Aging is a natural process of life and there is no escape, we have to learn to live with it. Knowing our genetics can help us understand the risks that our health may have, in order to implement certain healthy habits that help us live longer and better.
But… why do we age?
Science does not know how to explain why we age, but it does recognize this as a multifactorial process, caused by the interaction of various factors such as cell phones, the environment, lifestyle, and genetics.
Aging and longevity in the world
Both the number of elderly and longevity have increased worldwide. According to a report published by the UN in July 2022, the world population aged 65 or over is expected to increase from the current 10% to 16% in 2050. The estimate is that it will more than double the number of children under 5 years and equal to the number of boys and girls under 12 years of age.
Regarding global life expectancy, this index reached 72.8 years in 2019, which means 9 years more than in 1990. By 2050, it is estimated that the average global longevity will be 77.2 years.
In fact, Latin America is the fastest aging region in the world. According to UN estimates, 27.5% of the Latino population will be over 60 by the year 2050.
Is it possible to age healthily?
Despite the above figures, the increase in life expectancy does not imply an improvement in public health. As we get older, we are more prone to certain diseases and conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to be aware that we can age in a healthy way and have good habits to enjoy each phase of life. For this reason, it is important to practice physical activity, reduce stress, sleep well, eat a diet rich in nutrients, drink the necessary amount of water, protect yourself from the sun, not smoke, avoid alcoholic beverages, take care of your mental health, stay in touch with nature, doing activities that we like, doing annual checkups and maintaining other healthy routines that prevent certain diseases related to adulthood.
How do genetic and environmental factors interact?
Experts maintain that genetics influences between 5% and 25% in the aging process and longevity, with environmental factors being the main culprits.
According to the specialists, “there are epigenetic mechanisms that are interference from environmental and chemical stimuli in the activation and silencing of genes, that is, in the way in which DNA is expressed, without necessarily altering its genetic sequence. This is one of the main aging factors.”
The environment directly influences the validation of genetic predispositions. Therefore, knowing the characteristics of DNA is important to change habits and adopt a lifestyle that prevents possible hereditary diseases, as well as reducing the negative effects of genetic inheritance and enhancing the positive ones.
What can your DNA reveal about the future?
DNA is not capable of revealing the future, but it can make some predictions based on some genetic markers.
In-lab genetic testing presents a unique panel on the influence of DNA on the aging process. With it, it is possible to explore some factors and predispositions, such as:
Photoaging: premature aging of the skin induced by the ultraviolet rays of the sun. It is the process by which the skin ages faster. Factors such as smoking, pollution, and prolonged exposure to the sun can contribute to skin aging, but genetic variants can play a role as well.
Baldness: main cause of hair loss. It mainly affects people of the male biological sex. Sex hormone levels and genetic variations are associated with this condition.
Longevity: In addition to habits and lifestyle, genetic factors can influence a person’s life expectancy. Variants located in specific genes may independently influence longevity or be influenced by variants in other genes.
Telomere length: structures that protect the DNA stored in chromosomes. They decrease in size with each cell renewal process, and when they become too small, they can no longer protect the DNA, which affects cell division and leads to aging.
Age-related macular degeneration: This is a condition that affects the eyes in a part of the retina called the macula, leading to progressive loss of vision. It is more common in people older than 75 years. It is caused by the interaction of several factors, such as light exposure, smoking, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and also by genetic variations.
It is also possible to find other genetic factors that directly influence the quality of life and the aging process. For example, factors such as the risk of developing acne, the appearance of spots and wrinkles, sensitivity to ultraviolet rays from the sun, sagging eyelids, and antioxidant capacity. evaluated. Knowing these genetic characteristics can adopt more specific and personalized care for the health and appearance of the skin, thus delaying the harmful effects of aging.
by RN
