Afraid of ageing? There’s good news – we might have more control over this than we think. Let’s delve into the science of aging and how we can slow, halt, and even reverse its effects.

Understanding biological age

Around 2013, DNA tests emerged and helped estimate biological age with surprising accuracy. These tests revealed a crucial distinction: your biological age may not match your chronological age. If your biological age is older than your years, it could indicate accelerated aging on a cellular level, making you more prone to illness and premature death.

Biologically, aging stems from various cellular and molecular processes, leading to visible signs like wrinkles, frailty, and diseases such as cancer and dementia. These changes, known as the “hallmarks” of aging, affect everything from our skin to our internal organs.

Practical ways to slow down ageing

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Sun Protection
Sunscreen isn’t just for preventing skin cancer; it’s also a potent anti-aging tool. UV rays accelerate skin aging, leading to wrinkles and DNA damage. Sunglasses are essential too, protecting the eyes from UV-induced damage and potentially lowering the risk of age-related diseases like dementia. Did you know that the effects of shielding them include preventing dementia? That’s because the damage that can be done by ultraviolet light has consequences that stretch beyond vision loss. Sunglasses – especially those that wrap around to prevent UV light from sneaking in at the sides – and a wide-brimmed hat are worth considering. These will not only help to maintain sight as you go into older age, but also brain function too.

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Anti-ageing treatments
Exciting developments in anti-aging treatments offer hope for the future. From products to non-invasive treatments such as Thermage FLX and Virtue RF. We strongly recommend getting a consultation first.Your doctor may recommend the right treatments and products for your concern(s), tailored to your skin type and needs. (Check out our list of services here, while you can have a look at our products online via Belo Shop! You may also check them out in-clinic!)

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Move, eat and rest well
Exercise, particularly strength training, helps preserve muscle mass and bone density. This is crucial for maintaining mobility and overall health as we age. Diet also plays a significant role. While there’s no magic formula, focusing on a plant-based diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can promote longevity. However, extreme diets and fads often fall short, with long-term studies lacking conclusive evidence. While some pursue extreme measures to combat aging such as elaborate supplement regimens, science suggests simpler approaches yield better results. Eating well, staying active, and prioritizing sleep offer significant benefits without the need for costly interventions.

Longevity science is uncovering mechanisms to prove how a good slumber can lengthen your lifespan. For example, while we sleep, our brains do a spring-clean. It literally flushes out toxins, like the amyloid deposits associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This is through a recently discovered network of pipes in our skulls, known as the glymphatic system. It’s definitely worth a shot.

@beloessentials Hands need a skin care routine, too. 👐🏼 Dr. Vicki Belo shares with us a step-by-step guide on how to keep your hand young and healthy. ✨ 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻. Do 2 Happy Birthdays when you wash your hands ✨ At night, 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 on your hands to moisturize ✨ In the morning, 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 #BeloSunExpert 𝗗𝗲𝘄𝘆 𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 to keep yourself from getting age spots and sun spots Repost from @vicki_belo: an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure 😉 thank me later !! #handcare #sunblock #hydration #skincare #skincareroutine #skincaretips #skincare101 #derm #dermatologist #derma #dermatology ♬ Chill Vibes – Tollan Kim

Wash Your Hands
A widely heard phrase especially during the pandemic, washing your hands can actually boost your life expectancy too. Certain infectious diseases have a direct link to non-infectious ones later in life such as human papillomavirus (HPV) being the leading cause of cervical cancer, to a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV) that seems to accelerate the ageing of the immune system. Doing everything you must to avoid infections might have a positive impact beyond the short-term desire to avoid the misery of being ill and prolong life.

Aging may be inevitable, but how we age is within our control. By understanding the science behind aging and adopting healthy habits, we can slow down the clock and enjoy a longer, more vibrant life. It’s not about reversing time but optimizing the years we have, living each day to the fullest.

Ready for your Belo Day? Check out the Belo clinic nearest to you and give us a call at 8819-BELO (2356) when you’re ready to book!

Source: BBC Science Focus Magazine, December 2023