whatever brings you joy.

5. Stay physically active

Numerous studiesTrusted Source have linked a sedentary life to an increased risk of chronic illness and early death.

Some options to stay active are going on walks and hikes, taking vacations, and participating in group exercise classes.

6. Lower your stress

The effects of stress on your body are vast, ranging from premature aging and wrinkles to a higher risk of heart disease.

There are a number of proven ways to relieve stress, including:

• using relaxation techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga
• exercising
• getting adequate sleep
• talking to a friend

7. Quit smoking and decrease alcohol consumption

Smoking and alcohol have both been shown to cause premature aging and increase the risk of disease.

Quitting smoking isn’t easy, but there are resources available to help you quit. Speak to a doctor about how to quit.

As for alcohol, limit your intake to the recommendedTrusted Source amount to avoid health risks. That’s one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

8. Get enough sleep

Good sleep is important for your physical and mental health. It also plays a role in your skin’s health.

How much sleep you need depends on your age. Adults over 18 should aim for seven to eight hoursTrusted Source of sleep every night.

Getting enough sleep has been proven to:

• lower the risk of heart disease and stroke
• reduce stress and depression
• lower the risk of obesity
• reduce inflammation
• improve focus and concentration

9. Find new hobbies

Finding new and meaningful hobbies can help you maintain a sense of purpose and keep you engaged throughout the course of your life.

Evidence shows that people who engage in hobbies and leisure and social activities are happier, experience less depression, and live longer.

10. Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness is about acceptance and living in the moment by focusing on the present. Practicing mindfulness has many proven health benefits that can help you age better, including:

• improved focus
• better memory
• lower stress
• improved emotional reaction
• relationship satisfaction
• increased immune functioning

To practice mindfulness, try:

• meditation
• yoga
• tai chi
• coloring

11. Drink plenty of water

Drinking enough water helps keep you regular and improves your energy levels and brain function. Coincidentally, it’s also been provenTrusted Source to help keep skin healthier and reduce signs of aging.

How much water you should drink depends on:

• your thirst
• your activity level
• how often you urinate and move your bowels
• how much you sweat
• your gender

Speak to a doctor if you have questions or concerns about your water intake.

12. Take care of your mouth

Not taking care of your teeth not only ages your smile, but also puts you at risk for gum disease, which has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and bacterial pneumonia.

Along with proper oral care, it’s important to see a dentist regularly.

According to the American Dental Association, a dentist can spot signs of nutritional deficiencies, infection, cancer, and other illnesses, such as diabetes. They recommend brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and using a mouth rinse.

13. See a doctor regularly

Seeing a doctor regularly can help the doctor find problems early or even before they start. How often you see a doctor depends on your age, lifestyle, family history, and existing conditions.

Ask your doctor how often you should go in for checkups and screening tests as you age. Also, see a doctor anytime you experience concerning symptoms.

Where to go for help

Though aging is inevitable, some people find it difficult to deal with the changes that come with getting older.

If you’re worried about your health, are having trouble feeling positive about aging, or worry that you’re not aging well it’s important to reach out for help.

Talk to someone you trust, such as a family member or close friend. Professional help is also available through a doctor or a counselor.https://3d5f45fac316bb823318d1ae7345a685.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html

Takeaway

Aging gracefully is more about being healthy and happy than keeping wrinkles at bay.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle, surround yourself with people you love, and do things that bring you joy.

It’s natural to worry about the challenges that aging can bring, so don’t hesitate to speak to someone about your concerns.

Ref/Sources:

• Aad.org
• Google.com
• Wikipedia.com
• Healthline.com
• Reason.com