As demonstrated by 90-year-old marathoner Yul Kwan and 102-year-old swimmer Betty Brussel, maintaining an active lifestyle is a significant factor in positively influencing the aging process. Kwan, who began his training for races at 60, has a vision of running a marathon by the time he turns 100, stating, “I don’t really feel like I’m ninety years old, honestly. And I like to behave younger than 90.” On the other hand, Brussel broke three world records in swimming in 2024 and enjoys dancing and walking, emphasizing the importance of staying active.
Kwan believes that happiness is the ultimate purpose of human life and asserts that good health is essential to achieving that happiness. This sentiment echoes the work being done at the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging at the University of British Columbia, where scientists are exploring the biological drivers of aging. Dr. Michael Kobor explains that the center aims to better understand aging and propose preventative measures that can slow biological aging processes.
Canada is currently recognized as a "super-aged" nation, with over 20 percent of its population being over the age of 65. This demographic shift brings challenges, including a rise in age-related illnesses, which affect individuals, families, and the healthcare system. Kobor points out that the last years of life tend to be the most financially burdensome from a medical standpoint, necessitating efforts to prolong health spans to align more closely with life spans.
Dr. Kobor emphasizes the common associations between aging and increased risks of diseases such as cancer, dementia, and heart disease, all of which highlight aging as a primary factor in health deterioration. Researchers at the B.C. research firm are investigating the possibility of modifying the aging process to achieve healthier outcomes. Central to their research is the field of epigenetics, which studies how genes can be influenced by lifestyle and environmental changes. These findings suggest that biological age can differ significantly from chronological age based on one’s lifestyle choices.
Dr. Kobor elaborates that individuals can calculate their epigenetic age through DNA analysis, demonstrating that health varies significantly among people of the same chronological age. For example, a physically fit 90-year-old who leads a healthy lifestyle may have an epigenetic age closer to 75, whereas an unhealthy individual of the same age could have an epigenetic age of 98. This discovery opens up avenues for individuals to take charge of their aging process.
Dr. James McKendry, an Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Healthy Aging at UBC, supports the idea that people can impact their biological switches through practical lifestyle changes. His research focuses on muscle response to protein intake across various age groups. Findings indicate that older individuals require a higher protein intake, approximately 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight, to maintain muscle mass, which is critical for healthy aging.
Additionally, maintaining social connections is vital for emotional and physical health as people age. Research indicates that loneliness can significantly increase the risk of premature death and the development of dementia, cardiovascular diseases, and other illnesses. Dr. Grace Park, a family physician, explains that many seniors live in isolation, which often goes unnoticed and leads to increased reliance on healthcare resources.
To combat isolation, social prescribing initiatives have been implemented in regions such as Surrey, B.C. Programs focus on connecting isolated seniors with community resources to improve their well-being. Leila Reshid, a program coordinator, plays a vital role in connecting seniors to necessary support, helping individuals like Maria McNeice regain a sense of community and purpose after facing numerous challenges in her life.
Reshid’s work has demonstrated that structured community support can profoundly impact the lives of seniors, making a genuine difference in their mental and physical health. This approach highlights the importance of social interaction and engagement for older adults, affirming that creative and social activities can significantly enhance the quality of life as individuals age.
Dr. Park aims to incorporate social health assessments into standard healthcare practices to better address the needs of aging populations, emphasizing that each individual should be acknowledged and valued in their healthcare journey. Overall, fostering connections and encouraging active living play crucial roles in promoting healthy aging, ultimately leading to longer and happier lives.
