[One Thousand Characters a Day] Happy Elderly People Do Not Grow Old＜1＞

Editor's NoteWe have entered an era where life expectancy surpasses 100 years and now looks toward 150 years. Aging happily has become more important than merely living long. Maintaining youthfulness along with health is a hot topic for this reason. ＜Happy Seniors Do Not Age＞ is a guidebook to liberation from aging that explains how to manage human nerve cells. The author, a world-renowned anti-aging expert and president of the largest European anti-aging association, the German Society for Anti-Aging Medicine, explains that "aging is a process that can be designed." Aging depends on the mind and mental activity. By examining hormones, stress, resilience, brain food, epigenetics, longevity village lifestyles, neuroplasticity, and more, the book medically proves that the speed of aging and happiness in old age can vary depending on how one thinks and what kind of stimulation the brain receives. The contents of this book will be introduced to Asia Economy's 'One Day Ten Thousand Steps, One Day One Thousand Characters' readers in five installments. Word count: 713.

Among the hormones that positively affect our health is oxytocin, known as the 'love hormone.' Oxytocin has long been known but was primarily used by obstetricians for many years. The Greek word oxytocin literally means 'quick birth,' and for decades, oxytocin was used only in this context. When labor did not progress smoothly in delivery rooms, concentrated oxytocin was administered to advance the situation.

In the 1990s, the 'social aspect' of oxytocin was discovered. It was found that when a mother breastfeeds, she does not only supply milk to the baby. Through breastfeeding, what psychology calls 'bonding'?an emotionally strong attachment between mother and baby?is formed. The hormone secreted at this time is oxytocin.

Oxytocin also plays an important role in the attachment between spouses. The same hormone is secreted during intense physical contact and body closeness, just like during breastfeeding. Bonding is created through sexual satisfaction.

After this discovery, people worldwide began to take an interest in oxytocin and started research. As a result, many positive aspects were found. Oxytocin not only strengthens bonds through intense physical contact but also reinforces cohesion within a group. It is also beneficial for health. It suppresses the secretion of cortisol, a stress hormone, lowers blood pressure, and helps with anxiety disorders. If a Nobel Prize were awarded for hormones, oxytocin would be the most likely candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize.

- Bernd Kleine-Gunk, ＜Happy Seniors Do Not Age＞, translated by Kang Young-ok, Gimmyoung Publishing, 17,800 KRW