A new textbook, titled Aging: How Science Works, offers a clear and comprehensive look at what we know about aging today.
The book, written by experts Professor Carsten Carlberg, Professor Stine Ulven, and Dr. Eunike Velleuer, dives into everything from the basic biology of aging to the effects of lifestyle and environment on how we age.
Aging is something that touches everyone’s life. It’s not a disease but a natural process that happens as our bodies go through changes over time.
Interestingly, the speed at which we age can be quite different for each person, largely influenced by how we live our lives and the environments we live in.
The mechanisms behind aging are found within our cells, and understanding them is key to grasping the whole picture.
The book explores how aging sets a limit on our maximum lifespan, which for humans is around 120 years.
Yet, only a few people ever reach this age. What makes their lives different from those who die younger?
Is it simply a matter of avoiding major diseases and leading a healthier lifestyle, or is there something in our genes that plays a role?
To answer these questions, the book looks at aging from various angles, including evolution, our genetic makeup, and how our tissues and cells function over time.
The authors explain how our bodies are organized and how the environments we live in interact with cellular processes like growth, differentiation, and cell death.
The textbook covers essential topics such as the human genome, the basics of gene regulation, and the science of epigenetics. It also dives into how nutrition and our immune system impact aging. Additionally, it examines common age-related diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. The authors also discuss healthy aging and explore ways to potentially slow down the aging process.
Professor Carlberg, who teaches at the University of Eastern Finland, has long been interested in the science of aging. This new textbook is based on his popular university lectures and is co-authored by experts from Norway and Germany.
Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge to help readers understand the fascinating journey of aging.
If you care about wellness, please read studies about how ultra-processed foods and red meat influence your longevity, and why seafood may boost healthy aging.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the power of pickle juice ,and time-restricted eating: a simple way to fight aging and cancer.
