The magic of stopping the aging process has yet to be solved, unfortunately. However, is it possible to slow it down? According to the American Heart Association’s research, there are eight ways to slow biological aging.
Just because you’re 30 years old doesn’t mean your health is also 30 years old. Your chronological age refers to how long you’ve been alive, while your biological age refers to the age of your cells, as explained by Northwestern Medicine.
But it doesn’t end there. There’s also your phenotypic age. Euronews states that phenotypic age is calculated by considering a person’s chronological age along with blood markers for metabolism, inflammation, and organ function. The difference between phenotypic age and actual age determines phenotypic age acceleration.
Furthermore, a higher phenotypic age acceleration indicates faster biological aging. It’s worth noting that individuals with good cardiovascular health tend to have negative phenotypic age acceleration.
Therefore, how you prioritize your health plays a significant role in how quickly you age.
Heart health plays a pivotal role in the process of aging.
Ideally, one should aspire for their heart health to align with their chronological age or even be younger.
However, recent data from the Cleveland Clinic indicates that in the United States, approximately 20% of women and as high as 50% of men have a heart age that surpasses their actual age by five years. Undoubtedly, the role of heart health in determining our lifespan cannot be overstated.
Surprisingly, it appears that it is not given the priority it deserves by many individuals.
Disturbing statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlight that heart disease stands as the leading cause of death in the United States.
Shockingly, it is reported that a heart-related condition claims a life every 33 seconds, while a heart attack occurs every 40 seconds within the country’s borders.
What are Lifes Essential 8?
Research presented at the annual American Heart Association meeting has examined how to slow down biological aging by incorporating eight lifestyle behaviors recommended by the American Heart Association.
The study revealed that, even after considering various socioeconomic factors, adults with high cardiovascular health were found to be biologically approximately six years younger than their actual chronological age. Here are the eight essential health factors that contribute to a healthier lifestyle:
1. Improve dietary habits: Eating a balanced diet has a profound impact on our overall well-being, to the extent that Harvard Health estimates that prioritizing healthy eating could prevent 400,000 deaths annually. Maintaining a balanced diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and the likelihood of being diagnosed with other diseases that directly affect heart health. Obesity is associated with an elevated risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, while both conditions contribute to a higher likelihood of heart disease. Furthermore, excessive salt consumption and obesity have been linked to a higher prevalence of hypertension, and dietary choices play a role in influencing cholesterol levels. Studies indicate that insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables, and fiber may increase the risk of certain heart issues.
2. Engage in regular physical activity: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults engage in 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, along with at least two days of muscle training. Physical activity is not only essential for maintaining overall physical and mental health but also promotes heart health. Exercise helps improve the heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body and increases oxygen levels in the bloodstream, resulting in improved muscle function and overall well-being, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
3. Avoid tobacco use: Inhaled nicotine delivery products, which encompass traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping, are the leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States, accounting for approximately one-third of all deaths related to heart disease, as highlighted by the American Heart Association. The Food and Drug Administration warns that smoking exposes individuals to a higher risk of various heart-related diseases, including hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, heart disease, aneurysms, and peripheral artery disease. It is crucial to steer clear of tobacco products for the sake of better heart health and overall well-being.
Please note that the information provided here is solely based on the mentioned research and recommendations and does not constitute personal medical advice. It is always recommended to consult with healthcare professionals for individualized guidance regarding health-related concerns.