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Learn how to slow the aging process"Youth has no age." -- Pablo Picasso (1881-1973)

We all desire to live long and healthy lives. None of us wants to deal with declining health or chronic diseases commonly associated with aging.If given a choice, wouldn't we all like to live full, active lives and then when the time comes, make the quick exit?

We can age successfully. We can't stop aging, but with these lifestyle changes, we can certainly experience a better aging process. To age well, you must have a healthy mind, body and spirit, all of which I've addressed. Interested? Keep reading.

WHAT IS AGING?

Aging is when the body shifts from a constructive (anabolism) to a destructive (catabolism) state. Anabolism is the replenishing of the body's systems with new and stronger tissue, a rejuvenating or building mode. Catabolism is the breaking down of the body's physiological systems. Physiological functions peak in your 20s, plateau in your 30s and then begin a sharp descent in your 40s. The "decade of vulnerability" occurs in the United States at the age of 40 to 50 years. During this time, males age 15.2 years and females age 18.6 years.

WHAT HAPPENS AS YOU AGE?

Individuals age at variable rates due to genetic and environmental factors, such as nutrition, exercise, stress, smoking and alcohol and various diseases such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes (mellitus).

Regardless of the rate, however, here's what happens:

• The brain shrinks and loses cognitive function, focus and memory
• Vision worsens with cataracts, and there is a loss of visual acuity and color perception
• Hearing is impaired, especially for higher tones
• The skin loses elasticity and collagen, begins to wrinkle and get thinner, heals more slowly and bruises more easily
• Smell and taste decrease, hair thins and fat increases as lean muscle mass and bone mass decrease – resulting in decreasing strength, osteoporosis and fatigue
• The kidneys decrease in size and function and the bladder loses its elasticity and capacity, resulting in incontinence
• The heart has contracted about 2 billion times by the age of 50,and the incidence of heart attack and heart failure increase
• The lungs lose elasticity,and breathing capacity is reduced by more than 20 percent
• The pancreas produces less insulin and Type 2 diabetes is more common
• Men lose testosterone starting at age 30, and women have reductions in progesterone and estrogen after menopause in their 40s and 50s

Reading this might dishearten even the most optimistic individual, but we do have ways to slow the aging process enough so that we can still have many vital, active and rewarding years.

HOW OLD ARE YOU, REALLY?

Before you can figure out how to slow down your aging clock, you need to find out where it's currently set. You need to determine your biological age versus your chronological age. The biological age is every individual's unique biological rate of aging. Various physiological factors determine your biological age, and even a four-year difference is significant. For a quick, simple glimpse into your biological versus chronological age, click here.

Taking my test is a first step, but I also recommend that you go to a physician who will give you a thorough intensive examination. When there, review your complete medical history, then get a physical exam and a series of functional and anatomic diagnostic tests. You need to find out all the biomarkers of aging, which include circulating levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, antioxidant defense, blood hormone levels, cardiovascular status, vascular health cardiovascular risk factors, pulmonary status, bone health, speed of nerve conduction, body composition, musculoskeletal health, sensory responses, balance, coordination, reaction time, neuropsychological status and cognitive function. Click here for a list of recommended tests for a complete evaluation.

What you do not want to hear when you visit your physician is, "You have the body of someone twice your age!"

Remember that information is power. The sooner you find out your current condition, the sooner you can start initiating needed changes to help slow down your aging process. Now you're ready to begin an individual treatment plan.

Ready for tips? Click here for part two, how to slow the aging process.