Lifestyle and It's Affects on Cellular Aging

Abstract

The article discusses how cells age and the factors of cellular aging. As people age, their cells become senescent, affected by telomere degradation and genomic instability. Telomeres are protective caps on chromosomes that shorten with each cell division, eventually causing cells to stop dividing. Genomic instability refers to DNA damage that builds up over time, leading to increased cancer risk, cellular dysfunction, and organ failure. Epigenetics, the chemical modifications that regulate our genes, also change with age. DNA methylation patterns act as an "epigenetic clock" that could guide treatment and lifestyle changes for certain conditions. Mitochondrial dysfunction is another hallmark of aging, as damaged mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can accelerate aging, and the balance between protein damage and repair mechanisms is interrupted. Diet and exercise are some of the important roles in healthy aging. Dietary restriction extends lifespan by activating nutrient-sensing pathways that promote longevity. Fasting raises levels of NAD+, which is a molecule that strengthens DNA, and autophagy, which is a cellular aging process. Excessive sugar intake suppresses longevity pathways and increases disease risk. Exercise causes stress reactions similar to aging but also allows recovery, making the body more resilient over time and lowering the chances of age-related diseases. The author's personal experience with their grandmother's Alzheimer's disease created an interest in understanding cellular aging. Her future research interests include exploring lifestyle factors in longevity hotspots like Blue Zones, the role of diets and exercise in delaying aging, and developing treatments.