| 'We are all going to die and there is nothing we can | | | | skin cells and cause wrinkles. Smoking itself affects |
| do it about'. | | | | the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. Persistent |
| A somewhat fatalistic statement that suggests our | | | | alcohol abuse causes numerous problems which |
| demise is predetermined and unalterable but how true | | | | shorten lifespan. Resultant calcium deficiency and |
| is this? Assuming we're fortunate enough to avoid | | | | increased weight themselves lead to other health |
| life's numerous hazards and pitfalls, how long we live | | | | problems such as a frail physique, associated with |
| is largely determined by a combination of factors, | | | | aging and heart disease. |
| which, for arguments sake, we can breakdown into | | | | It is known that aging and an irresponsible lifestyle |
| genetic and environmental, or lifestyle. Which of the | | | | cause change and damage to body cells and their |
| two exerts most influence probably depends on | | | | functions. The major culprits in this process are free |
| individual circumstances. | | | | radicals which can arise normally but which can also |
| Genetics, essentially, the process of heredity, is the | | | | be triggered by ultra violet rays, smoking, pollution, |
| one over which we have the least control. It is the | | | | alcohol, fatty or processed foods......and which can |
| factor that largely determines how long we are likely | | | | lead to heart disease, strokes and cancer. There are |
| to live, subject to other conditions and why we age | | | | systems within the body that hunt out free radicals |
| at differing rates, why somebody aged 55 can look | | | | but the principle antioxidants that can help the fight |
| 45 whilst someone else looks 65. This seems to | | | | are vitamin E, found in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils |
| suggest that chronological age, particularly later in life, | | | | and vitamin C. Vitamin C is most effective when |
| has little or no significance compared with what we | | | | derived from fresh fruit and vegetables. |
| might call biological age. If our parents survived into | | | | Blueberries, for example, are packed with |
| their nineties the chances are we'll enjoy a long, | | | | antioxidants, they can combat aging, fight infection, |
| healthy life. But if we inherit abnormalities, or genetic | | | | strengthen the immune system and decrease the |
| disorders, our survival rates are likely to be | | | | risks of cancer. heart disease and neurological |
| substantially diminished. | | | | diseases. |
| Unlike genetics, we do have considerable influence | | | | So, the first part of our opening statement holds |
| over environmental factors which essentially means | | | | true, we are going to die but there is a great deal |
| we have some control over the aging process. | | | | we can do during our life to ensure we minimise the |
| Where we live, where we work, exposure to | | | | chances of suffering premature aging or debilitating |
| infectious diseases can all be regulated. The sun, | | | | or terminal illness. And this does not mean leading a |
| smoke, alcohol and pollution are all known to damage | | | | monastic existence! |