Research suggests that across-the-board lifestyle changes—reducing stress, improving diet and moderate exercise—may increase the length of telomeres, the ends of chromosomes that control cell ageing.
The University of California team says it has found the first evidence the strict regime can have such an effect. But experts say although the study in Lancet Oncology is intriguing, it is too early to draw any firm conclusions.
Of 35 men with prostate cancer, researchers saw visible cellular changes in the group of 10 men who switched to a vegetarian diet and stuck to a recommended timetable of exercise and stress-busting meditation and yoga. See more on lengthening telomere cells and more cellular stuff here.
The healthy lifestyle men in the study did at least 30 minutes walking six days a week. The other measures included a largely vegetarian, low-fat diet, yoga, meditation, relaxation and increased social support.
The University of California team says it has found the first evidence the strict regime can have such an effect. But experts say although the study in Lancet Oncology is intriguing, it is too early to draw any firm conclusions.
Of 35 men with prostate cancer, researchers saw visible cellular changes in the group of 10 men who switched to a vegetarian diet and stuck to a recommended timetable of exercise and stress-busting meditation and yoga. See more on lengthening telomere cells and more cellular stuff here.
The healthy lifestyle men in the study did at least 30 minutes walking six days a week. The other measures included a largely vegetarian, low-fat diet, yoga, meditation, relaxation and increased social support.
Of course, the question that springs to mind is: why did ancient man grow old if eating healthy food and going on a health-kick reverses aging of the cells? Primitive man ate grain, seeds, nuts, fruits, berries and meat. He got plenty of exercise chasing his food. Maybe the rough food wore their teeth down so they could no longer chew and therefore starved.
There is one mention of a very old man in the bible. Methuselah.
According to the Hebrew Bible, Methuselah is purported to be the oldest person to ever live. Extra-biblical tradition maintains that he died on the 11th of Cheshvan of the year 1656 (Anno Mundi, after Creation), at the age of 969, seven days before the beginning of the Great Flood. Methuselah was the son of Enoch and the grandfather of Noah.
There is one mention of a very old man in the bible. Methuselah.
According to the Hebrew Bible, Methuselah is purported to be the oldest person to ever live. Extra-biblical tradition maintains that he died on the 11th of Cheshvan of the year 1656 (Anno Mundi, after Creation), at the age of 969, seven days before the beginning of the Great Flood. Methuselah was the son of Enoch and the grandfather of Noah.
I don't know about you, but living to a great age doesn't appeal to me. Age brings stress to joints and bones. Just this week, my spine suffered another fractional break, causing great pain. In my youth I measured 5'10". I've already lost 2 ½ inches in the last ten years. Although I'm not a master of Kung Fu, I live a healthy life and eat the recommended fruit, cereal, vegetables and protein required for good health—nothing else; no sweets or carbs or fatty foods.
So, the researchers say going on a health kick reverses ageing at the cellular level. Maybe my good diet, daily walks and faithful meditation over the last thirty years has assisted telomere cells to lengthen—who knows?
The experts say a much more detailed study is needed before they can draw any conclusions.
When I reach the pearly gates, my life choices will be questioned. 'Why didn't you make your first marriage work? Why did you leave your family behind? Why did you simply think of your lifestyle?'
So, the researchers say going on a health kick reverses ageing at the cellular level. Maybe my good diet, daily walks and faithful meditation over the last thirty years has assisted telomere cells to lengthen—who knows?
The experts say a much more detailed study is needed before they can draw any conclusions.
When I reach the pearly gates, my life choices will be questioned. 'Why didn't you make your first marriage work? Why did you leave your family behind? Why did you simply think of your lifestyle?'
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