The search for ‘Youth Eternal’ has been a pursuit of mankind throughout the ages. Rumors of a thing or a place that would extend life and health have existed within many cultures for millennia. Scientific studies have shed light on (physiological) life enhancing factors. Supplementation shows potential in adding function years to (an individual’s) physical life. Exercise is ‘well documented’ as a life extending, functionality bolstering modality. Brain health is an integral part to healthy aging and extended longevity. That all being said, the aim ‘should be’ to maintain a strong flame until there is no more wick (instead of searching for additional wick).
Man wants to live . . . . forever. This is not speculation. An overarching attribute of long, long life if found in many of the stories of Gods and God-like men. Myths of long life, aka immortality, have allowed humankind to ‘dare to dream’. A majority of people succumb to an exhibited long slow decline as they age. Some people, nonetheless, exhibit a penchant for living long lives, healthfully, functionally, and actively.
There are fables of various avenues that lend to an individual immediately acquiring long life, once exposed. These fables have persisted for centuries. They can be found in many different cultures. The magic elixir, the magic pill, the magic place, even. The existence or creation of any of these elements has not materialized nor (have they) been discovered. Yet, in places such as China, Greece, Rome, Egypt, along with others, longevity and longevity myths do abound. Also, substances such as ambrosia, amrita, soma, and jamshid are purported to bestow immortality upon those who thereof imbibe.
More recently, scientific studies have revealed a factor that can arrest the development of cells that give rise to aging. A research team at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) has found that T cells, a type of white blood cell, can be reprogrammed to combat senescent cells. The team has developed a “living” drug from genetically modified T cells that can target and eliminate senescent cells. Senescent cells (cells that stop replicating as one ages) can facilitate the accumulation of harmful inflammation. They are also theorized to be responsible for many age-related diseases.
Supplementation with mineral and nutrient additives has been given mixed reviews. One article in Nutrition (a Blogsite) points to vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, and E, minerals magnesium, zinc, and calcium and the supplement Urolithin A as aides to support healthy aging. Dr. Bruce Ames (Scientist at Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI) identifies a set of vitamins, termed “longevity vitamins” as being important for longevity. Yet, a recent study from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that multivitamins won’t help extend your life. Researchers reported that, “multivitamin use to improve longevity is not supported.” What to do??? Eat a healthy, varied diet and use supplements for ‘supplementation’.
Exercise is key for better health (increased life expectancy) and functional aging (reduced aging rate). Some of the benefits that exercise provides: fitness improvement, balance enhancement, weight reduction and decreased risk for various ailments (heart disease being one of those ailments). Engaging the body in movement is natural and beneficial for quality of existence. A July 2022 study reveals that exercise or a healthy diet can reduce your overall risk of mortality, but the largest risk reduction comes from doing them both concurrently3.
Brain health is an indispensable boon to living long and well. The brain coordinates all . . . ALL . . . physiological and motor functions of the body. If the brain deteriorates beyond a certain juncture, the body, by association, must follow suit. That said, several areas of interest are highlighted for maintaining (improving) brain activity. A list of action points includes:
- Staying Physically Active
- Prioritizing Sleep
- Minding Cardiovascular Health
- Challenging the Brain
- Socializing
- Managing Stress
- Eating Brain Boosting Foods
Longevity need not be a concern when in possession of a healthy body and a healthy mind. To have a lucid mind is truly supportive of a long, healthy life. A healthy mind breeds a healthy body and visa versa! (Zig Ziglar) They go hand in hand, skipping along on the highway of life.
The search for ‘Youth Eternal’ has been a pursuit of mankind throughout the ages. Rumors of a thing or a place that would extend life and health have existed within many cultures. Scientific studies have shed light on (physiological) life enhancing factors. Supplementation shows potential in adding function years to (an individual’s) physical life. Exercise is ‘well documented’ as a life extending, functionality bolstering modality. Brain health is integral healthy aging and extended longevity.
Humans have over the years searched for the keys to prolonging life. The Fountain of Youth, the Magick Pill, Shangri-La: these panaceas have, to date, not been found. Yet, there are (other) modes that can assist in helping one to age more gracefully and functionally. The decision resides solely within the individual. That decision being, either to give in to rapid, gravity driven, time facilitated physical decline or to open the parachute of healthier, more functional living (while gracefully drifting into inevitable).
Ab-Sutra Wellness and Fitness 