Our chronological age refers to our actual age whereas our biological age is dependent on the health of our cells and our DNA.
We can do little about our chronological age, but we can do a lot to influence our biological age – both for and against it. Our chronological age increases at the same rate for everyone, but our biological age can be considerably different. Research shows that most people will have at least two chronic diseases by the age of 60! Reducing our biological age improves our health and lifespan as well as our quality of life in our older years.
The deterioration of our cells and DNA can depend on several factors including:
- Diet – food choices and diversity of the foods we eat.
- Lifestyle choices
- Genetics
- Health of the gut microbiome
- Stress management
- Sleep quality
- Exposure to toxins and pollutants
- How we move our bodies
The following lifestyle factors cause us to age quicker:
- High meat and saturated fat intake
- High salt intake
- High sugar intake
- Crash dieting
- Smoking
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Chronic stress
- Chronic diseases such as obesity, type II diabetes
Studies have been done on communities living in 5 different areas in the world known as the “Blue Zones” which show that lifestyle factors are key to longevity. People living in the Blue Zones often live to 100 years old or more.
Next week we will take a look at these lifestyle factors in detail.
Listen to my interview with Brad Kirsten from Radio Cape Pulpit on 4 May 2023 to learn more. Listen to my next interview on Thursday at 7.45am