Active Aging

Our body undergoes a natural biological aging process from birth to old age.

This process is inherent to the evolution of life and is divided into four phases: childhood (from birth to 11 years old), adolescence (12 to 20 years old), adult age (21 to 65 years old), and old age (65 years old and beyond). Constant changes are always happening, especially between the first two phases.

Importantly, changes can vary from individual to individual due to issues related to genetic makeup and personal characteristics. We will not consider gender-related changes here, focusing on the broader picture of the human being and the aging process.

Estimates indicate that between the ages of 30 and 40, the annual loss of musculoskeletal mass is about 1%, which results in a reduction in muscle strength that can negatively impact functionality and quality of life. The aging process, or senescence, is also typically marked by the presence of gray hair, wrinkles, and some degree of sensory decline involving sight, hearing, taste, and smell, as well as a decrease in the body’s overall functional reserve.

Cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases are also associated with the aging process. Naturally, we associate such changes as stemming from deteriorating brain functionality. However, some scholars claim that aging does not necessarily imply the loss of brain functions but rather a reduction in the speed of information transmission between areas of the nervous system. Strategies developed throughout life can compensate for this decline, highlighting the importance of continuous learning.

Read the full article: Kaiut Yoga – February 2024 – Active Aging