[Senior Trend] Comprehensive Habits Determine Physical Age

Aging (老化, aging) is the phenomenon in which the biological functions of an organism deteriorate over time. It can manifest not only physically but also mentally and socially, and the speed and manner of aging can vary depending on the organism or individual. I also thought aging progressed gradually with the passing years. However, that might not always be the case. Recently, I came across a video titled “The Challenge of a 92-Year-Old Grandfather.” He started learning short-distance running at 89 and set a new record of 20 seconds in his 90s. The subtitle “Age is not a signal to stop” shocked me. Since the concept of “anti-aging,” which enables healthy longevity over many years, emerged, various countermeasures have been developed. This perspective views aging as a disease that can be treated. Recently, methods of reverse-aging, which aim to restore youth beyond anti-aging, have also appeared.

The paradigm shift that “aging can be completely different depending on how it is managed” is supported by academic research from Stanford University in the United States in 2019. According to the “Aging Acceleration Theory” published in Nature Medicine, humans experience three periods of rapid aging throughout their lives. This study predicted age based on the levels of proteins circulating in the blood, identifying the ages 34, 60, and 78 as these critical periods. Aging does not progress steadily but can pause and resume irregularly. Therefore, how one spends these three important periods can reveal the possibility of slowing aging. One can age faster due to bad habits or age more slowly with good habits.

For this reason, although frailty with time exists, a movement to age slowly has emerged. It began actively in the anti-aging field, which fights against or tries to stop aging. The global anti-aging treatment and service market is rapidly growing, led by the U.S. and European markets. Japan, Korea, and China are following due to population aging. The market is broad and diverse, including anti-aging injections, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, health functional foods, and medical devices. Representative products like Botox and fillers have become not only more affordable but also widespread among senior men. Even expensive procedures like lifting, as well as red ginseng juice and vitamin injections, are popular.

“Slow aging” goes even further. It does not perceive aging negatively but accepts it naturally. It is a movement to delay aging by finding and caring for a healthy lifestyle that suits oneself. There have been reports that trying to stop aging causes greater stress and side effects. The beauty industry took the lead first. Slow aging emphasizes nurturing the skin from within, not just popular expensive procedures like lifting. To do so, balanced and nutritious meals, proper exercise, and rest are fundamental.

Managing stress and maintaining mental calmness are also important. Various meditation methods, half-body baths, and exercise routines have emerged. Drinking special water is also included. Because slower time flow is better when it is faster, not only seniors but also young people have joined this trend in large numbers. It includes the concept that comprehensive management and effort are necessary. For example, maintaining a positive mindset and aiming to improve quality of life. It is truly like a lifelong project tailored to oneself every day. The important thing here is the self. One must know who they are to create a good project accordingly. For some, hiking is useful; for others, running is better. Swimming might be suitable. While there is no disagreement on the need for exercise in general, personalization is important in detail.

Along with this, I want to introduce something else: geriatric medicine. Just as there is pediatrics for children, there is geriatrics for seniors. Recently, the educational broadcaster EBS aired a program titled “There Is a Country for the Elderly, Geriatrics.” A retired teacher in his 70s appeared, worried because his parents had dementia and he was increasingly forgetful. His lifestyle was surprisingly healthy: morning national exercises, a vegetable-based diet, English study for brain health, and a harmonious family. Yet, he had diabetes and osteoporosis. The geriatric diagnosis showed his physical age was 10 years younger than average, so there was no problem, and some symptoms were natural signs of frailty, which reassured him. However, he was prescribed to replace some exercises with strength training and to consume milk and anchovies. Another man in his 50s who had lost his spouse was measured to have a physical age of 70. He was taking more than 10 medications for depression and various diseases. The geriatric department adjusted conflicting medications and prescribed exercise methods and lifestyle changes. Instead of exercising alone at home, he was advised to go to parks and take brisk walks rather than running, and to invite family over to eat together rather than eating alone. After two weeks, all his indicators greatly improved.

Physical conditions that are not like before and aging are not inevitable. Of course, as one ages, there are more aches and medications than when young, so comprehensive diagnosis and management seem important. Like looking at the forest rather than individual trees, as we age, it is necessary to approach our body and mind by considering the overall life cycle and lifestyle patterns rather than judging individually. There are many things we must prepare for in the face of aging, but I believe the concept of slow aging and geriatric medicine are essential knowledge.

Lee Boram, CEO of Third Age