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Prevention of Ageing
Dr. Jyotirmoy Pal
MD, Assistant professor Medicine
IPGME&R and SSKM Hospital, Kolkata
With the advent of science and technology average life span has increased from 23 at the beginning of century to 65 at the end of the century. On the contrary, death rate has decreased to 8 from 25 in the same period. As Life expectancy has shot up, eagerness for better life is inevitable. With one grey in every 12, India is the second largest global hub of seniors. So the country is facing challenges how society will tackle problem of ageing socially and economically for better prosperity and so effort for prevention of ageing is gaining momentum in the 21 st century.
Preventive gerontology is the study and practice of those elements of lifestyle, environment and health care system that can provide maximal longevity of the highest quality for individuals and the population. Ageing processes show a great deal of plasticity and potentiality for modification.
There are several methods of prevention of ageing such as, diet, exercise, vitamins, hormonal modifications, molecular biological techniques and at the same time avoidance of some health related behaviors.
Caloric Restriction
Caloric restriction greatly increases the average life span as demonstrated in animal model. Caloric restriction can significantly reduce blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and reduce incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Caloric restriction slows age related increase in free radical damage to tissues as well as delays onset of diseases like sharp curtailment of food intake is probably detrimental and can produce malnutrition, hypoglycaemia and impede fertility in women. Fasting, the ancient Indian tradition is a healthy practice towards it.
Exercise
Exercise and caloric restriction are complementary approaches to weight control. Exercise has an important role in prevention of ageing. Exercise decreases the incidence of cardiovascular metabolic diseases while improving bone density, mood and social interaction. Exercise also reduces insomnia, constipation and prevents falls. Aerobic exercises in the form of brisk walking and swimming are best exercises, rather than probably jogging and isomeric exercises.
Vitamins
Antioxidants reduce free radicals damage to tissue. Fruits and vegetables are source of antioxidants. Vitamin C and E are crucial. Vitamin C and E restore the function of damaged mitochondrial enzymes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, thus increase the amount of ATP available to tissues. Vitamin supplementation may be significant for geriatric population because its deficiency hampers insulin action leading to diabetes, obesity, abnormal lipid levels, hypertension and coronary artery disease.
No Tobacco
Key to prevention is reduction of cell turnover. Cigarette smoking increases oxidative damage to tissues and cell turnover. Quitting smoking reduces incidence of lung cancer, hypertension, ischaemic heart disease. Various pan-masalas and dentifrices (containing nicotine) widely used in India similarly increase the risks.
Prevention from Environmental stress
Protection from environmental stress like excessive cold, heat, UV rays can protect the elderly from disabilities. Measures are simple, such as, avoidance of sunrays, intake of plenty of fluids, use of air-conditioners, skin protection measures etc.
Hormonal Interventions
Melatonin production and its circadian rhythm decreases with ageing. In experimental mice it has been seen that intake of melatonin with water or replacement of pineal gland from a young can prevent ageing. Melatonin acts as free radical scavenger and study is ongoing t develop melatonin to prevent ageing as it is immunostimulant, it can cause cancer and some autoimmune diseases.
DHEA
Recent studies have suggested that high plasma dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) decreases the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Till now the therapy is not a proven efficacy.
Oestrogen
Beneficial effects of oestrogen in women include retardation of bone age; keeping skin thicker an less wrinkled by slowing the breakdown of collagen and reduces the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Benefits are lost after menopause. Estrogen therapy after menopause prevents bone loss so use in osteoporosis and it also prevents Alzheimers diseases and CAD, but increases breast cancer.
Growth Hormone
Growth hormone is increasingly used to combat ageing. Today GHRPIGH secretagogue receptor has been cloned and orally active sGHRP mimetics have been developed. They stimulate pulsatile secretion of GH secretion.
Molecular Biologic Approaches
Telomers are specialized DNA protein, found at the end of chromosomes. Cellular ageing is associated with shortening of DNA strand. Stimulating telomerase activity by DNA molecular technique may be one method of prevention of ageing. DECO (decreasing oxygen consumption hormone) emerges from pituitary called death hormone. It decreases the responsiveness of thyroid and GH activity. Manipulation of synthesis and action by molecular and pharmacological technique may prevent ageing.
Conclusion
‘AMARATTA' is our desirable goal, as uttered in Veda. Several methods which are preached in Atharba Veda and Patanjali are proved scientifically to be effective to some extent to prevent ageing even in the 21 st century.
In summary, life style modification and attitude build up from adolescent period is mandatory. Definitely we can achieve it.
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