Lifestyle factors that hasten your aging
Have you ever questioned why some people appear much older than their actual age, whereas others seem to maintain a healthier body and younger appearance for a longer period of time? Our wellbeing is greatly impacted by the lifestyle decisions we make. Depending on what we eat, how often we exercise, and other factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption, our health may get better or worse. Therefore, it is essential for us to be aware of the habits we follow.
What is aging
Aging is the general wear and tear that develops in our bodies over time. It causes the emergence of characteristics and traits such as decrease in the size and density of the bones, decline in muscle mass, wrinkling of the skin, cardiovascular issues, digestive issues, etc. Although aging is a natural process and cannot be stopped, there are a number of factors that can speed it up.
Process of aging
Aging is a natural process that causes our bodies to gradually undergo many biological, environmental, psychological, social, and behavioral changes over time. According to the National Institutes of Health, aging-related changes affect how well the body functions and how susceptible the body is to disease, disability, and frailty.
The causes of aging are not fully understood. According to some individuals, the primary causes of aging are UV light exposure, metabolic waste products, and general wear and tear on the body over time. Some people think that the process of aging is genetically determined. Ageing is actually a complex process that affects different organs and people differently. Numerous gerontologists (those who study aging) concur that a range of lifelong factors, such as heredity, culture, environment, diet, exercise, leisure, and prior illnesses, contribute to aging.
Effects of aging
Aging causes physical and mental decline over time, leading to increased dependency. Common ailments in older people include osteoarthritis of the back and neck, hearing loss, cataract, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, and dementia. People are more likely to experience several conditions simultaneously as they get older.
The development of complex health conditions known as geriatric syndromes is another feature of old age. They include frailty, urinary incontinence, falls, delirium, and pressure ulcers, and they are caused due to numerous underlying factors such as medical comorbidities (arthritis and diabetes), cognitive impairment (Alzheimer’s disease and dementia), and impaired mobility.
Lifestyle choices that accelerate aging
Aging is both irreversible and unstoppable. Your body changes once you reach the age of thirty, preparing itself for the years to come. As we age, lifestyle changes have an impact on our health like a domino effect. Lifestyle factors that hasten your aging include:
Unhealthy diet:Premature aging may be caused due to a constant diet of fatty, carbohydrate-rich foods. Your body becomes inflamed when you consume processed foods, red meat, white bread, etc. Swelling caused due to this inflammation leads to skin flare-ups and wrinkles. Additionally, unhealthy amounts of sodium, cholesterol, and fat increases your risk of obesity.
Too much alcohol consumption:Drinking alcohol frequently can make you appear much older than you actually are. Due to the fact that alcohol is a natural diuretic (substances that get rid of extra fluid and salt in the body), the more you drink it, the more dehydrated you become. Your body needs healthy fluids like water, to carry out its typical bodily functions.
Constant anxiety or stress:A constant feeling of worry, anxiety, or stress can make you age more quickly than any other factor. Studies have shown that stress that lasts for a long time (chronic stress) can alter your DNA. Chronic stress from work, conflict within the family, etc. raises blood pressure, disturbs sleep, and causes acne outbreaks.
Insufficient sleep:Insufficient sleep affects one's ability to think clearly and recall information. Our immune system, decision-making abilities, reaction times (reflexes), and other critical brain functions are all negatively impacted over time from repeated sleep disruptions. Poor sleep has been associated with decreased skin elasticity, uneven pigmentation, and under-eye puffiness.
Smoking:Smoking has profound detrimental effects on your health and the aging process. A few of the diseases brought about by smoking include heart diseases, lung cancer, infertility, and high blood pressure. Smoking not only reduces life expectancy, but also has an impact on your physical appearance. Smoking triggers activation of enzymes that cause your skin's elasticity to decline. Additionally, it deprives your skin cells of vital oxygen, turning the color of your skin to greyish yellow.
Sun exposure:The blood vessels and cells in your skin are weakened by too much UV exposure, giving you a leathery, dry appearance.
Lack of physical activity:People who don't regularly exercise have higher risk of developing diseases like osteoporosis, diabetes, cholesterol, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, etc.
Sitting too much:People who work at desk jobs may have to spend a lot of time sitting down. Even if you exercise frequently, prolonged sitting posture has an adverse effect on your body's blood circulation.
Insufficient consumption of water:Decreased water content in the body leads to an increase in serum sodium level that elevates the risk of chronic diseases.
Lack of socialization:Physical and mental health are negatively impacted by a lack of socialization. Having social interactions lowers stress and enhances overall mental health.
Lack of intimacy:Longevity is boosted by sexual intimacy and healthy relationships. Feel good hormones (endorphins and oxytocin) are released during intimacy. Lack of these hormones can have a negative impact on an individual’s physical and mental well-being.
Our health and appearance as we age are significantly influenced by the habits we develop in our 20s and 30s. To maintain the best possible level of physical and mental health as we age, it is crucial to take care of your body and avoid indulging in habits that hasten the ageing process.
Many of the factors that cause premature aging can be controlled. Thus, it is recommended to seek expert consultation to discuss about the changes you can make if you believe that your lifestyle may be accelerating the aging process.
