The Aging Process – Curse or Cure?
Throughout the history of mankind the battle against aging has continued. In the dark ages, the signs of “old age” would start to show at around 30 years old. The average life expectancy at that time was about 45 years.
The poor hygiene, lack of knowledge about bacteria and various related diseases would snatch people from their mortal coil long before their 60th birthday. In modern times we have the luxury of understanding what keeps us alive for longer. The aging process is no longer a mystery and with that has come the hope of being able to stave it off a bit longer.
Nobody is under the impression that aging can be beaten. Although there have been certain cult-like movements in history who have believed that the aging process was merely psychological, and could somehow be avoided. Of course, one doesn’t need modern science to understand that the aging process is as much a part of the human condition as birth, growth and maturity.
This doesn’t make it an easier process and it certainly doesn’t remove the stigma that comes with it. Many older people find themselves being patronised by younger folk. People tend to automatically think that they are slow and incapable of rational thought or complex decision making.
The reason for this is that there are a lot of older people who have fallen prey to illnesses such as altzheimers. Some simply start forgetting everyday things… There are many who believe that, apart from unavoidable illnesses, certain classic symptoms of the aging process can, at the very least, be put off.
Physical Aging:
The body is built to last for a certain period of time, but as with anything, the better you take care of it, the more you’ll get out of it. Imagine a car engine that has been lovingly maintained and serviced on a regular basis, all of its life. These are the types of cars we see at historical car fairs in mint condition with engines buzzing even better than their modern counterparts.
Regular exercise, a good balanced diet and proper intellectual stimulation from a young age will make a massive difference. In fact, the lifestyle is beneficial no matter when you decide to start.
Mental Aging:
For those who do not continue to learn new things or at the very least, read regularly will find that as with everything mentioned before, what you don’t use, you lose. Aging causes the body to deteriorate in parts that are not being used. If a person is not keeping regularly mentally active, there is a chance that the body will simply stop feeding those bits.
It is important to remember that although there are a lot of modern medicines that promise to fight the aging process, none of them will work as well as the right attitude. Continue to use new technology, read up on current events and stay fit. You cannot stop aging but you can certainly make sure that you enjoy the ride!
