Anti-aging

What is Anti-Aging

Anti-Aging is a field of study which focuses on how to prevent, slow down or reverse the effects of age and to help people live longer, healthier lives.

Thus, the study of anti-aging concepts includes the study of various branches of genetic engineering, tissue engineering, and psychology which essentially form a part of life extension therapies.

The various therapies available in the market today include therapies for skin care, physical fitness, diets, hormone replacements, vitamins, supplements, herbs and also include various alternative medicine therapies and holistic approaches towards anti-aging.

Anti-Aging: Through History

Anti-aging has had a long standing history during the evolution of mankind. Many civilizations have focused on the concept of anti-aging and have come forth with different ideas and concepts which include philosophical, alternative, and medicinal aspects of anti-aging.

Anti-aging can be traced as far back as the Egyptian civilization where olive leaves were promoted as an anti-aging remedy. The ancient Vedic culture also had different types of diet and meditation exercises coupled with physical exercises which were said to promote anti-aging.

There are also several stories and legends which focus on civilizations which had found a cure for aging. These legends include Atlantis and Shangri-La. And let us not forget the search of the Alchemists for the ‘Elixir of Life’ or the ‘Fountain of Youth’.

Historically it has been seen that man has tried very hard to look for different means and methods to increase his life span while looking and feeling young and remaining fit.

Studies have centered on people who have lived long lives – that is people who are older than 100 years or more. These studies have found very little in common amongst these people in physical terms. However, the common traits have been that these people have led physically active lives, most of them don’t smoke and that they maintained the same body weight throughout their lives. Genetic research has also shown that in some cases, longevity is even hereditary. However, there is no conclusive proof.

Anti-aging Therapies

There are several anti-aging therapies available in the market. Most of these focus on different techniques of physical fitness, nutrition and diet and psychological approaches towards happiness. Most of the therapies available today are usually a combination of these.

Other research, however, continues to look for causes and cures of aging. One such research is ‘Tissue Engineering’. This focuses on developing for ways to grow new tissue where the old tissue has been damaged. This also includes research using stem cells, organ transplants, and artificial tissue organs. Different branches of Nanotechnology, Genetic engineering, and even Pharmaceutical research are contributing to this research.

Today, the market is flooded with anti-aging skins, creams and lotions which claim to make the skin look and feel younger. No doubt, this is targeted towards the vanity of women. However, there is a certain amount of scientific research which is backing these claims by these cosmetic companies. It pays to research their scientific claims for accuracy and authenticity before buying such products. More often than not, these have delivered good results as well.

Of course, while all these theories abound, the market is also being flooded with a variety of pills and tablets claiming to be anti-aging supplements.

Another approach towards anti-aging is a combination of eastern medicine and mysticism. Techniques in this therapy include a combination of Ayurvedic medicine (ancient Vedic natural medicines), Yoga, and different philosophical methods for peace and personal empowerment.

Another approach towards anti-aging includes a combination of physical fitness and diets which claim to increase longevity.

There is also an approach in anti-aging which focuses on the psychological aspects of aging which places an emphasis on developing a positive attitude, forming a strong belief system and empowering oneself with coping skills which help one age gracefully while remaining youthful