Nutrition Matters in Aging- Healthy Eating and Active Living View PDF

^*Anya Shetty
Medicine, A J Institute Of Medical Science, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India
Chadalavada Satwika
Medicine, Malla Reddy Institute Of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Gokul Chand Ravela
Medicine, NRI Medical College, Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh, India

^*Corresponding Author:

Anya Shetty
Medicine, A J Institute Of Medical Science, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India

Published on: 2024-12-01

Abstract

Numerous studies indicate that diet influences life expectancy and the development of age-related diseases by regulating aging processes. An overview of recent pre-clinical and clinical findings was conducted to assess the role of nutritional factors in modulating fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms of aging as well as their role in preventing the onset of aging-related diseases. With aging, the physiological responses to stress from a broad range of functions change and adjust at a different pace, and restoring these functions in a normal healthy range becomes increasingly difficult. In spite of the fact that this natural decline cannot be prevented, there are opportunities to slow down and mitigate its effects on major physiological processes that tend to deteriorate as we age. Throughout this narrative review, we revisit current knowledge about the aging process and how it impacts key metabolic functions including immune, digestive, nervous, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular functions; and we revisit insights into biological targets that can be used as inspiration for effective strategies to promote healthy aging.

Keywords

Aging, Physiological changes, Metabolism, Nutrition, Lifestyle

Introduction

In the Western world, the aging population represents one of the greatest challenges to sustainable development. Europeans over 65 make up approximately 9% of the population. According to projections, this will increase to 25% by 2050. As we age, morbidity and mortality increase. In older adults, sensory decline (decreased or lost hearing, poor eyesight), cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, depression, dementia, sarcopenia, gait and balance abnormalities and falls, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can all negatively affect their lives [1, 2]. There are several risk factors associated with these diseases. Up to 75% of people over the age of 60 may suffer from overweight, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, diseases associated with an unhealthy diet [3]. There is ample evidence from preclinical studies that a variety of dietary components, including protein, carbohydrate, fat, and calorie intake, regulate aging processes and longevity as well as the development of age-associated diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, cognitive impairment, and dementia [4-7]. Reduced calorie diets have been shown to delay aging and the onset of age-related diseases. As the proportion of elderly is on the rise, which is associated with an increase in disease burden and expenditure, evidence-based prevention policies and health promotion programs to promote healthy aging are necessary to ensure the future functioning of social health care and pension systems [8]. The prevention and promotion of chronic diseases can be promoted with the help of healthy diets that have anti-aging potential [2, 9, 10].

Over the last 30 years, health economic studies have shown that despite increasing longevity, the number of years lived with poor health has increased [11]. There is a prevalence estimate of 70–90% of multimorbidity in individuals over the age of 60, which is the largest cause of disability adjusted life years in the population over 40 years of age. The quality of life and social functioning of older adults are also closely related to chronic diseases [12-16]. In aging societies, health and wellness are often compromised; poor nutrition, low physical activity, and poor sleep quality exacerbate the problem. Therefore, nutrition and lifestyle solutions that promote quality of life and health span in aging populations are warranted [17]. Understanding the aging process and its impact on various aspects of health is the first step towards developing such solutions. The multisystem nature of aging is presented in this comprehensive review. Furthermore, we identify physiological changes in the aging body that can be targeted for dietary and lifestyle solutions for maintaining good health in older people. Here we present a selection of nutritional and lifestyle solutions associated with maintaining good health as we age [18-21].