BismiAllah hir Rahman nir Raheem Genes and heredity account for 20-40% variation in human life span. Studies show that longevity results from the deficiency of harmful genes instead of life-extending genes. There is scarcity of literature on the influence of gene on healthy aging. Glatt and colleagues review showed that healthy-aging genes were linked to the disease process of inflammation (interleukin-6), aplipoprotein E APOE and metabolism. Author also relates genetic factors with environmental factors.
Certain environmental factors can modify inner process of genetic functions that would slows down aging process. The study of MacArthur is cited in which higher educational accomplishment may alter the effect of APOE on aging process and risk of cognitive decline is reduced. Hence certain environmental factors can modify specific gene functions. Other biological mechanism proposed is stressful aging. Stress play key role in accelerating aging process. Large number of studies have confirmed that stress puts negative effect on physiological process.
Stress induces certain cardiovascular and neuroendocrine assays that are indication of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activation. Authors propose higher allostatic load will promote aging and disease process and vice versa. Hence, those who are resistant to stress are more likely to age successfully. Cognitive brain function is also linked with the aging process. Keeping mind active by attaining high level of education, active in occupation and performing challenging tasks that keep minds active may keep cognitive brain function healthy.
In a study on rats and humans it has been found that N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor characteristics change in the aging brains when they long-term memory is maintained. This indicated that aging brain has the capacity to learn more. Interventions Physical activity, nutrition and mental activity are the three most effective aging interventions. Physical activity has seen to be the most beneficial intervention due to several reasons. A recent meta-analysis of exercise interventions produced favorable results in the executive function domain (e. g. planning) in the participants.
Depression levels in the participants were also significantly reduced. Exercise exerts positive health effects. It reduces cardiovascular risks and obesity, which in turn reduces depreciation of physical fitness. It also provides as a mitigation against stress and acts as a social activity. Lengthening life spans can also be attributed to a healthy diet. Caloric restrictions and an overall restrictive diet has produced longer lives in lab specimens, such as rodents. A healthy diet would include foods high in fibre (such as cereal) and marine fatty acids as compared to unsaturated fats.
Mental activity can be boosted by cognitive activities such as crossword puzzles. This builds resistance to cognitive decline. Formal cognitive training can be divided into restorative or compensatory. A recent study in the United States, Cognitive Trial for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE), tested 3,000 participants using several cognitive interventions. Improvement was seen on neuropsychological tests than in day-to-day functioning at follow-up. However, significant improvements were seen in functioning that were preserved 5 years after the study ended.
Another two methods in slowing down the aging process are to reduce social isolation and to increase stress-reduction skills. Given the literature on allostatic load and the importance of stress resistance, stress reduction may provide benefit for older people. Addressing depression Depressed older persons are less likely to be physically active or engage in positive lifestyle behaviour. There is therefore a need to identify and improve psychiatric care for the elderly, in addition to medical care. Reducing depression in cognitively-impaired elderly can be done through available structured behavioral treatments.
Rowe and Kahn’s model suggests exposure to productive activity. Participating in the workforce through tailored vocational training are options for the depressed older persons. Successful aging is determined by cognitive and emotional health. This allows a mental health practitioner to determine the life span of an olderly persons suffering from depression. Late-life depression, is in fact detrimental. It reduces physical activity, socialisation, stress resistance, and optimism. In turn, this can impair cognitive functioning.
Late-life is however, treatable – incorporating phenotypes of successful aging as well as its predictors.
References Depp, Colin (2007) The Intersection of Mental Health and Successful Aging. Retrieved http://ezproxy. pstcc. edu:2356/itx/retrieve. do? contentSet=IAC-Documents&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&qrySerId=Locale%28en%2C%2C%29%3AFQE%3D%28KE%2CNone%2C13%29mental+health%3AAnd%3ALQE%3D%28AC%2CNone%2C8%29fulltext%24&sgHitCountType=None&inPS=true&sort=DateDescend&searchType=BasicSearchForm&tabID=T002&prodId=AONE&searchId=R1¤tPosition=6&userGroupName=tel_a_pstcc&docId=A170544469&docType=IAC.