The Art of Aging - Healthy & Gracefully

Aging 

Aging is a multifaceted, natural, phenomenon with biological changes occurring in cells, tissue and organs gradually leading to their damage, slowing of metabolism and alterations in the ability to absorb and metabolize certain foods and nutrients etc. These changes are neither linear nor consistent and are only loosely associated with age in years as they are strongly influenced by the environment and behaviour of the individual in young and middle years. 

Scientific changes associated with healthy aging - Aging is associated with changes in dynamic biological, physiological, environmental, and psychological processes.

Metabolism

Our metabolism changes as we age. The complex metabolic processes by which our body uses food, water and nutrients slows down. So, our body is not able to absorb and utilize these resources as efficiently as it once did. The greatest change in gastrointestinal physiology with advancing  age is atrophic gastritis, a condition in which chronic inflammation damages the cells that produce stomach acid. This results in reduced absorption of folic acid, vitamin B-12, calcium, magnesium and iron. In contrast to the increased requirement for many nutrients, some nutrients may accumulate in the body and contribute to chronic disease through excess. 

Body Composition and Fat distribution

As we age our body composition changes—fat mass increases and muscle mass decreases, leading to a slower metabolism thus reducing the energy requirement. If the calories are not restricted it may result in unwanted weight gain increasing the risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnoea and arthritis. With age, the pattern for body fat accumulation shifts from peripheral areas to the abdominal area of the body increasing the waist size.  Carrying excess weight, around the waist, increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Bone strength

Calcium and vitamin D are two of the most important nutrients for bone health. Elderly persons tend to absorb less calcium from the diet. This weakens the bones and increases the risk for fractures. The reduction in calcium absorption is likely caused by a vitamin D deficiency. With aging, the skin is not able to synthesise Vit D, its absorption also reduces, and it is not converted to its active form for optimal functioning. 

Skin 

With advancing age, it’s natural to experience thinner, drier skin, increase in wrinkles, loss of elasticity, laxity, and rough-textured appearance. Environment and lifestyle choices can even cause the skin to age prematurely.

Hydration

In elderly, the stimulus to thirst is impaired, as is the ability to conserve sodium and concentrate the urine. This makes them more susceptible to dehydration. Long-term dehydration can reduce the fluid in the cells, reducing the ability to absorb medicine, worsening medical conditions, and increasing fatigue.

Memory and Thinking

There are also certain psychological changes associated with aging.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. It is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out activities of daily living. Elder cognitively normal adults, with maternal family history, APOE 4 gene and insulin resistance are prone to Alzheimer’s.

Medications 

Medications and antibiotics given for treatment of diseases have numerous side effects and even lower immunity thus initiating a vicious cycle. Certain medications also affect the way our body absorbs or metabolizes minerals. Metformin, a common medicine for diabetes and heartburn medicines including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce the levels of Vitamin B-12 which is essential for making red blood cells and maintaining healthy brain function. In elderly the absorption of Vitamin B-12 is already reduced. This double fold impact of vitamin B-12 deficiency in elderly can result in tiredness, muscle weakness, nerve problems, depression, memory loss etc.

Increase health span along with the prolonged lifespan.

While aging is not preventable, there are interventions that can slow it. The goal of healthy aging is not only to increase years of life but also, and importantly, to extend healthy active years. Healthy ageing involves maintaining physical and mental health, avoiding diseases, and remaining active and independent. Knowing the basic biology of underlying changes that accompany aging is the first step toward protecting health.

How VLCC Luxe can help ?

VLCC Luxe’s Wellness programme imparts knowledge, suggests proactive preventive actions and timely intervention through diet and lifestyle modification, correct and appropriate usage of supplements can optimise health, delay and reduce the risk of developing diseases, help you stay active, and maintain functional independence.

An intensive scientific based program is formulated including detailed medical history, lifestyle, past medical & family history is taken, and a detailed medical examination is then performed. Following this a Body Composition Analysis (BCA) is conducted using the latest technology. Detailed analysis of the body composition assists in customizing the Wellness programme as per individualized requirements.

Medical counselling and aligned line of treatment is implemented and closely supervised by the Medical Doctor.

An individually tailored dietary prescription based upon metabolic, nutritional & lifestyle requirement is made by our expert Dieticians which provides additional nutrients within restricted calories. Balanced diet with antioxidant rich foods help to maintain healthy skin & hair and delay skin aging. If the daily needs of a particular nutrient cannot be met through diet, then supplements may be advised. Supplements are also suggested to improve cognitive health and slow down the effects of dementia.

An exercise programme as per your lifestyle would be charted out by our specialized physiotherapists. Regular exercise including strength training can partially overcome or significantly delay reduction in muscle mass and strength as we age. Regular physical activity can also reduce the risk of developing some diseases & disabilities that often occur with aging. Balance exercises help prevent falls, strengthening exercises build muscles and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and stretching exercises increase the range of motion of joints giving you the freedom of movement you need to do everyday activities.

You may have fat deposition around the abdomen as you age, which again is a predisposing factor for other medical conditions. Waist circumference, Visceral fat and Waist–Height ratio are important indices to measure the same. VLCC Luxe’s localized fat reduction, pain relief  and anti ageing programme, executed by trained physiotherapists, professional aesthetic , cosmetologist and dermatologist, focused on plummeting that disproportionate band of excess fat, not only on your waist, besides improving skin laxity, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and toning the muscles for whole body and face.

So don’t hesitate, take a step forward, discuss your issues with our Counselor and Medical Doctor, join the “Wellness Programme” curated just for you and see a positive transformation in your life.