Process Of Aging

Know the process of aging –

Metabolic Factors or Internal  Factors

Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress

Decline in NAD+

Accumulation of Damaged Cells and Tissues

Disrupted intercellular communication

Shortening of chromosomes/Telomeres shortening

Reduced Autophagy

Depletion of Stem Cells

Weak Liver ,lack of nutrition and reduced Detoxification

Decline in Protein Synthesis

Reduction in Good Gut Bacteria

Inflammation

Changes in Genetic Material

External Factors

UV radiationPollution

Climate andweather

Heavy metals and pesticides

Smoking

Alcohol consumption

Diet

Lack Of Physical inactivity

Sleep  Deprivation

Stress and Anxiety

lifestyle behaviors

Social isolation

Repetitive facial movements

Sleeping position

Internal Process(In Brief)

1.Energy Production → Free Radicals → Oxidative Stress → Inflammation

Our body needs energy for regular functioning .Cells of our body converts oxygen into energy. Some harmful molecules called free radicals are also produced along with the energy. These free radicals try to harm another cells by interfering in their regular functioning. This interference by free radicals in the functioning of another cells is known as Oxidative Stress  which causes inflammation in the body .Inflammation leads to premature aging ,wrinkles fine lines ,hair problems and age related -diseases.

2. Cellular Activities → Cell Damage → Inflammation

While performing regular cellular activities some cells get damaged and stop dividing themselves but they don’t die instead release harmfull chemicals which causes oxidative stress and inflammation.However, our body has inbuilt system for recycling of cells and removing dead cells but this ability declines with age leading to accumulation of dead cells and non renewal of damaged cells.These dysfunctional cells can contribute to a weakened immune system and hinder other biological processes and negatively affect organs ,reduce person’s ability to withstand stress or illness, recuperate from injuriesand learn new things .     

3.Decline in NAD+  → Disrupted cellular functions → Inflammation

NAD+ Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)is an essential coenzyme found in every cell of the body.It facilitates the production of energy in the cells , DNA repair, and regulates key metabolic processes. Levels of NAD+ naturally decline with age due to weakened immune system,accumulation of dysfunctional cells and tissues with age, oxidative stress,inflammation,poorsleep,sunexposure,bad lifestyle and diet.

4.Disrupted Intercellular Communication → Inflammation

Intercellular communication is the process by which cells send and receive signals to coordinate their functions, growth, and responses to their environment. This communication is important for cells to grow and work normally. As we grow our body Cells that lose the ability to respond to signals from other cells may also become cancer cells.

Intercellular communication aging involves the breakdown of communication between cells, a process identified as one of the hallmarks of aging which leads to  harmful inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and impaired tissue function, contributing to age-related decline and disease

5.Shortening of Chromosomes → Inflammation

Telomeres are protective caps of DNA and proteins found at the ends of chromosomes. They act like the plastic tips on a shoelace, preventing the ends of chromosomes from fraying or fusing with other chromosomes. They ensure that the genetic material is copied completely during cell division. With each cell division, telomeres become shorter, and when they become too short, the cell can no longer divide, leading to aging.These cells can then die, or they can develop into a damaged cell which release harmful chemicals and cause inflammation.Inflammationaccelerate the ageing process and trigger diseases even cancer. Telomeres are critical for genomic stability, and their dysfunction can lead to chromosomal abnormalities. 

6.Reduced Autophagy → Accumulation of dysfunctional cells → Inflammation

Autophagy is a kind of recycling system in human cells. It is the body’s way of breaking down unwanted and diseased cell components and recycling them elsewhere.

Autophagic activity naturally decreases with age.Reduced autophagy leads to the accumulation of dysfunctional organelles and toxic proteins, promoting conditions like neurodegenerative disorders and cancer.Autophagycan be activated through intermittent fasting .It helps in removing cellular damage and improve functions of cells and has positive impact on the overall health.

7.Decline in stem cells → Decline in organs health

Stem Cells are the cells that have the ability to make more cells like themselves and can also become another cells if required after which they will not multiply further and can`t become another cells anymore. They play a vital role in keeping our organs and body healthy. But As we grow ,stem cells start depleting and our body looses ability to repair and maintain health of tissues ,cell and organs.Most organs rely on stem cells to repair tissue damage or to promote tissue renewal. They play a vital role in keeping our organs and body healthy as no other cell in the body has the natural ability to generate new cell types.

8.Weak Liver → Lack of nutrition to organs → Reduced detoxification

The liver is the largest internal organ and is essential for survival. It perform many functions related to digestion, detoxification, immunity, and nutrient storage. All the absorbed nutrients from gastrointestinal tract travel to the liver for processing or are distributed throughout the body to cells and tissues. Liver produces bile juice which is stored in gall bladder. This bile juice is used by the body for breaking down fats. It regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates ,proteins and synthesizes cholesterol to balance the body’s energy needs, regulates blood sugar levels, filters hundreds of gallons of blood everyday and remove harmful substances like drugs, alcohol, and waste products from blood. It produces cells that prevent pathogens that enter the bloodstream from the gut. Liver processes bilirubin, a waste product from the breakdown of old red blood cells. Failure to clear bilirubin can lead to a yellowing of the skin and eyes known as jaundice. Hence, Its important to maintain liver health for proper digestion of food ,transportation of nutrients to other parts of body ,detoxification of body and maintaining immunity.

Due to oxidative stress ,stem cell depletion and inflammation liver becomes less efficient which leads to insufficient supply of nutrients to other organs .It also lead to accumulation of toxic elements due to reduced detoxification and disruption of many other important functions of the liver which further leads to inflammation and aging.

9. Decline in Protein Synthesis → Reduced Body Strength

Our body also manufacture its own protein by converting amino acids into proteins.This process takes place within the cells.Proteins are important for carrying out chemical reactions, creating cell structures, acting as signaling molecules and more.Protein synthesis is fundamental for the growth of new cells and the repair of damaged tissues. It is a vital process that drives life. Liver cells make most of the protein in the body.

With age there is decline in manufacturing of protein due to oxidative process and damaged cells .This hampers the maintainenance of muscles and their contraction, muscle mass ,organs and other important biological processes, neurodegenerative disorders like stress,loss of memory and concentration,Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s and hence contribute to aging 

10.Reduction in good gut bacteria → Reduced absorption of nutrients

In our digestive tract ,particularly the large intestine lives a diverse ecosystem of various microorganisms which break down food and complex carbohydrates that the human body cannot digest on its own.As we age our immune system weakens which leads to increase in quantity of harmful pathogens which leads tolesser absorption of essential compounds from food.Gut health and brain health are directly related to each other. This hinders biological processes, disrupts functioning of neurotransmitters (serotonin ,dopamine,etc ) present in gut ,affects mental health,disrupts sleep wake cycle and lesser nutrition to each part of body leadingto hairfall ,skin aging and other age related diseases.

11.High Levels of Inflammation → Accelerates Aging

Whenever our body detect any harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells and tissues orirritants or any wound , our immune system gets activated and helps the body heal wounds and fight off infection.This process of detecting any harm and healing it in response is called inflammation.When the injury or infection is resolved or damaged cell or tissue is repaired, the inflammatory process typically ends. This is called Low level inflammation which is important for the body for its healing process.

But problem arises when our immune system gets weakened due to dysfunctional cells , accumulation of damaged cells or tissues,unbalanced gut microbial ecosystem,reduced natural autophagy process ,reduced detoxification by liver and stress. Free radicals. and damaged cellsor tissues try to harm another cells by disrupting their regular functions and also convert them into a damaged cell or tissue.This is called oxidative stress.

Enironmental factors like UV Rays ,pollution and bad lifestyle also create free radicals and create oxidative stress. Oxidative stress causes inflammation .Chronic Inflammation accelerates aging leading to premature graying of hair, hairfall ,skin problems like wrinkles ,fine lines ,pigmentation, stress, insomnia, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and other age related diseases.

Therefore,Ageing is characterised by an increase in inflammation, also known as ‘inflammaging’.

Here comes the role of Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that neutralize harmful effects of free radicals and protect cells from damage caused by oxidative stress and hence regulate inflammation.Antioxidants not only combat free radicals ,it also directly work on reducing inflammation and prevents further spread of inflammation. Our body produces some antioxidants, while others are obtained from a nutrient rich diet and medicinal herbs and plants.

12.Changes in Genetic Material Inflammation → Aging

During cell division there are high chances of mistakes in coping DNA, wrong rearrangement or breakage of chromosomes and DNA.It is estimated that our DNA is damaged up to a million times a day.Most of this damage is repaired immediately because cells have efficient detection and repair mechanisms. However, these repair processes are not perfect and a small percentage of damage remains unrepaired. This is why DNA damage accumulates as we age.

Genetic material also changes due to exposure to agents like radiation, chemicals, and biological agents that can damage DNA,inherited genetic defects or infections.Change in genetic material is a hallmark of cancer and a major factor in its development and progressionas it increases the risk of tumour growth.Accumulation of genetic changes allow cancer cells to grow and spread. DNA damage can also lead to a reduction in cell function or even contribute to dysfunctional cells and contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation and hence aging.

Most of this damage is repaired immediately because cells have efficient detection and repair mechanisms. However, these repair processes are not perfect and a small percentage of damage remains unrepaired. This is why DNA damage accumulates as we age

External Factors

Environmental exposure

• UV radiation: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is one of the most significant external causes of aging, particularly for the skin (a process known as photoaging). It damages skin cells by generating free radicals which leads inflammation which further contributes in breaking down collagen and elastin, and causing fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation,hair problems and all other age related diseases .
• Pollution: Environmental pollutants like particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and heavy metals can increase oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. This leads to cellular damage, which can impair skin barrier function and contribute to premature aging like graying of hair,hairfall,etc.
• Climate and weather: Extreme temperatures can negatively affect the aging process. High heat, particularly during heatwaves, can overtax the cardiovascular system, especially in older individuals. Dry or low-humidity environments can also accelerate skin aging ,hairfall ,etc by impairing its protective barrier.
• Contaminants: Exposure to contaminants through water or soil can negatively impact health[n2] . Some studies suggest a correlation between trace minerals in drinking water and longevity, while heavy metals and pesticides are known to have toxic effects. 

Lifestyle habits

• Smoking: Smoking is a major accelerator of aging. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen and nutrients to tissues. It also increases free radical production and inflammation, leading to premature aging conditions like wrinkles, poor skin quality, hair problems and other age related diseases.
• Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake dehydrates the skin and promotes inflammation and oxidative stress, which contributes to skin damage,hair problems  and accelerated aging.
• Diet: An unhealthy diet can speed up aging. High sugar intake promotes the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which damage collagen and elastin. A diet lacking antioxidants can also increase cellular damage from oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Physical inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle is associated with a higher burden of age-related diseases. Regular physical activity, on the other hand, can help preserve support mitochondrial functions and leads to healthy aging.
• Sleep deprivation: Chronic poor sleep can have a significant impact on health and aging. It can increase inflammation and stress hormones, and hinder cellular repair and regeneration processes which accelerates the process of aging. 

Psychosocial and socioeconomic factors

• Chronic stress: Prolonged stress can lead to the chronic activation of inflammationwhich increases stress hormones like cortisol. This process can accelerate cellular aging and increase the risk of age-related diseases.
• Socioeconomic status:  Socioeconomic factors—including income, education level, and access to quality healthcare—have a significant impact on health and longevity. These factors influence living conditions and lifestyle behaviors, which directly affect the aging process.
• Social isolation: Lack of social connections and support can lead to chronic inflammation and negatively affect neuroendocrine and metabolic systems. In contrast, social activities and engagement have been linked to better health in older age. 

Mechanical factors

• Repetitive facial movements and sleeping position: Repetitive motions like squinting can create fine lines over time. Similarly, repeatedly pressing your face against a pillow while sleeping can lead to “sleep lines” on the skin.