Why does a person age? How to slow down the early aging of the body? Factors and causes of premature aging.

The human body is an amazing self-regulating system with a huge supply of vitality. It is rather difficult to draw a line between the elderly and senile age, because, firstly, there are different views on this border, and secondly, it is very individual, as some people age faster and others slower. It is customary to distinguish between biological and calendar (passport) age. With physiological aging, the biological age can be significantly less than the passport one. In persons with premature aging, the biological age is ahead of the calendar. The multidirectionality of age-related changes is associated with the suppression of some and the activation of other processes in an aging organism. There is a concept that explains these processes.

Editorial

Dear readers, in response to your many questions, comments and appeals on the topic of nutrition of the elderly, the editors decided to open a new section - "Gerontodietology". Previously, we published publications on the peculiarities of the diet of elderly people on the pages of the Practical Dietetics magazine, and raised the most pressing issues of diet therapy for this age group. In the new section, we plan to analyze in detail all areas of this difficult topic. And let's start with its basics - by identifying the causes of aging.

Aging of individual organs and systems occurs at different times and is expressed differently in the tissues and structures of the same organ. In some tissues, age-related changes can occur early and progress slowly, in others they develop later, but rather quickly.

The cells of the body have two types of functions. One is aimed at maintaining the vital activity of the cell itself, the other - the whole organism. With aging, more effort falls on the first type of functions, which leads to a decrease and limitation of the vital activity of the whole organism.

Aging rate individual systems, apparently, is proportional to their contribution to the maintenance of viability and reproductive potential, and, probably, the uneven aging of organs and systems is associated with the degree of their importance for life.

Age-related processes can be characterized by a change in the functional state of the body, its capabilities. They go through several stages:

• optimal initial level of the function and its high potential;
• preservation of the initial and potential level of function, despite age-related changes, due to the inclusion of adaptive-compensatory mechanisms that maintain its initial level;
• preservation of the initial level of functions, but a decrease in its capabilities due to the limitation of adaptive-compensatory mechanisms and the growth of age-related disorders;
• drop in the original level of the function.

Types of aging

It is customary to distinguish between physiological and premature aging.

The term "physiological aging" refers to the natural onset and gradual development of senile changes that are characteristic of a given species and limit the body's ability to adapt to the environment.

Premature aging is defined as any partial or total acceleration in the rate of aging that causes a person to "ahead" the average level of aging in their age group. With premature aging, age-related changes occur earlier than in healthy people the appropriate age. In other words, with premature aging, the biological age of a person is ahead of his calendar (passport) age.

With physiological aging, there is high level adaptive capacity, disease resistance and relatively slow pace of aging processes. With premature aging, metabolic, functional and structural disorders are more pronounced than with physiological, adaptive and protective mechanisms are weakened to a greater extent, and predisposition to various diseases increases. A number of pathological processes occur in the body (hypoxia, dystrophy, inflammation, allergies, etc.), a combination of many diseases is characteristic, as well as their protracted and undercurrent. This gives reason to consider premature aging pathological. It's called progeria.

Age-related changes in the human body must be assessed taking into account not only the calendar (passport), but also biological age.

Calendar age is the number of years lived, biological age is a measure of changes in the functional state over time various systems organism. It is generally accepted that if the biological age is ahead of the calendar age, i.e. a person looks older than his years, then aging proceeds according to a premature (accelerated) type, and, conversely, if the calendar age is ahead of the biological age, then the rate of aging of the body is slowed down.

Aging diagnostics

TO diagnostic criteria premature accelerated aging include:

1. Subjective manifestations of accelerated aging.

Such manifestations are nonspecific and can be observed in many diseases. They are signs of accelerated aging if diseases have not been diagnosed using clinical and laboratory examination methods. The manifestations of accelerated aging can be fast fatiguability, general weakness, decreased ability to work, loss of vigor and vitality, Bad mood, memory impairment, sleep disturbance, emotional lability.

2. Objective signs of accelerated aging.

These signs can be identified objective methods examinations. These include a decrease in skin elasticity, the appearance of wrinkles in young age, early graying and loss of teeth, the appearance of warts and hyperpigmentation of the skin, decreased hearing and visual acuity, changes in the spine, manifested by a change in posture.

3. Biological age of the organism.

This is a special calculated indicator that allows assessing changes in the organs and systems of an aging organism, its state of health and the rate of accelerated aging.

Based on the determination of biological age, it is possible to objectively evaluate the effectiveness of methods for increasing life expectancy, to determine the features of the aging process and its mechanisms. As promising direction it is possible to consider the possibility of using methods for determining biological age for the individualization of issues of social services, employment.

There are a number of methods for determining biological age, which are most often based on the determination of such indicators as blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, heart rate, ECG, respiratory rate, maximum duration of breath holding, bone mineral density, memory and attention test results, etc.

Causes of premature aging

Causes (risk factors) contributing to the occurrence premature aging, can be both internal, including genetically determined, and external. Premature aging is manifested by the early and often progressive development of atherosclerosis and its complications.

Risk factors for premature aging:

1. External environmental factors:

• Social:
  1. low income;
  2. low level of medical care;
  3. low level of social protection;
  4. chronic stress.
• Environmental (pollution of water, soil, air, food, etc.).
• Wrong lifestyle:
  1. bad habits (smoking, alcoholism);
  2. malnutrition;
  3. low physical activity;
  4. violation of the regime of work and rest.
• Infections.

2. Endogenous factors:

1. intoxication;
2. metabolic disease;
3. dysregulation;
4. impaired immunity;
5. heredity.

Thus, the development of accelerated aging is promoted by many factors of the external and internal environment. Identification of these factors and their timely elimination contribute to slowing down the rate of aging.

Age discrepancy

The study of the mechanisms and clinical manifestations of premature aging in various diseases and pathological processes has a huge theoretical and practical value. In modern society, physiological old age is extremely rare, most elderly and old people experience some form of premature old age due to various diseases, stressful conditions and many other factors. At the same time, there is a clear discrepancy between the calendar (passport) age of a person and the functional age.

The literature describes hereditary syndromes of premature aging. According to the mechanism of development, they are closest to natural aging. These are Werner and Hutchinson-Gilford syndromes.

Werner's syndrome is a genetically determined disease, the main symptoms of which are growth retardation, juvenile cataract, graying, baldness, skin atrophy, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis and neoplasms, impaired development of the gonads - are pronounced by the age of 15-25 and are associated with defects in receptor proteins on which hormones act. Parents of patients are often distant blood relatives.

The Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome - actually progeria - was described in 1886. This is a rare hereditary disease childhood, begins at 8-12 months with stunting and by the age of three has distinct symptoms. Similarities were noted in the appearance of patients: dwarf growth (up to 110 cm), emaciation (body weight up to 15 kg), bird's face with a hooked nose, graying, baldness; superficial blood vessels are pronounced, especially the veins of the head, the limbs are thin, the joints are enlarged and inactive. Intellectual development corresponds to age. Death occurs most often from myocardial infarction between 10-18 years of age. The average life expectancy is 13 years, the maximum is 26.

However, there is currently no evidence that progeria and physiological aging are caused by the same genetic program. They are considered as a model of the state of old age. The level of science allows so far to analyze only the external manifestations of the hidden true processes of aging. Specific indicators of aging have not yet been identified. Based on the results of conventional analyzes, it is impossible to conclude whether aging proceeds according to a physiological or pathological type. The severity of aging processes is indicated only by changes in controlled clinical and laboratory functional parameters, general form the patient, his state of health, activity, working capacity, the state of protective and compensatory mechanisms, the presence of diseases and pathological conditions.

Postpone old age

It should be noted that now unique technique predicting premature aging of the organism, foreseeing development in life cycle human diseases and pathological conditions.

On the basis of ongoing targeted genetic research individualized complexes of drugs are selected, special diets and nutraceuticals, which block the mechanisms of a number of diseases and early onset of old age in the body.

The described methods of forecasting and preventive treatment created in St. Petersburg by researchers from various scientific institutions. A significant contribution to the prognostic orientation of measures to prevent early and accelerated aging has been made, including the individualization of geronto-dietology tools.

About longevity

The maximum life expectancy causes an ambiguous assessment of experts. Archaeological studies of the skeletons of primitive people indicate that the maximum life expectancy of a Neanderthal living in ice age, reached 40 years, the inhabitants of the new stone age - 50 years.

In popular science literature, many examples of longevity are known - the greatest painter of all time, Titian (1477-1576), the unsurpassed violin master A. Stradivari (1643-1737), the French philosopher Voltaire (1684-1778), the English playwright D. B. Shaw ( 1856-1950)... The world's longest-liver, listed in the Guinness Book of Records, is the Japanese Shigitso Itsumi, who lived for 128 years, 7 months and 11 days.

What determines the life span of a species? What factors influence it? Life expectancy depends on the range of adaptive capabilities determined genetically and the rate of aging.

The rate of ontogenesis in nature, namely the totality of successive morphological, physiological and biochemical transformations of the body from its inception to the end of life, the duration of individual ontogenetic stages ( embryonic development, height, puberty and maturity) is not the same for various kinds living beings, differing from each other in maximum life expectancy. But in general, the patterns of aging are similar. Fast growth combined with longer lifespan and viability.

The role of natural selection in determining lifespan is due to genes whose effect is favorable in the early stages of development, although the same genes can lead to negative consequences in later periods of life. The result of this "delayed" action of genes is aging, a by-product of the developmental program. Natural selection in nature is aimed at increasing life expectancy: a longer life expectancy indicates viability.

Lifespan Formula

Researchers have tried to find quantitative factors that determine the lifespan of animals and humans.

The relationship between the longevity potential and the coefficient of cephalization has been established. The coefficient of cephalization is the ratio of the weight (mass) of the brain to the weight (mass) of the body.

K \u003d E / p, Where

E is the weight (mass) of the brain, p is the weight (mass) of the body.

The product of the cephalization coefficient and the metabolic rate (the rate of oxygen absorption per unit weight) determines life expectancy.

A developed brain provides plasticity of behavior and reduces the risk of death from external causes. The higher the ratio of the volume of intellect to the volume of somatic (body-related) brain functions, the higher the life expectancy.

How to prolong life

To confirm the hypothesis formulated above, a group of Japanese authors (Miyata T. et al., 1997) conducted a study that included clinical observation of large groups of elderly people - their compatriots for many years of their life after retirement. The results were stunning (see Fig. 1). Thus, persons who have been engaged in mentally non-intensive activities throughout their working lives (miners in underground works, workers Agriculture, carpenters, steelworkers, workers in the oil, gas, pulp and paper, woodworking industries, fellers, masons, concrete workers, production workers building materials etc.) after retirement at the age of 60, as a rule, they retain the same, i.e., the minimum level of psycho-emotional load and intellectual activity. Their life expectancy averaged 68 years.

Rice. 1. The average life expectancy of people with different intensity mental activity (Miyata T., Yokoyama I., Todo S. et al., 1997)

Designations:

A - non-intensive mental activity.

B - mental activity of medium intensity (short).

C - mental activity of medium intensity (long).

D - intense mental activity (short).

E - intense mental activity (long).

As for pensioners, whose professional experience and the nature of everyday life before retirement was associated with mental activity of medium intensity (service workers, nurses, shop assistants, secretaries, dispatchers, workers in automated processes, radio-electronic and watch industries, etc.), the results were received inconsistent.

Those pensioners from the survey group under consideration, who, after retirement, significantly reduced the intensity of their mental activity, preferring to work in the garden, housework, caring for children, engaging in predominantly physical labor in their usual past activities and spiritual life (group B), lived to an average of 74 years. If the elderly (group C), having retired, continued to live in their usual rhythm of psycho-emotional stress and mental work of medium intensity (reading literature, participating in public life, fascination with theater, fine and other arts, helping grandchildren study, systematic fulfillment of professional orders, etc.), then prolonged stimulation of the mental sphere contributed to an increase in the life expectancy of a person, on average, up to 78 years.

The most impressive results of a direct dependence of a person's life expectancy on the duration of habitual (in relation to the period before retirement) intensive mental activity were shown by Japanese researchers in two comparable groups of pensioners. The professional and everyday life of these people before retirement was associated with intense, creative, mentally, spiritually and mentally developing activities. These included heads of enterprises, public and private companies, engineering and technical, cultural and educational, social and political workers, doctors, pharmacists, teachers and educators, assistant secretaries, workers in science, literature, printing, planning and accounting, etc. Those of them who, after retirement, significantly reduced the intensity of their mental activity (group D), as a rule, had the shortest life expectancy, which did not reach an average of 75 years. A striking contrast to this was the average life expectancy of people who, after retirement, retained the need and the possibility of intensive mental activity, which did not differ much from previous years (Group E). It was 88 years old, i.e. at least 15 years more than for people who, at retirement age, prefer not to “overload” their emotional, mental and mental spheres.

Basal metabolic rate

At the beginning of the XX century. the idea was expressed that a living organism is a system of organized energy. Gerontologists believe that the pace of life and, ultimately, its duration are determined by the basal metabolic rate, which is the ratio of body weight (mass) to body surface and is expressed in kcal / g per day. So, animals of small sizes, in which this figure is higher and therefore higher heat losses and heat production, live less. The basal metabolism of a mouse is 166 kcal / g per day, an elephant - 13.

Increase in life expectancy

Science today cannot yet determine the species life expectancy of a person. Gerontologists still give a figure of 90-100 years and ask the question: if we take the species life expectancy of a person as N years, then why can't we live N years and two seconds? There will always be someone who will live longer.

Raising the general standard of living, reducing mortality from infectious diseases, achieving preventive and clinical medicine, declining fertility has led to an increase in the number of older people, especially in Western Europe, and to a significant increase in life expectancy. Life expectancy rates depend on environmental and genetic components. in Europe in the 16th century. the average life expectancy was 21.2 years, in the XVII - 27.2, XVIII - 33.6, XIX - 39.7. IN tsarist Russia these figures for men were 31 years, for women - 33.

Today, the lowest life expectancy in the developing countries of Africa, the highest - in Japan, Sweden and the Netherlands.

Why do women live longer?

An interesting fact is the difference in the average life expectancy of men and women. The biologically determined difference is 2-3 years, in reality this figure is 4-10 years in different countries. To a certain extent, the high mortality of men is due to wars, alcohol and nicotine intoxication. The longer life expectancy of women is associated with a better metabolism, monthly cycles, etc. Therefore, women are more resistant to stress, although they get sick more often.

There is another point of view.

Theories of aging

Scientists ancient world considered the aging process as a gradual expenditure of natural heat, the loss of natural heat. Physicians of the 18th century explained the aging process as a weakening of the vital force that a person receives at birth.

What are the current positions?

Currently, several hundred theories of aging have been described, each of which explains the mechanisms of this in its own way. complex process. Some consider the processes of aging at the level of the organism, while others associate aging with a violation of a particular structure or process. Each theory has its own pros and cons, but they are all interesting and give a general idea of ​​the aging process. Let's characterize some of them.

Mutations in the cell

One theory explains aging by the accumulation of uncorrected mutations in a cell over a lifetime.

Normal metabolism is always accompanied by errors, the action of defense mechanisms may not always be clear, this leads to the appearance of toxic products that can affect the genetic apparatus of the cell. DNA molecules (deoxy ribonucleic acid- a polymer consisting of many nucleotides) store and transmit information about the structure, development and course of all chemical reactions and manifestation individual signs. Irreversible changes V chemical structure DNA leads to a distortion of the information encrypted in it that controls the functioning of cells. Each RNA (ribonucleic acid) molecule read from DNA is responsible for the synthesis (reproduction) of many copies of protein molecules that serve as the basis life processes in organism. These are biological substances such as enzymes and hormones, as well as cell receptors, antibodies, etc. Altered DNA causes the synthesis of functionally defective RNA.

Both strands of DNA are normally interconnected by weak cross-links. With aging, the nature of the bonds changes, they become strong and have the form of cross-links that are not amenable to destruction by enzymes. Such bridges prevent the participation of DNA in the process of cell division and interfere with RNA synthesis, disrupting the processes of protein formation. This theory explains one of the mechanisms of violation of the structure of matter. Similar processes occur in the connective tissue. For example, wrinkles in the skin are formed when collagen crosslinks.

cell division

Studies conducted in cell culture have shown a limitation in the ability of some cells to divide over time. In the cytoplasm of senescent cells, a factor has been found that inhibits (slows down) DNA synthesis. There are examples of three main types of cell aging:

1. primary aging - neurons (nerve cells), the aging process of which goes on for many years;
2. secondary aging - epithelial - as a result of regulatory influences, the life expectancy of which is several days;
3. mixed type - muscular.

Based on the type of cell division, it can be said that cell death in response to certain physiological stimuli is predetermined. The limited ability of some cells to divide creates the prerequisites for a decrease in the body's regenerative capabilities and the number of functioning cells, which are observed with age.

Mitochondrial DNA

As a result of numerous studies in such cellular formations as mitochondria, their own DNA was found, the structure of which is unstable.

Mitochondria serve as the powerhouses of the cell. An important aspect of aging is the lack of energy supply to the cell. In cells that stop dividing, mitochondrial DNA is rearranged, some of the genes leave the mitochondrial chromosome into the nucleus and are located near the nuclear membrane in the form of rings, forming aging plasmids. In the process of aging, plasmids multiply so intensively that they replace b O most of the mitochondrial DNA, in connection with which genetic information is lost. Plasmids are integrated into regions of chromosomal DNA similar to mitochondrial DNA and block the process of reading hereditary information.

loss of genes

There is a hypothesis that explains the mechanism of aging and cell death through the loss of genes in the cycle of somatic cell division. There is a shortening of chromosomes and, as a result, the loss of genetic material.

Influence of free radicals

The aging process is considered as the sum of changes that occur in cells under the influence of free radical damage.

Free radicals are molecules, their fragments or individual atoms that have an unpaired electron in the outer orbit, which has great activity. They are formed in cells to facilitate the metabolic process during reactions that use oxygen to burn carbohydrates. They can occur accidentally as a result of the combination of cell molecules with oxygen present in the cell, which has a high activity. Free radicals during non-enzymatic oxidation enter into chemical reactions with unsaturated fatty acids membranes, forming peroxide compounds. Toxic products of lipid peroxidation cell membranes and other cellular formations and compounds violate the integrity of cell membranes, change intracellular metabolism.

Excess formation of free radicals is detected during stress, hypoxia, radiation exposure, burns, deficiencies in tissues of amino acids and vitamins, when the antioxidant defense system is weakened, which includes special enzymes, retinol, vitamins E, C, group B, coenzymes, phospholipids, amino acids and etc.

neuroses and aging

Of great importance in the aging process is the state of the nervous system. In the laboratory of I.P. Pavlov, studies conducted on animals showed that during breakdowns in nervous activity neuroses develop, manifested by aggression, agitation, fearfulness or oppression.

Experimental neuroses lead to early decrepitude of the body and the appearance of premature aging. In animals, hair turns gray and falls out, long-term non-healing trophic ulcers develop, benign tumors. Repeated disruptions contribute to the disruption of the cardiovascular and digestive systems, metabolism and the development of malignant neoplasms.

The aging process is closely related to the state of the immune system.

The immune system and aging

The human immune system is a complex, well-established mechanism for protecting a person from the occurrence of both acute and chronic infectious diseases and the development of benign and malignant tumors. In addition, the immune system plays an important role in wound healing, recovery of the body after surgical interventions.

Depends on the state of the immune system physical health a person, it determines those who get sick, for example, with the flu during an epidemic, and who remains healthy; who will take the flu easily, and who will have complications; who has a meeting with a patient with an open form of tuberculosis lungs will pass without consequences, and who may be infected with tuberculosis.

As a person ages, many important protective functions immune system. That is why acute diseases are more severe in older people, for example, influenza, acute pneumonia can be very life-threatening. chronic diseases in the elderly often remain generally incurable (chronic bronchitis, chronic colitis, chronic cholecystitis, chronic conjunctivitis).

Labyrinth of Immunity

The immune system is present in all organs and tissues. The main cell of this system is the lymphocyte. The cradle of lymphocytes is Bone marrow. There are progenitor cells that, as they mature, give rise to both red (erythrocytes) and white cells (leukocytes). Lymphocytes, which make up 20-25% of total leukocytes, penetrate into all organs and tissues of a person, for which they are called "ubiquitous".

The circulating blood contains only most of lymphocytes, most of them are localized in the tissues of the body. A person has organs in which an accumulation of lymphocytes is noted. For example, lymph nodes, spleen, pharyngeal tonsils, appendix (vermiform appendix of the caecum). A very important organ located at the top chest cavity, is the thymus, or thymus gland. Lymphocytes are “trained” in it, they must be able to distinguish between “self” and “foreign” and, accordingly, respond to foreign elements (microbes, cancer cells, transplanted tissue).

Action of vaccines

In the second half of the XX century. science has intensively studied the differences between types of lymphocytes. It turned out that they differ from each other. Among them are B-lymphocytes, which, under certain conditions, are able to change and form antibodies. These antibodies, entering into various reactions, can prevent the development of the disease or contribute to a milder, sometimes even imperceptible course.

When carrying out vaccination, it is possible to just stimulate the formation of such antibodies. It is known, for example, that vaccination of people against tuberculosis, smallpox, mumps, typhoid, poliomyelitis, measles and other diseases has sharply reduced the number of cases of the above infections, and increased the survival rate of the sick.

Cancer antibodies

Of no less interest are T-lymphocytes. They know how to fight cancer cells even at that stage of their development, when cancer cells are just emerging and cannot yet manifest themselves clinically.

In older people, the function of T-lymphocytes is weakened, so cancerous tumors are less common in children and young people than in people of older age groups.

Destruction of the immune system

It is quite obvious that the immune system, with its good, full-fledged work, contributes to longevity. Only a person with a good immune system can be a long-liver. All factors that inhibit the work of the immune system shorten a person's life expectancy.

So, in the last years of the XX century. society learned about one of most dangerous diseases- AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). This disease is also called HIV infection, as it is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus.

It must be understood that in addition to this terrible disease, there are many more factors that depress the immune system (smoky air atmosphere, car exhaust fumes, contaminated drinking water, sources of ionizing radiation, insufficient sealing of hazardous industries, etc.). They also shorten human life expectancy and, due to their wide distribution, have a decisive influence on human health. These factors are less often discussed, they are less feared, and therefore appropriate prevention has not yet been carried out.

Ecological problems

In the first place among the environmental factors that have big influence on the state of health of the population, of course, is the quality of drinking water and inhaled air.

The governments of all developed countries are intensively working to improve the external environment. For example, in Moscow, a ring road was created to reduce the passage of freight transport through the city. It is known how proud the Japanese are of the fact that there is no longer any need to put oxygen dispensers on the street for pedestrians choking on car exhaust, and policemen at street intersections no longer need to wear gas masks.

Huge economic and organizational efforts are required to reduce dust emissions from production, facilities for drinking water treatment are very expensive, and a high price in Russia and Ukraine has to be paid for the elimination of the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster. The environment, if the necessary rules of hygiene are not observed, can cause damage to society much more than AIDS. It is able to wrest huge masses of people from life, cause premature aging processes, contribute to the emergence of cancer and many serious diseases. All this is closely related to the suppression of the immune system.

In many countries, the struggle for healthy air and water, for the conservation of forests, and for the reduction of the amount of nitrates in vegetables is expanding. Journalists write about "patching ozone holes» in the atmosphere, about the latest protection systems for nuclear power plants. The measures proposed by environmental scientists are more effective for public health than the huge amount of medicines that are produced by pharmaceutical companies and swallowed by sick people. Understanding of this situation is expanding in all segments of the population, so we can expect success in this direction in our country.

Alcohol, smoking, drugs, stress

It is known that bad habits of a person dramatically depress his immune system. Many countries of the world, such as the United States, note success in reducing tobacco smoking, this effect is especially noticeable in the more educated stratum of society.

In addition to promoting a healthy lifestyle, many countries have adopted legislation restricting smoking in transport and public places. More important, however, is the change in public opinion. For example, in the United States, a private practitioner cannot gain respect if he appears in society with a cigarette.

The world is stubbornly fighting alcohol and drug addiction, but neither in our country nor in other countries has there been a turning point in solving this problem. It is known that alcohol depresses the immune system and therefore alcoholics have a higher mortality rate from acute pneumonia, liver and pancreas diseases, etc.

Of the bad habits that depress the immune system, in addition to smoking and alcohol abuse, one can note physical and mental overwork, various manifestations of stress, unreasonable consumption of certain drugs (antibiotics, prednisolone, etc.), too intense sun exposure (especially among people who come to the southern beaches from the northern regions of the country), strict vegetarianism (dramatically reducing the consumption of animal proteins and some trace elements), long-term use in everyday life (for space heating) of gas burners that emit toxic products, abuse of herbicides, insecticides, washing powders, untested cosmetics, use of low-quality food additives, the use of dishes, clothing, furniture, carpets, etc., which release harmful chemicals into the environment.

social diseases

It has long been known that there are many diseases that are commonly called social (for example, tuberculosis and rheumatism are more often ill for poor people with malnutrition).

In his clinical practice doctors in economically developed countries stopped seeing patients with an open form of tuberculosis. In such countries, the incidence of severe rheumatic heart disease has declined sharply, and poliomyelitis has disappeared. Of course, of great importance in reducing the frequency of social diseases is the economic stability of the country and the improvement living conditions people's lives. Equally important are the well-thought-out vaccination programs for children, which were developed after the Second World War. The children of the post-war years have already grown up and now live longer than their parents lived.

Thus, there are a number of non-specific factors that improve the functioning of the human immune system. These include, first of all, good living conditions, lack of fear for one's future and the future of one's loved ones, satisfaction with one's work and good relationships in the family, individually selected, well-tolerated physical and mental stress, implementation of timely preventive vaccination programs, good nutrition and clean water. , a long stay in clean air, a sufficient amount of sunlight.

There is no cure for old age

Many people read various publications and rely on the large number of remedies currently offered to stimulate the immune system. A large number of proposed drugs are really useful (vitamins, microelements, biologically pure products, etc.). However, many remedies are still being studied, and since studies give conflicting results, only doctors can prescribe them and carefully monitor the condition of their patients.

It must always be remembered that no medicine can replace good nutrition, clean air, quality water, good family, good mood, job satisfaction. Most centenarians enjoyed their work, family, and quality food, although, of course, they also had hereditary factors that affect all body systems, including the development of the immune system. But we do not choose our parents, but bad habits are only our choice.

Thus, one of the keys to health is a good immune system, which requires a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and a healthy environment.

// P D

Progeria is a genetic disease in which premature, rapid aging of the body occurs: skin, internal organs and systems. The disease has two forms: childhood (Hatchinson-Gilford syndrome) and adult (Werner syndrome). It should be noted that most often occurs in boys. Girls get sick much less often. The disease is rare. To date, only eighty cases of progeria are known worldwide.

A genetic failure that has occurred in the body accelerates the aging process by about 8-10 times. A child with such a disease, when he turns 8, looks 80. And not only externally. The condition of his internal organs also corresponds to the age of extreme old age. Therefore, such children live for a very short time, about 13 - 20 years.

Today on www.site we will talk in more detail about premature aging of the human body - this is a disease of progeria, the symptoms, causes and treatment of which will essentially interest us further ... Let's start with the causes of this pathology:

Why does progeria disease occur, what are the causes leading to it?

The disease is caused by a genetic mutation in lamin A (LMNA). This is a gene that is directly involved in the process of cell division. Its mutation causes a failure in the genetic system, which deprives the cells of their resistance, starts the process of rapid aging in the body.

Note that unlike many other genetic diseases, progeria is not hereditary, it is not transmitted from parents to children. The mechanism of sudden genetic mutation scientists have not yet studied.

Premature aging symptoms:

In children:

Immediately after birth, the baby looks completely normal. The manifestations of the disease begin closer to the age of 2, when parents notice that the child has stopped developing. Growth retardation has been observed since 9 months. The baby is not gaining weight well, the skin loses elasticity, looks aging, keratinized areas appear on it. The joints lose their elasticity, the subcutaneous adipose tissue. These children often have hip dislocations.

A characteristic appearance takes the shape of the head and face of the child. The head becomes much larger than the face, lower jaw small, smaller than the top. On the scalp, eyelids, veins are clearly visible. Eyelashes fall out, eyebrows thin out, hair falls out intensely. The child's milk teeth do not grow well, their irregular shape is noted. Teeth that have grown in place of milk teeth begin to fall out.

When a child reaches three years old, his growth stops completely, it is noted. mental retardation. The nose takes on a beak-like shape, the skin becomes thinner. The skin undergoes characteristic senile changes.

At further development diseases, the elasticity of the arteries is disturbed, atherosclerosis develops, cardiovascular diseases may have a stroke.

Progeria in adults:

The disease in adults begins to develop suddenly in adolescence (14-18 years). It all starts with unreasonable weight loss, growth stops. A characteristic sign of the onset of the disease is early graying, increased hair loss, and baldness.

Thinning, dryness of the skin is observed, it becomes pale, acquires an unhealthy shade. Blood vessels are clearly visible under the skin, the subcutaneous fat layer of the extremities is rapidly lost, why hands and the patient's legs look very thin.

After 30 years of life, the patient's eyes are affected by cataracts. His voice becomes weak, the skin becomes coarse, ulcerated, there is a violation of the function of sweat, sebaceous glands. The patient's body is deficient in calcium, which causes the development of osteoporosis, erosive osteoarthritis, diseases develop of cardio-vascular system, intellectual abilities decrease.

Premature aging of the human body is also manifested by other characteristic symptoms: short stature, a round, moon-shaped face, a nose similar to a bird's beak, thin, narrow lips. TO characteristics also includes a thin chin, sharply protruding forward, a dense, short body and thin, dry limbs, abundantly covered with pigmentation.

A large number of patients, by the age of 40, develop cancer, diabetes. They are diagnosed with a violation of the parathyroid glands, there are severe cardiovascular pathologies. It is these serious diseases that cause early death of patients with progeria. Which is unlikely to suit anyone ... Therefore, let's talk about how progeria is corrected, what treatment will help in improving well-being and slowing down the processes that have begun.

treatment for progeria

Modern medicine does not yet have methods of treatment and prevention of this genetic disease. The help of doctors is to slow down its progression, reduce, minimize symptoms.

For example, a patient is prescribed a daily intake of small doses of aspirin, which helps to reduce the risk of heart attacks and prevent stroke.

Use drugs from the group of statins, which reduce cholesterol levels.

Use drugs - anticoagulants, which reduce the risk of blood clots. Also, during therapy, growth hormone is used, which helps the patient's body to restore weight gain, promotes normal growth.

Physiotherapeutic methods are used to help restore the elasticity of the joints, allowing the patient not to lose physical activity. These techniques are very important, in particular for young patients.

In addition, in children with progeria, milk teeth are removed. With this disease, adult teeth erupt very early, while milk teeth deteriorate rapidly. Therefore, they need to be removed in a timely manner.

Progeria treatment requires individual approach to each patient, depending on his condition and age. Currently, clinical trials are underway for drugs created by scientists to treat this genetic disease. Perhaps, effective therapeutic methods will soon appear. Be healthy!

Aging is a complex complex process that affects the whole organism as a whole and each cell individually. Aging of the body and skin in particular is a consequence of deep processes of wear and tear of internal resources. Meanwhile, aging can be both natural and accelerated. Premature aging of the skin is manifested by early age-related changes: wrinkles, pigmentation, loss of firmness and elasticity, muscular atrophy and a change in the oval of the face. How does modern science view the issue of aging? Which physiological processes and factors that activate the mechanisms of aging?

What causes wrinkles

Leading theories about the causes of aging

• Harman's theory (free radical)

Explains aging by the negative effects of free radicals on cellular metabolism. proteins, lipids, nucleic acids undergo harmful oxidative processes. The beauty and youthfulness of the skin largely depends on the state and full functioning of two proteins - elastin and collagen. As a result of the negative impact on elastin and collagen of free radicals, destructive changes occur in them, leading to a loss of elasticity and firmness of the skin. If this theory is correct, then the use of active antioxidants: beta-carotene, vitamin E, melatonin, etc., can prevent premature skin aging.

• Maillard's theory (glycation theory)

Explains the aging process by a specific non-enzymatic interaction between the protein amino group and monosaccharides. Glycation is due to the ability of proteins to interact and bond with sugary substances. Scientists associate the action of sugary substances with disruptions in the normal functioning of cells and the development of diseases such as glaucoma and atherosclerosis.

What activates the mechanisms of aging

The primacy in launching and accelerating the mechanisms of aging belongs to disorders in metabolism, in the work of the nervous, endocrine and digestive systems.

• Estrogens and premature aging

Deficiency in the body of a woman of specific female hormones, estrogen, is one of the main causes of premature aging of the body and skin. At the same time, an excess of these same hormones significantly increases skin pigmentation, often leading to the appearance of dark spots on the skin.

• Androgens and skin aging

Androgens are male sex hormones. It is their excess that activates the excessive production of sebum, leading to the formation of acne and oily seborrhea, also leads to baldness as a result of an atrophying effect on hormone-sensitive hair follicles.

• Excessive sun exposure

Ultraviolet rays of the solar spectrum can reach the deepest layers of the dermis, damage capillary walls, cause photoallergic and photoatactic reactions, lead to photoaging of the skin and oncological diseases. The alpha rays of the solar spectrum, although they have a less deep and aggressive effect, nevertheless, they can damage the epidermis and increase its keratinization.

• Harmful substances

Everyone knows the negative impact of harmful substances on the human body, meanwhile, few people think about what adversely affects the condition of the skin and a number of medicines we use: antibiotics, diuretics and anti-inflammatory drugs, sleeping pills.

• Bad habits

Studies show that smokers develop premature wrinkles three times earlier. This is due to intense oxidative processes and the contraction of small blood vessels and capillaries in skin. For stable uninterrupted formation of collagen, vitamin C is needed, most of which in smokers goes to fight free radicals.

• Stress

Stress adversely affects the state of all organs and systems, and all its blows are reflected on the skin as in a mirror. Constant intense physical, mental and mental stress exhausts nervous system, disrupting the blood supply to all tissues. Adrenaline, which is actively produced during stress, leads to vasoconstriction, depriving the skin of vital oxygen and nutrients.

How does our skin age?

The general condition of the skin, its firmness and elasticity largely depend on the health of microcirculation and metabolic processes in the skin. Due to the aging process, the epidermis, especially its malpighian layer, is significantly reduced and flattened, which in turn leads to lethargy and flabbiness of the skin. The stratum corneum, on the contrary, thickens, as a result of dehydration, the water-lipid balance of the skin is disturbed, and the efficiency and activity of fibroblasts is significantly reduced. The structure of elastin and collagen fibers changes, microcirculation is disturbed, capillary walls thicken, the supply of essential nutrients is reduced, facial muscles weaken, which leads to a change in its oval, skin color and texture change.

All of the above factors and causes are associated with premature skin aging that occurs before the age of 50 years. The natural aging of the skin that occurs after the age of 50 is associated with somewhat different functional and structural changes that disrupt tissue trophism.

Prevention of premature aging

Prevention of premature aging should be considered in terms of preventing the wear and tear of the body's internal resources. This can be achieved in two ways:

Through a healthy lifestyle, i.e. through creating conditions for the most natural functioning human body: giving up bad habits, providing varied and adequate physical activity, observing the daily routine, forming a culture of nutrition, a culture of thinking and a culture of emotions. It would seem that it could be simpler, but as it turns out, in fact, a change in lifestyle is a huge shake-up for the brain, because it will be necessary to change, first of all, consciousness and habits that have been established for years. Denying yourself or limiting yourself to something for a day, a week, or even a month is not so difficult, but constantly keeping yourself in “hedgehog gloves” and not indulging your own weaknesses is an extremely difficult task that requires iron discipline, endurance and great willpower. But the result is worth it!

By preventing age-related physiological dysfunctions in order to improve the adaptive capabilities of the body. The solution to this problem lies in the use of rational and versatile support for various systems of the human body: targeted physical training, anti-aging cosmetic procedures, mild pharmaceutical correction, and the use of natural nutritional supplements. These measures are aimed at regulating metabolic and trophic processes in cells and activating synthetic processes in tissues.

With a properly selected complex anti-aging therapy, the activity of key cellular enzymes and many other physiological phenomena increase, which are expressed in a significant increase in both functional and reserve capabilities of all organs and systems. All this is extremely important not only for slowing down the aging of the body as a whole, but also for effective prevention skin aging, since external activities alone do not always lead to the desired result.

Correction of the effects of premature aging

To date, the arsenal of the beauty industry has a large number of methods and methods for correcting and rejuvenating the face and body:

• Therapeutic: massage, antioxidant and clinical therapy, injections, peeling, mesotherapy, biorevitalization.
• Surgical: endoscopic lifting, plastic surgery.
• Hardware: laser therapy, hardware massage, phonophoresis.

Before proceeding to radical methods correction and rejuvenation, you should definitely contact a specialist - a dermatocosmetologist, who will help determine the type of skin aging and choose the most gentle and effective method of correction in a particular case. You should also review and make changes in your lifestyle: nutrition, daily routine, sports. This will certainly have a positive impact not only on the condition of the skin, but also on health in general.

A person's age gives away the condition of his skin, hair and teeth. In addition, signs of aging are deterioration in health, memory and inhibition of the thought process in general. Is it possible to turn back time and prolong your youth? Yes. To do this, you need to change your habits, diet and follow simple tricks, which will be discussed in this article.

Prevention of premature aging

Calcium for healthy bones and teeth

It is necessary to compose your diet so that the body receives enough calcium until the age of 30. The fact is that the process of density growth bone tissue stops around this age. After 30, it is already worth following a high-calcium diet to maintain the health of the skeleton and teeth.

It is important to note that women in their forties are more likely than men to develop osteoporosis, as there is a sharp decrease in bone mass. This is also the cause of frequent fractures.

It is necessary to eat foods high in calcium, namely: nuts, herbs (parsley, basil), vegetable milk (almond, corn, sesame, etc.).

Vitamins for youthful skin

As mentioned above, aging skin is one of the main signs of aging. Exists different ways maintaining her beauty and youth, but, of course, nutrition is the most important. You can't eat badly and look good. It is necessary to eat healthy food, namely fresh vegetables, fruits and greens, which are saturated with vitamins. All are important, but A, E, and D are especially valuable for skin health.

Vitamin A for skin. To prevent premature aging of the skin, the regeneration of its cells is important. Thanks to vitamin A, it is updated in a timely manner.

It is easy to understand whether you are getting enough of this substance or not. If even small skin lesions (such as cuts) heal slowly, the skin becomes dry and flaky, then the body lacks this vitamin.

Sources of Vitamin A: melons, herbs, raspberry leaves, carrots, sea buckthorn, peaches, sweet peppers, pumpkin.

Vitamin E for skin. Tocopherol is an important substance for the beauty of the skin, as it effectively fights the signs of aging, protects against UV radiation and aggressive environments. In addition, the vitamin protects the body from aging and the formation of free radicals.

Sources of vitamin E: avocados, greens, legumes, beet and carrot tops, chestnuts, corn, nuts, sprouted grains, seeds.

Vitamin D for skin. This vitamin has a positive effect on the entire human body. As for the skin, it helps to eliminate inflammation, skin diseases and accelerates the process of "renewal" of its cells.

Sources of Vitamin D: grapefruit, nettle, parsley, brewer's yeast, germinated wheat grains.

Omega 3 for the brain

As a person ages, the vital activity of the brain begins to weaken. Memory and concentration become worse. In other words, we can say that the brain is aging.

Thanks to numerous studies, it has been found that omega-3 effectively fights the signs of aging, stimulates the brain and promotes memory. Its use is an excellent prevention against Alzheimer's disease.

In addition, Omega-acid accelerates the healing process of wounds, improves the condition of the skin, hair and nails, and eliminates fine wrinkles.

Sources of Omega-3: avocado, beans, mustard oil, walnuts, strawberry, hemp oil, linseed oil, leeks, raspberries, flax seeds, cauliflower, spinach.

Work for the brain

In order to stimulate and maintain the brain in good shape, it is also recommended to constantly set various tasks for it and perform it.

Note that people begin to age rapidly when they retire. Inaction and watching television leads to degradation, deterioration of memory and quick wits.

Reading books, social and physical activity, studying foreign languages, setting goals and achieving them slow down the aging process of the brain.

Never stop on self-development. Any age is a great time to start learning something new for yourself. "Brain Activity" helps keep your mind sane.

The ability to relax

The life of modern people is filled with stress. They lead to wear and tear of the body and depletion of the vital forces of a person, and as you know, all this is reflected on his face. Therefore, it is very important to learn how to deal with them. Try to eliminate everything that upsets you from your life, focus only on the good and positive. A smile adorns a person, gives him radiance, charm and beauty. improves mood, health and prolongs life.

Try to observe the regime of the day: go to bed no later than 22 hours and get up early. If you have trouble sleeping, then start meditating (try it), take relaxing baths and exercise. Insomnia is fraught with a disruption in the production of the hormone of youth - melatonin.

UV protection and skin hydration

Sun exposure is one of the biggest causes of skin aging. The sun dries it out and promotes the formation of deep wrinkles. As many scientists assure, even a light tan is harmful to the epidermis.

Therefore, before going outside, always apply a protective agent to the body. It's best to use . And to protect your face, wear hats (caps and wide-brimmed hats).

To keep your body firm, young and supple, moisturize it regularly: drink plenty of water and use healthy cosmetics after taking a bath. Again, we repeat that the use of vegetable oils will be the best and most harmless to health.

Drinks for premature aging

Coffee and carbonated drinks must be removed from your life forever if you want to prolong your youth. They negatively affect the condition of hair and skin, and, of course, health in general. Agree that White hair will not give you beauty, they will only add a few more years to you.

In addition, coffee and soda spoil digestion, increase acidity, wash out calcium from the body, and cause skin rashes.

For normalization and rejuvenation, you should drink 1.5-2 liters of water per day. It serves as the most accessible and simple means for the healthy functioning of all organs. Its use in enough helps to keep the skin in good shape.

Refusal of meat for prolongation of youth

You can talk about the dangers of meat for human health for a long time. Here we will only mention that the high content of fats and carcinogens in it negatively affects appearance. In addition, this product impairs blood circulation, which in turn leads to the formation of plaques, obesity and rapid aging of the body.

If you do not believe about the benefits of vegetarianism, then we want to introduce you to Christie Brinkley (see photo). Her year of birth is 1954! In the presented photos she is 62 years old!!! And it's not a joke!

Christie Brinkley has been a vegetarian since the age of 13, she has 3 children, the last she gave birth to when she was 44 years old. She is active social life, filmed in fashion magazines. And at 51, this amazing woman signed a multi-year contract with a cosmetic brand.

Her secret is that she does not eat meat. The model's diet consists of fruits, berries, vegetables, oatmeal and legumes. When she wants something sweet, she drinks coconut water and eating banana chips. And, of course, she goes in for sports, mainly running, yoga, dancing, surfing and rafting.

Christie Brinkley is a perfect example of what healthy lifestyle life can turn back time.

Nothing is given for nothing, including youth and beauty. To maintain them, daily work on oneself is necessary. If you want to slow down the aging process, turn back the clock and pleasantly surprise people by giving your real age as 40, 50, 60, but start with today change your bad habits to good ones.

Be young in body and soul! ;)

Old age is a naturally occurring period age development, The final stage ontogeny. Aging is an inevitable biological destructive process leading to a gradual decrease in the adaptive capabilities of the body; characterized by the development of the so-called age-related pathology and an increase in the likelihood of death.

The time of onset of old age is conditional. Men and women aged 55-60 to 75 years old are considered old, from 75 years old - old, from 90 years old - centenarians. It is assumed that the species life expectancy of a person is 92–95 years.

It is known that human aging in the vast majority of cases occurs according to the premature (accelerated) type. living conditions modern society, diseases that are widespread in the second half of life (atherosclerosis, ischemic, hypertension etc.), accelerating the aging process, lead to premature aging and death before reaching the species biological limit of life. Therefore, prevention, early detection and treatment of pathological processes is an important point in the complex of measures aimed at preventing premature aging. At the same time, this problem continues to be actively discussed among scientists to this day; diametrically opposed views are expressed on this issue.

In modern gerontological literature, the terms "physiological" and "premature" aging are widely used, but the question of these two types of aging has been discussed for almost a hundred years.

The literature contains numerous data on changes in the organs and systems of the body in the process of natural, physiological aging. The situation is completely different with the study of premature aging, which is the main, most common form of aging in people over the age of 40-50 years.

Premature aging is defined as any partial or total acceleration in the rate of aging that causes a person to "ahead" the average level of aging in their age group. At the same time, age-related changes occur earlier than in healthy people of the corresponding age. In other words, with premature aging, the biological age of a person is ahead of his calendar (passport).

Despite the complexity of identifying the syndrome of premature aging, the need to study it is due to clinical practice and the importance of clarifying the causes and mechanisms of premature aging, its main indicators and ways of therapeutic and prophylactic effects.

The WHO seminar on problems of gerontology, held in 1963, was devoted to the criteria of physiological and premature aging. in Kyiv. In accordance with its resolution, physiological aging means the natural onset and gradual development of senile changes that are characteristic of a given species and limit the body's ability to adapt to the environment. Premature aging is to be understood as any partial or more general acceleration in the rate of aging that results in an individual "ahead" of the average level of aging of the healthy group of people to which he belongs. It has been emphasized that physiological and premature aging is due to exposure to both internal factors(including genetic) and environmental factors. Naturally, for each of these types of aging, the influence of these factors is completely different.

The complexity and controversy of a clear definition of the syndrome of premature aging is due to the fact that we still do not fully know the mechanisms, the sequence of processes that develop during physiological aging. In any case, it can be assumed that the factors leading to premature aging may be included in different stages development of physiological aging, modifying its mechanisms and manifestations, affecting the pace and nature of the development of senile changes.

The main difficulties arise when trying to determine the essence of premature aging, its mechanisms and ways of development. Two different approaches are possible here. In the first approach, the early development of signs of old age is considered regardless of the cause that caused it. Indeed, clinicians are well aware of the various pathological processes leading to fairly rapid decrepitude, early appearance external signs, typical for older people, functional and structural changes in organs and systems that accompany the disease and aggravate it. Suffice it to recall how much older than their years even outwardly look patients with coronary heart disease, COPD, peptic ulcer, diabetes mellitus, etc. Emotional overstrain, mental stress, exposure to radioactive substances and many other factors often cause premature and rapid development senile changes.

Proponents of a different point of view believe that the occurrence of early signs of old age (accelerated aging) is not associated with any specific diseases or external causes, but is due to peculiar endocrine-metabolic shifts. However, such an understanding is unlikely to find wide support, since what cannot be detected at present due to limited diagnostic capabilities may later turn out to be quite provable.

It seems to us that it is more productive and of particular practical importance to study premature aging in the aspect of those diseases or pathological conditions that modify and complicate the aging process, lead to early and rapid decrepitude and disability.

A characteristic feature of premature aging is a more pronounced limitation of the adaptive capabilities of the organism, which, however, decrease during normal, physiological aging. This, ultimately, can lead to a sharp reduction in the reserve capacity of the functioning of the organs and systems of the body. With premature aging, some structural and functional age-related changes not only accelerate, but sometimes acquire a character opposite to that observed during physiological aging.

Of the huge number of risk factors for premature aging, endogenous (diseases, heredity) and exogenous, environmental factors (physical inactivity, mental stress, overnutrition, bad habits, environmental pollution, etc.) can be distinguished.