In our lives, no matter how hard we try, everyone will ultimately face the problem of aging. But what exactly is aging related to? Today, we explore the causes of aging and its impacts, and provide effective preventive measures to help you on your journey against aging.
Aging can be simply divided into two main categories: intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic aging is primarily caused by genetic and hormonal changes. For example, the decrease of estrogen in women after menopause may lead to some signs of skin aging. Extrinsic aging, on the other hand, is more apparent, particularly due to damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays. We know that 95% of the UV rays that reach the Earth are UVA, while only about 5% are UVB. These two rays have different wavelengths and thus have different effects on the skin. UVB primarily harms the epidermis and can lead to DNA damage, increasing the risk of skin cancer; while UVA penetrates deeper into the skin, accelerating skin aging and causing uneven wrinkles and pigmentation.
In addition to UV rays, many other factors, such as smoking, poor dietary habits, and air pollution, can accelerate the aging process. According to research from Germany, traffic pollution can lead to the formation of skin pigmentation spots; the environment of smoking can also accelerate skin aging. From a molecular medicine perspective, the metabolic processes in the human body produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are significant enemies of our skin’s anti-aging efforts.
To combat these damages, our skin system has a self-protective antioxidant mechanism, which includes enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as glutathione and vitamins C and E. As we age, the effectiveness of these antioxidants gradually diminishes, reducing our skin’s ability to defend against ROS.
Modern biomedicine has also begun to recognize the importance of cellular-level influences. At the ends of DNA within cells are structures called telomeres, which protect genetic information. As cells divide, telomeres shorten, which is an important indicator of aging. Research shows that newborns may have as many as 10,000 telomere sequences, but by the age of 65, that number may dwindle to just 5,000. Therefore, improving one’s lifestyle is crucial for maintaining healthy telomeres.
Studies indicate that regular exercise and adequate sleep can help extend the length of telomeres. Engaging in aerobic exercise three times a week, for 45 minutes each time, has been shown to significantly enhance telomere activity. Furthermore, psychological states and social environments also influence telomere length; long-term stress can shorten telomeres, while positive interpersonal relationships may help lengthen them. Healthy dietary habits similarly affect telomeres; consuming foods rich in vegetables, fruits, and Omega-3 fatty acids can protect telomeres, while high sugar and processed foods can have negative impacts.
Overall, aging is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that is closely related to both internal and external environmental factors. What we can do includes strengthening sun protection measures, maintaining a good psychological state, exercising regularly, ensuring good sleep quality, and improving dietary habits. With the advancement of science and technology, the medical community is expected to propose more effective anti-aging strategies, aiming to provide everyone with a better quality of life in the future.