SEC-S16 / W6 | "The Science of Aging👩"

Warming greetings to you all good steemians. Today, I start with my entry for the Steemit Engagement Challenge Season 16 Week 6, in the Healthy Steem Community. First, let me invite @santi06, @jyoti-thelight, @kouba01 and @goodybest to come partake in this contest.

Just like any other thing that exists, there is always an end to it whether good or bad, our skins are not exempted from this humble principle. Experts have narrowed aging to begin around the middle 20s of a man's life, as such it is fair to assume that 25 years is when aging begins.

Now, talking on the medical process behind aging, it is widely acknowledged that aging results from genetic material, tissue and cell damages that have gradually been occurring over time. This damages eventually can't be undone by the body, this leading to functional disorders which intend relates to aging. Of course it can be repaired at a tender age, but as we grow, the damages accumulate at a higher rate compared to how fast the body repairs. Below are are some observable events that contribute to the aging process.

• GENOMIC INSTABILITY:
  Our DNA experiences continual damage from external and internal factors such as UV radiation (from sun or reactive oxygen released in our mitochondria). Studies show that our DNA experiences damages at least one million times daily, and repairs are done instantly due to quick identification and repair mechanics in our cells. Just like any other thing, nothing could be done perfectly 100% all the time, thus a small part of the DNA is damaged at such periods. This accumulates with time and results to aging, also the DNA could develop mutation hereby becoming vulnerable to abnormal growth such as tumors. So in a way, our chances of having cancer increases with aging. It could also decrease cell functioning.

• DETERIORATED AUTOPHAGY:
  Autophage is a process whereby the body eradicates compromised cells and recycle them. Studies have proven that the number of genes associated with the process of autophagy, decrease with time thus leading to old age.

• CHRONIC INFLAMMATION:
  Inflammation increases with time. Usually, inflammaging is a direct reply to wounds just for that moment until it's fine again. Old tissues experience chronic low-level inflammation which could lead to sicknesses such as obesity.

Two types of skin aging exist as explained below

• INTRINSIC SKIN AGING:
  Such a skin is smooth, yet pale and unblemished; definitely develop wrinkles, tough and dry. All these can be seen as time passes due to reactive oxygen, this can be said to have been caused due to internal factors.

• EXTRINSIC SKIN AGING:
  The wrinkles on such skins are much deeper and rough, with intertwined veins that are much visible. One thing is common amongst both types, they loss their elasticity for sure. Here, fair skinned colored people are more affected than dark skinned people.

Interesting question I must say. Honestly, I am not afraid of anything that is the normal cycle of life. Everyone living comes forth, grows old and dies some day, why should my case be different? (This is the question I ask myself).
However, despite my answer to this question being a no,
It doesn't change the fact that aging comes with many challenges which I will do my best to talk about below.

Bedridden:

This is simply a fancy term for being helpless and hopeless. Hopeless in the sense that you can't even see the possibility of actually getting better just like in the case of being sick, or getting a wound and waiting to heal. You now depend on others to take care of you till you finally leave to rest.

Hearing Loss:

Since our cells begin to loss their function as we get older, we eventually loss our hearing. It gradually fades for most people due to gradual damage over time. Some people eventually become deaf.

Losing sight:

Similar to hearing loss, the cells in charge of sight also gradually deteriorates as time passes. Visions become blur until our sights are completely lost.

Weak Muscles and Bones:

Our muscles and bones become weaker and hollow. When serious, a slight accident could result in a break of a bone in the body due to lack of density. Also, weight is lost.

Diseases:

Old age comes with so many diseases due to the vulnerability of the body cells that fight these diseases and defend the body. Som other slight issues become a big problem, such as nerves, headaches, back pain, waist pain, breathing problems, and even heart failure 😔.

Tomatoes:

So many health advantages comes with tomatoes due to the high lycopene (a type of carotenoid) they contain. Lycopene is an antioxidant, this can decrease the risk of getting chronic diseases. They also render protection to the skin from the suns ray, although not as effective as using a sunblock cream.

Pear:

Pear 🍐 has high minerals and vitamins that are essential to the skin. They are also rich in monounsaturated fats, and are antioxidants too. They prevent free radical damages from reaching the skin membrane.

Vegetables:

Vegetables carries antioxidants, this can decrease the risk of some cancers and heart illnesses, plus they are nutrient dense and also low on calories. They can protect the skin from sun ray also.

Exercises in general helps counteract the demise that comes with aging. Below are some exercises that are much more effective and I try them regularly.

Squats:

There is this absurd notion that we have in my country. Everyone sees Squats and yoga exercises as a lady's exercise. I did so too for so long, until I finally read an article that said otherwise.
In a way, it undo the aging process or better still, it slows it down. This exercise builds bone density, strengthens the body's core, hips and relaxes hamstrings, thus eventually helps to improve balance.

Climbing Stairs:

This is a readily available exercise for all, and it helps greatly to increase endurance. Climbing the stairs strengthens the lower section of the body, such as the bones, hamstrings and joints, thus combating aging.

Walking:

This exercise is recommended for all age groups, and it is one of the first kind of physical therapy given to a patient by his or her doctor. It optimizes the entire body as your bones and muscles are exercising.