The search for the true signs of aging

There was a time the hype was all about looking young forever. This is the reason cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, both minimally invasive and surgical, have posted significant industry growth through the years.

Image Source: nydailynews.com

But these days, instead of seeking new anti-aging methods, scientists are seeking meaningful markers of aging. The quest centers on true biological markers that could reveal more about current and future health, instead of the usual suspects such a wrinkles and age-related illnesses, which are no longer deemed accurate indicators of how fast aging is occurring as a process. Experts note that acceptable biomarkers should predict the remaining lifespan of a middle-aged person more accurately than chronological age does. Moreover, scientists agree that indicators should paint a consistent picture of biological age.

Image Source: webmd.com

Though it may still take years before health experts settle on widely accepted indicators of aging, a couple of researches are showing promise. These include a study that identified visual contrast sensitivity or the eye’s ability to pick out very lightly shaded images on white backgrounds as one of the top indicators of healthy aging in older women. Another study also unveiled a DNA biomarker that offers a new way of gauging age.  

Image Source: oxfordjournals.org

Age management and regenerative medicine specialist Dr. Rachna Mehra believes that healthy aging is possible through proper nutrition and an active lifestyle. Get more tips on how to age gracefully from this Facebook page.