Author: Michal Peretz | Published on Nov 04, 2024 | Blog Last Updated on May 03, 2025 | Time: 09:26 AM

How We Age

According to Mayo Clinic in an article on Aging: What to Expect, the normal aging process is a gradual and natural progression with physical, sensory, and cognitive changes. For example, physically aging may result in a decrease in skin's elasticity, or loss of muscle mass, a slower metabolism, less bone density, which may increase the risk of fractures and mobility. Sensory functions may also show signs of diminishing, such as changes in vision, hearing, and taste. Cognitively, there might be a decline in memory and processing although some individuals maintain mental abilities well into age 60 or later, showing adaptability (Mayo Clinic Staff., 2022, November 3).

According to an article from the American Psychological Association, seniors have more control over their aging than they think, in encouraging aging as a flexible and adaptable process to older populations, in challenging negative stereotypes around aging that older adults have more control over their aging experience, ageing can be an empowering experience (Abrams, Z.,2020, July 13, Sec. Psychologists Role in Making Changes).

Individuals have a significant degree of control over how they age (Abrams, Z., 2020, July 13, para. 3). According to a Monitor on Psychology article, psychologist Manfred Diehl, PhD, director of the Adult Development and Aging Project at Colorado State University, states that middle-aged and older adults have more control over their aging than they think. Diehl explains that most people believe the way we grow older is genetically determined, and that way of thinking is dangerous because it prevents adults from taking responsibility and considering their health in a positive way as they age (Abrams, Z., 2020, July 13, Sec. Challenging Negative Stereotypes, para. 3).

According to research from Great Senior Living, scientists believe twenty-five percent of how we age is due to genetic factors; however, up to seventy percent of environmental factors, such as lifestyle choices or social support, have an equal or greater impact. Environmental and genetic factors are complex. Environmental factors, such as access to healthcare, quality of social relationships, and socio-economic status, also play a role in the aging process. For example, a society that prioritizes preventative healthcare and encourages healthy behaviors can help reduce age-related decline and increase well-being (Great Senior Living, 2020, June 22, Sec. Why Different People Age Differently, para 2).

Historically, society has tried various remedies, from mythical elixirs to commercial anti-aging products, to counter aging. However, recent scientific breakthroughs have shifted the focus from merely slowing aging to reversing it at the biological level. For example, in Israel, researchers at Tel Aviv University (TAU) have explored hyperbaric oxygen therapy to stimulate telomere lengthening, another indicator of cellular age. By creating fluctuating oxygen levels in a hyperbaric chamber, they simulate a hypoxic response that triggers stem cell production and cellular repair without causing harm. This therapy has been shown to increase telomere length by 20% and reduce senescent cells, potentially reversing signs of aging in humans. Instead of just treating symptoms, scientists are exploring ways to biologically reset the body to a younger state, potentially reducing the prevalence of age-related diseases. Scientists believe that if biological age could be reversed, many age-related diseases could be prevented or mitigated. (Bloomberg Originals. 2021, February 15, 07:31).

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