Theories about aging ….

Is science stranger than fiction ...?

I write these musings and rambles to entertain and hopefully, promote discussions and comments on growing older. If you haven't already please do subscribe and/or share with others.

There are thousands of theories about ageing delving into many different aspects - slowing the process or even reversing ageing, improving physical health, looking younger, improving our little grey cells, and even what clothes make us look more youthful or age us. No, I never was a boob tube and hot pants person, platforms yes. I admit I haven't counted all the theories. It would be a bit like counting sheep 🐏, now there's a thought when I wake up at night. Bottom line, I have no idea of the exact number. 

Some theories are based on research, science and credible evidence. Others are based on one person's experiences, views and thoughts, some a few people discussing a point in the pub, a finger in the wind or just plucked out of thin air. Others are based on money, marketing and how to get us to part with our hard-earned pennies. I think it is too late for me, I am lost a cause, I will spend my pennies on things other than anti ageing creams. 

If I were to write this article in ten years, it would likely be very different. There are countless ongoing scientific studies and discoveries in the field of ageing. Although, it is essential to be wary of unproven theories, particularly when following specific regimes that may affect our health, like diets, supplements and exercise. The point of this week's post is not to give advice or pass judgement. It is my slow ambling ramble through some of the theories to see which rabbit warren it takes me to, but no fox dens this week. I suppose saying I won't pass judgement is a bit of a Johnson. The whole article is my ramblings. Nonetheless, if anything grabs you, it is down to you to follow the rabbit down the hole and investigate further.

In reality, we start ageing from day one, placing me a long way down the road. Many theories are more topics like sleep, diets, and wellness. Some I have already touched on, whilst others I have put away in my little grey cells for future use, ok more accurately filed away on Substack. Hands up, this is not a rigorous peer review of theories, so not much referencing. It is the worldview, according to Linney, ok, more like a little 'villageview'. 

Where to start? I'll dive straight in with scientifically led theories that are unlikely to change my ageing processes but may change how people age in future generations. The BBC Click programme, Forever Young, is why I started pondering this subject. When I started watching, I thought it was about bizarre, weird or ridiculous theories, but it wasn't. Lara Lewington travelled to California to investigate new research/theories into the ageing process. These are backed by millions of dollars and incredible expertise and technology.

The programme includes an interview with Bryan Johnson, a tech entrepreneur who now spends an incredible amount of time monitoring his body and adjusting his lifestyle accordingly. I got the impression Johnson bases his findings on scientific evidence, sound research & methodologies. Hopefully, his findings will lead to better health outcomes for many in the future, including less intrusive ways of monitoring. I cannot imagine spending my whole life regulated by machines, but then again. He is a multi-millionaire at 46 years old who has the time and resources, so maybe sour grapes on my part. The programme is worth a watch.

Time dilation is a very complex concept. A few posts ago, I delved into our perception of time as we grow older. I definitely went down rabbit warrens, badger sets, and fox dens and nearly drowned in an otter's holt. Therefore, I will be brief. Time dilation is a physical concept rather than time perception, which relates to psychology. Wikipedia provides an explanation that is not too mind-blowing, and this YouTube considers time dilation and its impact on ageing.

Time dilation may sound slightly H.G.Wells, but it has sound concepts behind the ongoing research, although the majority is far wider than ageing. The impact on astronauts of time dilation has spawned several studies and articles, including Would you really age more slowly on a spaceship at close to light speed? in Technology Review. Space travel is a bit above and beyond to avoid ageing for most of us except maybe Richard Branson and Elon Musk. 

Quantum theories and ageing sound far-fetched, but there are links to quantum mechanics, which consider the quantum processes in our bodies and how we age. There are many quantum concepts if that's the right word, to explore, including quantum coherence, quantum entanglement, and their potential influence on our biological systems, including ageing. You can read more in the article A quantum theory of disease, including cancer and aging written by Jerry I. Jacobson of the Institute of Theoretical Physics and Advanced Studies for Biophysical Research, Jupiter, Florida. I just about got through the first sentence. 

The Fountain of Youth has captured the human imagination for centuries. A mythical concept that suggests a magical source or substance that grants eternal youth, but there is no scientific evidence to support its existence. Sort of, linked into this are the studies of parabiosis, Wikipedia provides the most simple definition:

Parabiosis is a laboratory technique used in physiological research, derived from the Greek word meaning "living beside." The technique involves the surgical joining of two living organisms in such a way that they develop a single, shared physiological system. Through this unique approach, researchers can study the exchange of blood, hormones, and other substances between the two organisms, allowing for the examination of a wide range of physiological phenomena and interactions. Parabiosis has been employed in various fields of study, including stem cell research, endocrinology, aging research, and immunology.

The OpenMed article The Fountain of Youth discusses the theory: A Tale of Parabiosis, Stem Cells, and Rejuvenation includes a historical perspective and reviews relevant papers, including studies of surgically attaching a young mouse to an old mouse to rejuvenate the older one. The authors concluded:

This is a tale of a long search by human beings of the 'fountain of youth'. Parabiosis has suggested over a long period of time that factors from young blood may help diseased or aged tissues to regenerate. … … ….Some hints are coming out from animal studies, but the link to humans is still to be found.

Who knows where parabiosis will be in 200 years? What would have been the response to heart transplants in 1823? It all seems very far-fetched, but…

I will now move to slightly more tangible theories. According to a Guardian article, good news napping is good for you. Short daytime naps may keep brain healthy as it ages, study says. Does this mean I now have to choose between naps and brain power or naps and a good night's sleep? In my post on sleeping, I discovered that the advice for good sleep is to avoid napping in the late afternoon or evening. There lies my conundrum. I don't fancy napping in the mornings 🤔 to nap or not to nap. Wired has a good article The Science That Could Help You Live to 100, with some interesting points, but a lot is common sense.

There are then slightly more obscure marketing-led theories, such as Face Yoga. Loved by Gwyneth Paltrow and others who claim that performing specific facial exercises can reduce wrinkles, tone facial muscles, and slow down the ageing process and have nothing to do with the money needed to avoid stress, multitasking and having to work, bring up families without chefs, nannies etc., me cynical never. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims, and the effectiveness of face yoga remains questionable. The article   Face Yoga 101: All Your Face Yoga Questions, Answered by Byrdie, outlines the lack of impacts in more detail. I just like the idea of saying I can do yoga. It definitely would make me feel younger being able to say I participated. Why do I need to mention the word face? My body is not built for yoga, my short stumpy/fat legs can not do lotus position, and now the old bones' joints are far too stiff. That's my excuse, and I am sticking to it.

My ambling ramble is a very cursory look at theories relating to ageing. I just wanted to start some discussions and thoughts. Science will never stand still, and that includes how we age and the longevity of our lives. That does make me think about how precious the world we live in is and how we should value it. The generations that follow ours may have to spend much longer here. 

What have I learnt? I have only just scratched or, more realisticly, tickled the surface. I should not dismiss anything. Even Face Yoga has a place for me. I have only just scratched or, more realistically, tickled the surface. 

Do you have any theories on ageing that have grabbed your attention?n

Last week's podcast.

I realise it was a self-indulgent piece. I will not apologise for posting the podcast and transcript. Given the opening of the Covid Inquiry and the publication of the Partygate Report, I felt it was the right time. 

I hope I didn't upset anyone over my post. That was not my intention. If I did, I really, really apologise. Everyone around me offered and gave me great support, but it wasn't easy to ask for help or tell people how I felt then. Rather than being strong, I am often just plain stubborn.

I do not want my Substack to be all about hardships, but I hope these harder-to-read posts help people realise they are not alone.

If you have enjoyed this ambling ramble and haven't already please do subscribe. It is free, no pledges are necessary!

If you know anyone growing older, who may enjoy the Linney villageview, please do share my SubStack with them. It helps me increase my numbers and the more the merrier.