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Healthy Aging- Can we reverse the aging process?

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“Just imagine making it to age 80, but you have not taken care of yourself. You thus suffer from severe degenerative disorders and have only a short time to live.

Instead of letting you die, a pioneering doctor implants a compound that lengthens the telomeres in your cells. Within 30 days there is a systemic reversal of your age-related pathologies. Not only are you functioning like a much younger person, but you’re inquiring about birth control as your sexuality and fertility has also been restored.”

This excerpt from the April 2011 issue of Life Extension Magazine reviews new research that suggests that we may not only be able to hold aging at bay, we may also reverse it.

Many of the healthy lifestyle choices seem to do their magic by slowing the rate of telomere shorting but is it possible to restore them to normal length?

What are Telomeres and how do they affect aging?

Telomeres are small units of DNA at the end of the chromosomes. They work to keep the chromosomes from unraveling and damaging the genes inside. The normal aging process involves gradual shortening of the telomeres and the resulting damage to the genes. Until now, the best approach was to focus on slowing down the shortening process. A recent study suggests that the length of telomeres can be restored by reactivation of the enzyme telomerase.

Mice in this study reversed aging throughout their bodies within 30 days of treatment.

The possibilities are exciting.

Until now I always thought that the best possibility was to slow or stop aging. Now, there is the possibility that research will find a way to reverse aging. This is exciting new for seniors who experience the deterioration and pain from aging daily. It is one more reason to apply the anti-aging wisdom that seems to slow the aging process as a first line of defense. But now the possibility of actually reversing the damage of the aging process appears to be possible.  This research suggests that aging is not inevitable and that a treatment for the cause of aging may be on the horizon.

 

{ 6 comments… add one }
  • Bill Murney March 29, 2011, 7:29 am

    If only it were possible Ralph.

    I have just pictured myself back in my late teens and early twenties when the girls were thrilling and I was willing.

    Oh to do it all again – with the experience of age.

    Bill
    Ashton-under-Lyne, UK
    Bill Murney’s last Blog Post ..The Most Dangerous Walkway In The World

    • Ralph March 29, 2011, 9:06 am

      Bill,
      I’m beginning to believe that it is possible. Just keep living long enough- and save up your money.

  • Hansi March 29, 2011, 8:07 am

    Where can I get some of that stuff? And quick?
    Hansi’s last Blog Post ..Reefer Madness

    • Ralph March 29, 2011, 9:07 am

      Hansi,
      Head down to the Venice strand,

  • Satisfyingretirement March 29, 2011, 8:45 am

    Oh great, just what Social Security and Medicare need…seniors who live to be 150.

    Or, maybe the reversal pills turn back the clock on your chronological age and you become too young for Social Security!
    Satisfyingretirement’s last Blog Post ..We Cut The Cord

  • Ralph March 29, 2011, 9:10 am

    Bob,
    Clearly there would be some adjustments to SS and Medicare. But then all those age related disabilities would be gone too.

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