Pairing humans and other anti-ageing strategies

September 4th, 2023

Do you think it would be unethical to pair humans to add years to a person’s lifespan by surgically joining the circulatory systems of a young and older person?

Research results have the makings of a blockbuster movie

Recently, experts have found that surgically pairing mice young and old can increase the lifespan of older mice. In a study at the Duke University Medical Center in the US, scientists surgically joined the circulatory systems of young and old mice. The procedure resulted in changes at a cellular level. The researchers connected the blood vessels of 4-month-old and 2-year-old mice for some time. When detached, the older mice showed improved physiological abilities and lived 10% longer.

James White, the study senior author from the university explained, “This is the first evidence that the process, called heterochronic parabiosis, can slow the pace of ageing, which is coupled with extension in lifespan and health.”

However, the scientists warn that pairing humans using the parabiosis process would be impractical and unethical. It would mean pairing a 50-year-old with an 18-year-old for about eight years.

Another author of the study, Vadim Gladyshev, an expert on biological clocks at Harvard Medical School explained, “When the mice develop a joint circulatory system, the damage from the old mice goes to the young mice and increases their biological age. But in the case of the old mouse, this process dilutes their damage. After detachment, the damage transferred to the young mice from the old can be cleared over time, whereas in the old mice, this damage is diluted permanently.”

The research results have the makings of a blockbuster movie. Two humans surgically joined for eight years and, once detached, they have changed from their original selves to a different personality, turning their lives upside down.

Ease the burden of old age

Ageing is inevitable. It’s an undesirable, progressive biological process that can’t stop. The ageing signs of internal organs are hidden from the human eye however, the skin provides obvious signs. Anti-ageing strategies are put in place to ease the burden of old age. To prevent or delay the onset of age-related diseases and to give a person a good quality of life as they age.

If only we could find the fountain of youth

In the science world, there is an urgent desire to find interventions or the fountain of youth to slow ageing down. There are many anti-ageing strategies some are proven, and others are awaiting critical appraisals in clinical trials. For a product or treatment to be approved, scientists have to show long-term efficacy and possible adverse effects for any new approach to extending a person’s lifespan.

The ageing skin

Your skin can tell a thousand stories. Too many hours lying in the sun, overindulgence, sleepless nights and an unhealthy diet.

Skin health and beauty is one of the principal factors for overall well-being. The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and skin ageing is very complex. It’s the barrier that protects organs from exposure to the environment. It regulates temperature and excretes sweat and salt. It secretes antimicrobial peptides and copes with inflammatory immunological processes.

The ageing skin loses elastin fibres, collagen, hyaluronic acid and other proteins needed for a healthy, bright and elastic skin. As we age, the skin is more prone to irritation, and facial muscles and ligaments weaken. The skin starts to wrinkle and sag. The complexion changes, with dark circles and puffy eyes developing from a disturbed sleep pattern with trips to the toilet during the night.

No matter how many expensive creams you try or beauty treatments you have to smooth out the wrinkles, healthy-looking skin comes from within. Anti-ageing strategies should be implemented to allow yourself to add years to your life and look healthy. When choosing to make positive changes to your lifestyle, many variables need to be taken into consideration, including any health conditions. If you decide to make big changes it would be advisable to seek medical advice first.

Cosmetic enhancements are temporary. For really effective anti-ageing strategies a person’s lifestyle should include self-maintenance and repair, maintaining physical and mental abilities with intervention and prevention.

The best ways to slow down the ageing process

Scientists agree that a calorie intake restriction is one of the best ways to slow down the ageing process and promote longevity. Intermittent fasting is recommended for some people, the specific times when you should eat vary for different age groups. Eating foods rich in essential nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, proteins, healthy fats and antioxidants should be part of your daily routine. Hydration is something a lot of people struggle with but 2 litres of water a day will help keep those wrinkles away.

Other vital anti-ageing strategies include physical exercise. An active lifestyle is a powerful tool and a well-demonstrated anti-ageing intervention. Reducing stress and incorporating rest and relaxation into your life is important and a structured sleeping routine is key. You should avoid toxins and air pollution as much as possible. Air pollution is harmful to human skin. It can promote ageing and inflammation resulting in wrinkles and pigmentation issues. Alcohol, smoking and recreational drugs should be limited or stopped preferably. A consistent skincare routine is a must. A daily skincare routine should include cleansing and exfoliating to remove pollution, dirt, oils, harmful substances and makeup. A toner, moisturising serum, moisturiser, eye cream and sunscreen should be applied daily. The evening skincare routine should include moisturising and applying lip balm.

Ageing can cause depression, stress and anxiety. Isolation, disabilities, illness and fear can have a negative effect on a person’s mental health. It can speed up the ageing process. As we age, mental health can negatively affect eating and drinking habits resulting in obesity, lack of energy or geriatric anorexia.

We have a wide range of anti-ageing products to incorporate into your everyday living. Anti-ageing supplements work in different ways to help delay, reverse and protect against the natural ageing process. Our supplements work for all areas of the body, including skin regeneration, vision aid, mental prowess and cognition, aiding autophagy, heavy metal removal, boosting immunity and many more.

Find a product that suits you and your needs here.

References

Anti Aging Clinical Trials Healthy Eating & Dieting Scientific Articles Skin Care