Think of Benjamin Button whose age unravels in reverse, or the ‘majestic’ Slim in John Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men’ who has an ‘ageless face.’ Ah, to be thus! If only we became younger and tauter as the years went by…But alas! It is not to be. Just yet.
Happily, there are advancements in science that are now being made to slow the ageing process, if not reverse it. The results of this sound extremely positive; but at a glance, what can we really expect?
How do we age?
It is believed that ageing happens because of how much our bodies go through over time in addition to other factors such as our metabolism. Some scientists say that our genes play a part in the ageing process. Gerontologists who study ageing say that it happens as a result of a combination of elements such as our diet, our surroundings, hereditary factors like illnesses, how little exercise we get and so on.
In addition to this, UV rays from sunlight and even our skin contribute to ageing. Research shows that darker skin pigments have melatonin that slows the ageing process. Melatonin’s antioxidant characteristics hunt for damage-causing oxidative particles, which is a catalyst in ageing. Furthermore, as our cells (the building blocks of our bodies) change over time, they are unable to divide and so, become unable to function effectively. This, in turn, affects how our organs function and this is why we begin to slow down as our organs begin to decelerate.
The latest findings
Scientists at Harvard Medical School have been at the forefront of groundbreaking research that uses chemicals to ‘reprogramme’ cells to counter the ageing process. Their findings centre around what is called the ‘Yamanaka factors’ (named after its discoverer, Prof. Shinya Yamanaka) that could transform adult cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC).
These researchers undertook the screening of molecules that together, can reduce the aging process and revive cells. On the whole, the team found a combination of six chemicals that reinstate nucleocytoplasmic protein compartmentalization (NCC) and genome-wide transcription profiles to young conditions and significantly slow down ageing in as little time as less than a week.
In experiments carried out on certain animals, these scientists found that by injecting specific Yamanaka genes into the cells in viral form, ageing can be reversed, with the results on optic nerves, brain tissue, kidneys and muscles being extremely encouraging.
With this, whole new avenues have opened up in regenerative healthcare and offer a viable alternative to gene therapy.
If ageing can be reversed or slowed down, diseases that plague the older generation such as Diabetes, Arthritis, heart diseases or Alzheimer’s can also be eradicated. This is such a massive development in the field of healthcare that it promises not only a longer lifespan for human beings but also an increased quality of life. It is an alchemy that changes the course of mankind as we know it.
Doing it naturally
The scientific way will probably take some time before it is ready for human experimentation and use. In the meantime, researchers suggest various natural ways which we can employ to remain as young as possible. Exercise is one such way because it simply conditions our body muscles to remain as strong as possible, reduces our blood pressure and improves our basal metabolic rate.
Furthermore, reducing our sugar intake (sugar produces Advanced Glycation end products which increase skin ageing), following a plant-based diet and reducing the consumption of meat are said to be steps in the right direction. Plant-based diets provide the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals needed to have younger cells, while saturated animal fat damages these cells. Intermittent fasting has also been shown to improve animal lifespan with a 10-40% caloric restriction doing the trick. Moreover, adequate sleep and good habits such as avoiding smoking and consuming alcohol in moderation are also recommended.
Thus, following these easy steps (for the most part) can reduce the ageing process without the intervention of science.
Scientific age reversal; is it too good to be true?
Well, you know what they say- if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scientists are still uncertain of whether trying the reverse the ageing process in this manner can lead to cancer. Because we are dealing with cells and how they work this could very well mean that by intervening in our natural body processes we are playing God. This did not end well for the fictional Dr. Frankenstein, and could well mean it will not end well for us in the real world. However, this does not mean we should not try to overcome the hurdles that stand in our way.
Still, imagine the practical repercussions of this and even natural age reversal. If the earth’s population were to live longer, we would need more space, more resources … more everything. Are we in a position to fulfil those requirements? At the moment, definitely not. Mother Nature is in alignment with the cycle of life and thus ensures that our planet provides a home for a great number of species and living beings at any given time. Yet, the more people that continue to live, the earth will become overpopulated and overburdened- a situation that is slowly starting to take shape even now.
Personally, I’m not entirely hyped by the idea of living longer, although looking younger- well, who wouldn’t want that! But looking and feeling younger comes with the benefit of longer life expectancy and to me, this unveils a gamut of other problems (economic and social) that could be exhausting to deal with.
Scientists and society at large may well be happy about their discoveries in the field of Gerontology. However, if the great powers of the universe have determined that the human lifespan should be what it is, I worry about whether it is our place to interfere in a process that perpetuated life on Earth for as long as we can remember.
(Anouk De Silva)