Human Longevity in Centenarians - Report Example

Human Longevity in Centenarians Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Name Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Course Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Instructor Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Date Introduction Centenarians are a category of people that mange to live up to the age of more than 100 years. They have displayed a perfect example of successful ageing over the decades, an aspect in their lives that has solicited much research and debate. In America for example, the population of the centenarians increased dramatically in the 1980’s and 1990’s giving researchers a task to look into some of the reasons that may have contributed to good health and longevity of life (Tan et al., 2002). It has been therefore been proved that even old people can remain active, productive, social and independent even beyond the age of 100 years (Nair, 2012). A closer look at their lifestyle, nutrition and environmental conditions has been factored as some of elements that have been contributed to their longevity. Such are the factors that have been believed to contribute to human longevity across all the other species of the human race. Some researchers have noted particular observations about some centenarians and the secrets that give them long life. To them, getting older does not necessarily mean that a person grows weaker, sicker, less productive and less independent (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). Clearly, there exists a relationship between their way of lifestyle and the longevity of their lives. According to Tan et al., (2002), life longevity is a very complex trait in human beings and is affected by both environmental and genetic factors. Genes play a very important role in modulating the rate of individual survival and the length of a person’s life span. The interactions and adaptability of different genes is a contributing factor to the number of years that a person is likely to live (Tan et al., 2002). A centenarian only approach used by Tan et al., (2002) detected that an interaction between a gene known as REN and that of mitochondrial haplotype H greatly favoured life longevity (pp. 122). These are most common in the centenarians which explain the high rates of longevity during their life time. Suggested factors contributing to longevity of human life Modern medicine has not been a primary factor contributing to the long life of centenarians (Tigani et al., 2012). It is however listed as one of the factors that contribute to the long life among human beings. One major factor is taking care of the elderly once they reach their prime years. For instance in the eastern cultures of Australia, it is normal for the younger relatives and neighbours to look after the elderly and take care of their needs (Nair, 2012). The factors that have been elicited by research are discussed below. A positive attitude A positive attitude in life is also a factor that can contribute to longevity of life among human beings. Bearing a positive attitude in life increases a feeling of worthiness and belonging to the community which enhances emotional and mental life (Nair, 2012, p. 64). A positive attitude was identified in both the verbal and non-verbal communications of the centenarians which carried an aura of hope and optimism (Nair, 2012). Therefore, staying young and long usually has a lot to do with a positive lifestyle and a sense of independence (Nair, 2012, p. 64). People who are independent start every new day with a set of new goals to accomplish and therefore will tend to live longer. According to Perl, many centenarians prove to have a positive outlook on life complimented with personalities that tend to get rid of stress easily (Harvard Health Publications, 2011). Many people who are able to control their emotional stress are able to avoid related illnesses like heart disease and memory loss therefore getting an opportunity to live longer (Harvard Health Publications, 2011). Mental and physical exercise Mental and physical exercise is also a major contributing factor to living a long life. It was observed among the centenarians that they were constantly involved in lots of physical exercise and mental activity (Balistreri et al., 2012, pp. 2-9). A case study about the South Asian centenarians indicated that most of them were actively involved in doing chores such as cooking, gardening, cleaning and even walking. A lot of such physical activity eliminates many chances of illnesses that occur in old age such as diabetes and heart attack (Nair, 2012). Other examples of physical exercise include strength building activities such as climbing stairs and lifting small weights are also beneficial since they are helpful in slowing down the loss of muscle mass (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). Centenarians for instance, have not only reported being active in their youthful years, they maintain considerable levels of activity even in their late adulthood years. Therefore, even a small routine of physical exercise everyday can add a person up to so many years to live (Tigani et al., 2012). Examples nowadays are aerobic exercise, swimming, walking and jogging among many others. Reading, writing, painting, playing musical instruments and memorising are some of the activities that can engage an individual mentally therefore providing opportunities for mental exercise (Balistreri et al., 2012). They stimulate mental activity which helps in preventing memory loss and memory lapses that are common in ageing people. It also stimulates sensory communication with the brain which triggers responses to external factors such as pain and happiness (Tan et al., 2002). An agile and active mind can make a person to live a long life. In contrast, a decreased performance of the human cognitive responses has been proved to be strongly associated with high rates of mortality (Balistreri et al., 2012, p. 7). Good eating habits and healthy diets It was observed that most centenarians are mostly vegetarians. A vegetarian is a person who consumes fresh fruits and vegetables together with other medicinal foods that have some healing qualities in them (Nair, 2012). Eating such foods regularly and in small qualities proves to be a very healthy lifestyle which can make a person to live for many years. Research also indicates that many centenarians had a lot of vitamins A and E in their blood levels compared to much younger adults (Tan et al., 2002). As a result of the high levels of vitamins, the immunity system of these people is strengthened making them less susceptible to illnesses and sicknesses. It also defends them against the damage that free oxygen radicals usually make (Tan et al., 2002). Health habits that have contributed to long life in human beings have been analysed by scientists and stated down as follows: frequent physical activity, regular consumption of nuts, avoidance of eating meat, abstinence from smoking and drinking and average eating (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). Healthy nutrients have a great influence on the ageing process of human beings especially in the very late years of adulthood (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). It is therefore very important to put into consideration good nutritional patterns. The biggest challenge that faces ageing people is the ability to identify appropriate dietary and eating patterns that will reduce the risks of dying early (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). It entails healthy eating behaviours and food intake patterns that have positive health outcomes (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012, pp. 1-7). The prevalence of ageing-related dysfunctions and illnesses arise and manifest due to poor eating habits. These include chronic habits such as stroke, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. In most women, osteoporosis will occur especially if they had a history of smoking and drinking (Carey & Tuljapurkar, 2003). Medium body weight also increases the number of years a person might live because they are not exposed to many life threatening diseases (Tan et al., 2002). Being overweight on the other hand increases the chances of an individual being exposed to life threatening illnesses like diabetes, heart diseases, stroke as well as cancer. Moreover, maintaining an intake of foods that do not contain calories and fats results in an increased life span (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). In fact, diet that is extremely low in calories has proved to be the most effective way and intervention of extending the lifespan of a large number of living species including yeast and primates. It is also interesting to note that phytochemicals, discussed below and known to reduce levels of stress in human beings can be obtained from fruits and vegetables (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). It is a major ingredient in vegetables, fruits and spices and contains elements that have protective effects against degeneration that is usually related with the ageing process. These nutrients could also inhibit and counteract the damage that is caused by oxidation (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012) which is usually a problem in older people. Taking into account the above observations, it is also evident that the dietary habits of many centenarians constitute rich amounts of phytochemicals making them respond better to cell stressors therefore minimizing cell damage (Tan et al., 2002). The other effect is that decreases the sensitivity to stress during oxidation processes that is highly associated with rapid and stressful ageing. Minimizing oxidation process during the ageing stage is a plausible factor in promoting life longevity (Nair, 2012). Moreover, adequate healthy nutrient intake reduces inflammatory diseases that may increase the risks of premature or early deaths (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). The nutrients are strongly involved in defending the body against inflammatory insults that may occur due to old age. It is therefore advisable that ageing people ought to observe healthy eating habits if they are expecting to live for longer years (Nair, 2012). The realization of a longer life is therefore possible to achieve if a person is ready to live a healthier lifestyle, particularly taking note of the dietary and eating patterns (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). From a scientific perspective, it is also observed that a particular diet may be able to inhibit rapid ageing by helping scientists to identify molecules that could fight ageing-related dysfunctions and diseases such as heart attacks and dementia (Poon & Cohen Mansfield, 2011). It could also open new opportunities for discovery of nutritional drugs that can delay ageing. Moreover, therapeutic interventions also contribute to life longevity as they can positively affect healthy ageing (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). As such, they slow down the rate of ageing and lower the risk of contracting diseases that are associated with old age. Good genes There are particular traits in the genetic elements of centenarians which are believed to have contributed to life longevity. Even though similar traits that run through members of the same families do not arise out of genetic influence, strong similarities accrue out of very powerful genetic influences (Tan et al., 2002). For instance, a study in New England involving centenarians indicated that they had one individual with chances of living for more than 90 years compared to four families of an average lifespan (Nair, 2012). According to research, the centenarian population usually has very good genes. They do not for instance; have a gene known as apolipoprotein E which is responsible for increasing the risk of Alzheimer and cardiovascular diseases (Tan et al., 2002). A certain chromosome 4 is also believed to be responsible for long life. The same has been identified in many of the centenarians (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). Just like many centenarians, people may live for many years because they probably have genes that that protect them against sicknesses and other infectious diseases. The Okinawan people in Japan for instance have been identified as experiencing lower risks of mortality than the other races in the region (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). According to research, they appear to have undergone a unique gene mutation that due to their special dietary interventions and nutritional patterns that reduce their exposure to mortality risks (Poon & Cohen Mansfield, 2011). In addition, nutrient sensors have also been identified as a potential means to slow down the process of ageing and extend the possibility of living longer lives. They modulate the life span of a person by responding to the various environmental and physiological signs (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). They are necessary because they may respond to external stimuli like disease germs or viruses. This will in turn trigger the immune system to produce mechanisms that will fight any impending diseases. Nutrient sensors are also essential because they activate different paths of the immune system either directly and indirectly therefore fighting any prevalent diseases (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). There are also active genes like the rapa mycin that are involved in the longevity process (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). This one, for instance, activates the insulin growth factor which slows down the rate of growth. Recent studies have also demonstrated a considerable association between gene mutation and life longevity (Tan et al., 2002). Therefore, most human beings that are prone to undergoing mutations in their IGF-1 genes will tend to live longer than those that do not (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012, p. 3). Environmental factors Related to good genes are environmental and geographical factors that are believed to cause life longevity amongst the centenarians. For instance, most areas in the developed nations have reported to have very high numbers of old people living up to 100 years and beyond (Carey & Tuljapurkar, 2003). Countries like Canada, Japan and Italy are the most known areas of life longevity. The Okinawans in Japan are a perfect example illustrated by most recent studies having the greatest ratio of people living beyond 100 years (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). Moreover, most of these adults do not display signs of ageing-related diseases such as dementia and the Parkinson disease. They display active sex lives, have vigour and excitement for life (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). Other places that are believed to have high concentrations of the centenarian population include the Caribbean part situated behind Okinawa, the Sardinia island in the Italian coast and the Nova Scotia, which is also known as the “longevity-belt” (Balistreri et al., 2012). These areas are believed to have friendly environmental conditions such as good climate and weather that is appropriate for increasing life longevity. Good Health Conditions Genes are not the whole story behind life longevity in human beings. Another factor that is believed to be contributing to the long life of the centenarians is maintaining good health conditions (Poon & Cohen Mansfield, 2011). Such health conditions include public health practices like routine vaccination sanitation and cleanliness, just but to mention a few. Cleanliness and sanitation helps a person to live in a healthy environment and will help keep them from contracting diseases such as typhoid and other bacterial infections that are usually caused by dirt. They intersect with good genes to give a person good health and long life (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). It is also interesting to note that centenarians practice healthy habits like not smoking and not consuming alcohol. Most of them try not to eat foods that will make them obese later in life. therefore, a majority are never obese, strictly observing the intake of regular breakfast and consumption of high amount of whole milk (Poon & Cohen Mansfield, 2011). These practices keep them healthy and longer even during their late adulthood stage. Other health conditions may include modern medicines and medical interventions because they are also proving to be making a remarkable demographic difference (Carey & Tuljapurkar, 2003). This is so because modern medicines have been able to fight diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and heart attacks that contribute to early mortality incidences (Nair, 2012). Even though heart diseases still kill a lot of old people, they might have died much sooner without the intervention of modern medicines. Avoiding Social Isolation Evidence has shown that being friendly and maintaining close ties with family and friends keeps one healthy and makes them live longer than the others. This is supported by the fact that positive relations lower the levels of depression and stress (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). This in turn culminates into lower rates of heart diseases and reduces the risks of contracting heart related diseases like high pretension and heart attacks. It is also worth noting that larger risks of early mortality are associated with lack of economic, social and physical support. Socializing provides opportunities to access such help from family and friends and this will contribute to a longer life span (Carey & Tuljapurkar, 2003). Moreover, socializing helps to eliminate emotional stress. Resistance against cellular stress and other external environmental insults can also promote a successful and healthy ageing process that may probably result in a longer and healthier lifespan (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012, pp. 1-2). When the old people meet with the young ones, they play the role of guiding and counselling, teaching skills and giving wise advice (Carey & Tuljapurkar, 2003). They also help in conserving and transmitting the cultural values and traditions of the family (Carey & Tuljapurkar, 2003). This gives them a sense of belonging to the community therefore elongating their life. Use of plant-derived extracts In the recent years, large volumes of data has been researched regarding extracts that are derived from plants and their beneficial effects of retarding rapid ageing and other old-age related diseases and illnesses (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012, p. 4). For instance, many phytochemicals are synthesized for plants in order to increase their adaptability to the external environment and other physical features. In the same manner, some phytochemicals are believed to be beneficial when administered in human beings. As such, they react by triggering responses that will reduce the levels of stress and also produce cellular-stress responses (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). They subsequently induce adaptive mechanisms to fight and resist stress or lower the stress levels. This then promotes healthy ageing while stress resistance mechanisms induce longevity chances. Moreover, oxidative stress also promotes rapid ageing and early instances of mortality which can be decreased by phytochemicals (Tan et al., 2002). Conclusion Since the centenarians have over the years displayed traits of successful ageing, an emulation of their lifestyle and culture by the rest of the populations could contribute to better health in old age and life span longevity (Tan et al., 2002, p. 122). The discussion above has summarised some of the secrets of the lifestyle that make these people to live for 100 years and beyond. A closer look at their lifestyle, nutrition and environmental conditions has been factored as some of elements that have been contributed to their longevity. The same factors are believed to contribute to human longevity across all the other species of the human race. These include lifestyle practices like portraying a positive outlook in life, maintaining good eating habits and healthy dietary patterns together with a history of good genes that cut across succeeding generations. The others include living in good health conditions, keeping and maintaining healthy social interactions with relatives, family and close friends and lastly the use of plant derived extracts (Tan et al., 2002) as discussed above. Research findings have concluded that the above factors are the most likely causes of a prolonged life span and successful ageing. In a nutshell, it is very possible to achieve the realization of healthy ageing and a longer life on earth by living a healthy life. This entails placing much attention on lifestyle choices especially an individual’s dietary patterns and adequate physical and mental exercise even from an earlier age (Davinelli, Willcox & Scapagnini, 2012). Even though it is difficult to name out a particular dietary pattern that contributes to life longevity, a good understanding of the nutritional status of the centenarians and their eating habits as well will provide a wealth of information about successful human ageing. References Balistreri C.R, et al. (2012). Genetics of longevity. data from the studies on Sicilian centenarians. Immunity & Ageing : I & A. p.2-9 Carey, J. R., & Tuljapurkar, S. (2003). Life span: evolutionary, ecological, and demographic perspectives. New York, Population Council.p.3-8 Davinelli S, Willcox D.C, & Scapagnini G. (2012). Extending healthy ageing: nutrient sensitive pathway and centenarian population. Immunity & Ageing : I & A. 9.p 1-7 Nair M. (2012) Field studies on centenarian experiences in South Asia: Letter to the editor. Asian J Gerontol Geriatr (7) p. 64 Poon, L. W., & Cohen-Mansfield, J. (2011). Understanding well-being in the oldest old. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. Available at http://www.myilibrary.com?id=301203. Tan Q, De Benedictis G, Ukraintseva S.Y, Franceschi C, Vaupel J.W, & Yashin A.I. (2002). A centenarian-only approach for assessing gene-gene interaction in human longevity. European Journal of Human Genetics: EJHG. (10) p.119-24. Tigani, X., Artemiadis, A., Alexopoulos, E., Chrousos, G., & Darviri, C. (2012). Self-rated health in centenarians: A nation-wide cross-sectional Greek study. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics. (54) p.342-348. Read More