Holding Back The Years

For a Longer Healthier life

Scientists believe, that technically, human beings can potentially, live to the ripe old age of 120 years or more, so holding back the years is not an impossibility.

Most of us currently live to the age of 70 to 80 years, ravaged by disease and ill health as we approach those later years.

To be able to hold back the years by another 3 or 4 decades will be remarkable, but can we live longer and still maintain good health?

This will truly be some achievement, but only if holding back the years also mean a good quality of life.

The thought of an army of 80 somethings zimmer- framing their way to work on the London underground on a Monday morning doesn't bare thinking about. Spending 20 or 30 years in a nursing home does not fire my rockets either.

The future is a foreign land, we have an idea of what we will find when we get there, but invariable, the reality can be some what different.

Who could have predicted at the turn of the century, that within a few years NASA would have placed a man on the moon, that science would map the human genes, or the world wide web would be this phenomenon we now take for granted.

To be able to live just a few years more, holding back the years and going further into the future, what wonders will be awaiting us, to see your grand children grow and have children of their own, each generation getting fitter and healthier and living longer.

Alexander Graham Bell would probable smile, if he could see what his invention have evolved into.

Iphones, smart phones, we've become so dependent on these small boxes, we just cannot leave home without it.

I've seen People walking blindly into moving traffic, oblivious to their surroundings and the risk of danger, so intent are they living their lives through this communication tool, one would be forgiven for thinking the world did not revolve before smart phones, so we keep our lifeline close to us as we eagerly await the next updated version,

I honestly believe that before much longer these phones will be surgically attached to our nervous system becoming our seventh sense, not in my life time I hope.*

For better or for worst technology keeps us moving forwards, surgeons are able to replace worn out joints as a matter of course, they are constantly learning and getting better as they understand more, we are seeing improved results for organ transplant, artificial limbs are amazing

Plastic surgery and botox gives the illusion of youth, but health and longevity, must start on the inside to truly hold back the years.

We can do this by ensuring we only take the best food and nutrition into our bodies, the right nutrition appropriate for our time of life, nutrition to stay fit and healthy as we hold back the years

Get fit and Healthy

The world health organisation, (WHO) define health as " a state of complete physical, mental and social well being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity".

Health is something we all aspire to, no one is in a state of complete physical, mental and social well being all of the time, but we all know when our bodies are in good physical health, which can also affect our mental and social well being and vice versa.

physical health becomes more difficult to achieve as we grow older, the ageing body needs certain micro-nutrients which can become depleted due to our diet and lifestyle, this can lead to progressive metabolic imbalance and physiological disorder, this lack of nutrients can reduce the body's ability to repair itself and to slow down the rate of degeneration.

However, with modern advances in science and technology, improved health care and education allowing us to make the right lifestyle choices, we will be able to improve our quality of life to the extent, that most of our extended years can be productive years.

If like me, you are at that certain age, you've lived a full and active life, for some of you, the kids have grown and flown the coop, and your body is telling you its time to slowdown, this is probably a good time to take stock and hold back the years.

Slow the Aging Process

As we mature and grow older our body's requirement changes, our immune system which provide protection from bacteria, viruses and some form of cancers may become compromised, our hormonal balance is changing, these changes are traditionally dismissed as disease of ageing, it is believed that we die of old age; however, it is the diseases associated with old age which finishes us off.

To live a long and active life, and to slow down the ageing process, we need to become well acquainted with anti-oxidants.

Anti-oxidants protect the body from free radicals, which are produced in the body during oxidation.

Oxidation occurs in the body continually, this is a natural process, however, the free radicals can have a detrimental effect on the cell function, leading to premature ageing and disease.

Anti-oxidant mops up the free radicals, neutralizing them and protecting the cells, they need to be constantly replenished and can be taken in the food we eat as vitamin, or as food supplements, the best known anti-oxidant is Vitamin C, this is a water soluble anti-oxidant which fights free radicals inside the cells, and is found in citrus fruits, fruit juices, kiwi, broccoli, squash, carrots, yams, and apples.

Apple Super Food

Apple is one of the top ten super food, it is packed full of anti-oxidants for healthy skin and gums.

One apple provide 1/4 of the body's daily requirements of vitamin C, contain soluble fibres known as pectin which can help lower blood cholesterol level while maintaining a healthy digestive system, apple is also a carbohydrate with a low glycaemic index ( GI), low GI food are digested slowly, when broken down in the intestine they are absorbed into the blood stream as glucose with a gradual rise in blood sugar levels.

Other super foods includes-:

The underestimated baked beans, like apples, contain carbohydrates with low GI, also contain protein, fibre, iron, and calcium

the tomato sauce coating the bean is a good source of lycopene, a powerful anti-oxidant shown to help in the prevention of heart disease and prostate cancer.

The soluble fibre in beans are not digested, but goes to the large intestine where bacteria acts on it to produce short chain fatty acids these fatty acids is believe to nourish the the intestinal lining protecting it from carcinogens.

Broccoli contain vitamin C anti-oxidant and is a good source of folate (folic acid) of major benefit in preventing heart disease.

Broccoli also contain the anti oxidant lutein which can delay the progression of age related mascular degeneration (AMD) which effects 10% of people over the age of 60 and is a major cause of impaired vision and blindness, also a good source of sulphoraphane with anti cancer properties.

Olive oil, helps to lower bad cholesterol and increase the good cholesterol levels.

It is rich in anti-oxidant, and is thought to be one of the key protecting elements in the Mediterranean diet, unfortunately it is also high in calories, containing 120 calories in 1 tablespoon of oil.

Wholegrain bread, bread with large whole grains and seeds have a low GI which can protect against heart disease, reduce pangs of hunger and help in controlling weight.

Oily fish such as Salmon, are a good source of omega 3 fats which can reduce blood clotting and inflammation, also good source of quality protein, vitamins and minerals.

Studies shows that even in older people, eating oily fish can drastically reduce the risk of having a heart attack.

Omega 3 fats can also help in the prevention of depression, and protects against the onset of dementia.

Tea," good news for us Brits who love our cuppa" green or black are rich in anti-oxidant known as catechins, this is thought to protect the artery walls against damages, preventing heart disease. Studies shows as little as one cup of tea per day can give some protection.

Yogurt provide an easily absorbed source of calcium, as well as a good way to top up friendly bacteria in the gut, the friendly bacteria fights harmful bacteria such as clostridium difficile which can cause diarrhoea after taking antibiotics.

Bananas are high in energy, calories are in the form of carbohydrates very good for providing fuel when exercising, contain high levels of potassium which can help to lower blood pressure and vitamin B6 for healthy hair and skin

Brazil nuts, studies suggests that a handful of nuts four times a week can help to reduce heart disease and food cravings, Brazil's are one of the few good sources of selenium which may help to protect against cancer, depression and Alcheimer's, also contain large amounts of essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre.

Other good sources of antioxidant are, dried apricots, peanut butter, sweet potatoes, black currents, blue berries, celery, radishes and curly kale to name but a few.

Get Hydrated

Hydration plays a major part in keeping the body fit and healthy, fluid account for 60% of the body weight, all system depends on it, water help to flush toxins out of the vital organs, carries nutrients to the cells and provides a moist environment.

The amount of fluids we require depend on several factors, such as the individuals general health, level of activity and the temperature and climate where you live.

Food usually accounts for about 20% of total fluid intake per day;

we loose approximately 1 liter through insensitive loss i.e. through sweating, breathing and bowel, urine accounts for 1.5 litres in adults, by replacing 2 litres of fluids per day we can replenish the lost fluids, the key is to know your body.

Over hydration and excessive exercise can lead to hyponatremia, or depleted sodium level, also known as water intoxication, this occurs in rare cases and can result in coma and death.

Exercise for a Healthy Heart

Exercise will help to reduce the bad cholesterol, studies shows that 20 to 30 minutes of exercise three times a week can reduce the chances of coronary heart disease by 50 per cent.

Excessive intake of alcohol, obesity and smoking are all factors contributing to hypertension and heart failure.

The healthy body is very good at maintaining itself with little help from us, but as we grow older, we need some intervention and maintenance to stay fit and healthy and hold back the years.

*Apparently, I'm out of luck, new technology already exists, and are capable of interacting with our nervous system, giving another dimention to the senses, take a look at Pranav Mistrys' The thrilling potential of sixthsense technology.

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copyright. J A Hagues 28 October 2011