Science against ageing
Currently the secret to staying young is within our genes. But there is still a limit to gene modification to increase life. Scientists have discovered genes that regulate apoptosis (cellular “suicide”) and have been able to extend the life of mice by about 30%. We hope that DNA research will yield meaningful results in the future.
Studies on cancer cells have shown that probably due to the telomerase enzyme, these cells themselves become “immortal”, no longer subject to the aging process. This enzyme prevents the progressive reduction of the telomere (the end-part of the chromosomes), which leads to the shortening of the chromosome.
Scientists at the University of Texas, led by J. W. Shay, acted on the telomerase enzyme, managing to reduce the progression of aging. But there is still much to wait for genetics.
“Man is programmed to live 180 years, if he does not reach this age the causes are to be found in improper diet, inadequate lifestyles and in the environments that accelerate aging” Robert Gallo (American scientist, co-discoverer of the HIV Virus).
Slowing down the hands of the biological clock has always been man’s dream: to be an adult and feel full of energy, with a deep and restorative sleep like that of a child, a luminous and toned skin, an excellent muscle tone and mood, healthy sexual function, and generally good health.
Premature aging is caused only for one third by genetic factors and for two thirds by external factors: therefore each of us is the cause for 70% of our own aging! And the most detrimental effects that poor habits take is perceived on the sexual function.
Sex is one of the most important pleasures of life and the desire of many to maintain sexual function even in old age is therefore more than understandable. Maintaining a healthy sexual function until advanced age largely depends on the lifestyle to a large extent. It is a good idea, therefore, to start thinking about it already at a younger age – but it is never too late to start making measurable improvements in your lifestyle. That’s how.
Busting myths: old age is not “asexual”
Unlike the common perception of an “asexual” old age, many older people enjoy an active sex life. However, in both men and women, normal aging brings about changes that sometimes affect the ability to have sex and enjoy it.
In the elderly, with advancing age, a progressive decline of libido and the frequency of sexual activity are observed. The causes of this change are manifold and include general physical health, psychological causes, sexual dysfunction that can be managed with a range of modern medications available at family pharmacy, and practical problems.
The decrease in the importance attributed to sex is not determined by age but rather by the health problems that afflict the elderly: poor health is associated with a reduced interest in sex and sexual functioning is an indicator of general health.
75% of ambulatory older men are still sexually active, while only one sixth of those with mobility problems are. Numerous studies have shown, in both men and women, the existence of an association between the presence of cardiovascular risk factors and sexual dysfunction.
Problems men face at an older age
In males, erectile dysfunction (the inability to obtain or maintain a satisfactory erection for the duration of sexual intercourse) mainly affects men over 40 years of age and becomes increasingly common with aging. The possible causes of erectile dysfunction are numerous, among these the most common are:
- Vascular,
- Neurological,
- Psychogenic,
- Hormonal,
- Diabetes,
- Surgery for prostate cancer,
- Use of medications
- Substance abuse
Tips for fighting the signs of aging
The best way to preserve one’s sexual function (and one’s health) is to lead a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, adequate exercise and smoking cessation. In the elderly, the search for a treatment for sexual dysfunction is often inhibited by an unjustified embarrassment which is one of the greatest obstacles to the solution and cure of the disorder. The elderly, and all those who suffer from sexual dysfunction, must trust their doctor who will very often be able to help them solve their problem. Sexual dysfunction in the elderly is frequently caused by conditions and diseases that can be effectively treated. Lifestyle modifications can improve erectile function.
If you are taking medicines, in the presence of sexual dysfunction it is advisable to check, by reading the package leaflet, whether this dysfunction can be caused by the drugs you are taking and, if this possibility exists, contact your doctor who, if necessary, you will usually be able to replace the offending drug with one that has no effect on sexual function.
Everyone should avoid excessive alcohol consumption because, in addition to the harmful effects on health, it can cause erection problems in men. Unstable subjects with high cardiovascular risk or severe uncontrolled hypertension should refrain from sexual activity until their condition has stabilized and treatment for erectile dysfunction has been started.
Note: The information given in this text does not in any way replace the doctor’s advice, opinion, visit, prescription.
