Aging: Science or Self-Fulfilling Prophecy?

Last week, the news was abuzz with a new study at Stanford University. Their results concluded that human aging does not happen in a gradual, linear way. Rather, the majority of the molecules they studied showed accelerated, non-linear changes. saying that our DNA ages dramatically in two phases of life, at age 44, then again at age 60, 

As for what to take away from their findings, the researchers advise making lifestyle changes such as drinking less alcohol, hydrating, and exercising more when nearing these pivotal years in our 40s and 60s. For more information on this “human aging” study, click here

While this advice is a given, I personally found the research phishy and offered zero helpful advice. Saying all humans age at these two points in time, no matter their genetic disposition or lifestyle habits was doom and gloom, especially when research has been definitive in its findings that our DNA can be dramatically changed, for the better, with certain types of exercise. (Mojo’s HIIT approach included!).

Time Magazine, “How Exercise Makes our DNA Young” 
“With each bout of moderate-to-vigorous exercise, the protection to the telomeres is refreshed, thus helping the DNA, and in turn the cells, to remain “younger” and hold off the aging process. The protection is constantly renewed upon exercise. When people who lead relatively sedentary lives worked out, the DNA in their muscle fibers changed almost immediately.”
 I am not a scientist, but I have no doubt that the primary reason we age is our attitude and the lifestyle choices we make as our lives progress. I have worked out with thousands of women over my 15 years. I’ve witnessed women of all ages and exercise levels blossoming and aging younger, when they are “on a roll’, making healthier lifestyle choices, and challenging their bodies and brains, day in and day out, year after year.

For so many people, our edge softens as we get older. We’re more likely to give in to exhaustion, or we’re simply not in the mood to get a shower-inducing sweat.

While it’s true we burn fewer calories with physical activity as we age (due to sarcopenia), we tend to move less and dial it down a notch with each year.

 

Feeling too “old” to move? Snap out of it! You are likely aging yourself.
 Looking good, crew! 

Here are some wise words by Ellen Langer, Ph. D. Professor of Psychology at Harvard University and author of “Mindfulness”:

“Everyone assumes our bodies will fall apart once we get older- so we brace ourselves for decline, and watch for signs that our bodies and brains are giving out. And of course, we find them. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Dr. Langer’s advice: It’s not your physical state that limits you, it’s your mindset. Research shows that your attitude can improve your health and may even reverse the signs of aging. To feel happy and healthy, you need to show up for life, whether you’re 35, 65 or 85

 

Feeling tired, absent-minded, old? Don’t blame it on your “age”. It’s simply time to beef up your mitochondria!

Mitochondria are tiny factories in our cells that turn food and oxygen into energy. The more “mitos” we have the faster our metabolic rate. The more efficiently we burn them determine how how energetic we feel and how clearly we think. Your mitos also help you prevent disease and lead longer more youthful lives.

Tips for Giving Your “Mitos” a Tune-up

• Interval training: You gotta get that heart rate UP several times a week to keep mitos on their toes. Combining cardio and strength building in your exercise regimen increases the efficiency and function of your mitochondria, which increases the amount of muscle and the number of mitochondria (check!)
• Eat less processed food, sugar, and empty calories
• Detoxify by getting rid of environmental and internal toxins
• Eat whole, real, colorful plant food: fresh vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains every day. These foods are full of antioxidants.

Life comes at us fast and we never know what’s around the corner. Exercise is one of the few things we CAN control.  Get strong, de-stress, and let it GO with us.