How We Age

The Four Key Mechanisms of Aging

It's a fact of life. Aging begins long before we can see or feel any changes – at the cellular level. Is cellular aging inevitable? Well, we can't stop time, but emerging research reveals we may be able to influence these biological aging processes in positive ways. This has to do with how efficiently cells repair and replicate themselves, which affects your health, well-being and the aging process in various ways.

Our bodies face these four key mechanisms of cellular aging:

1. DNA Damage
   Every day, every cell in your body is bombarded by up to a million DNA-damaging assaults. These assaults can damage the cell’s genetic database, creating a “typo” that may compromise cell function and longevity.
2. Genetic Regulators
   Genetic regulators contribute to age-related cellular deterioration by controlling the dynamic balance between damage and repair, including whether a cell will live or not.
3. Declining Cellular Energy Production
   Mitochondria in our cells create energy we can’t live without. As mitochondrial efficiency decreases, cell function declines.
4. Accumulation of AGE Proteins
   Excess accumulation of Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGE) can cause cellular damage that can compromise cell integrity and longevity.