The 21st century has dramatically transformed our standards of living. We now enjoy a level of comfort unimaginable just a century ago, leading to a rapid shift in our lifestyle within a remarkably short period in human history. Advances in science have granted us access to food, comfort, and longer lifespans. However, this transition has come at a significant cost to the quality of our health.

Our circadian rhythm, or biological clock, has been disrupted by excessive exposure to artificial light and digital screens. Additionally, while our food has become more appealing and flavorful, it is often genetically engineered and processed.

A sedentary lifestyle combined with salt, sugar, and poor dietary habits is the perfect recipe for disaster.

We face a peculiar paradox today. Life expectancy has increased significantly over the past century, with many people living into their 80s and 90s. However, alongside this, fertility rates have been declining. The paradox of aging is evident: we are aging faster than in previous centuries. This accelerated aging is observable in phenomena such as early menarche (the onset of menstruation in girls), early menopause in women, premature greying of hair, and skin changes in people as young as their 20s and 30s. Internal aging is reflected in the rising incidence of lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiac ailments among younger individuals. Spinal disc degeneration and osteoporosis are occurring much earlier than expected, leading to brittle bones that cause significant suffering, particularly in the elderly, by impairing mobility and causing severe pain.

We live in the era of ‘THE AGING PARADAOX’, wherein we are aging quickly, but living longer. Not a very happy situation to be in. It means that as time progresses the earth will have humans who are older and unhealthier, and not enough younger people to care!

The World Health Organization (WHO) was established on April 7, 1948, a date now observed annually as World Health Day, to promote awareness of healthy living and to achieve the goal of "Health for All." The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the reality that we live in a world without borders. While "Health for All" is a global movement, it is the responsibility of each individual to take care of their own health.

A stitch in time saves nine

 is a proverb we all learned in childhood, and it is relevant in every aspect of life. This series of awareness articles will each address a specific condition where timely action could prevent future problems.

Let’s address the aging paradox before it’s too late. Remember, it’s never too late to start a healthy habit.

Age Reversal Tenets: By sincerely following lifestyle modifications, we can achieve healthy living, happiness, and a slowing of both internal and external physical aging.

• Mindful eating: Essentially it is developing awareness of our eating habits, the food content, our thoughts about food, and more importantly our feeling towards the food. Feeling involves our response to internal and external stimuli of food.

1. Eat on time. Discipline ensures a bodily rhythm. Don’t skip a meal.
2. Enjoy your food, appreciate its appearance, flavor, and taste, and feel them as you eat.
3. Eat slowly and chew the food, properly. We hardly chew food today on the pretext of no time, and it becomes a habit.
4. Watch what you are eating, ultimately, it’s your body. That’s where you live.
5. Reduce refined Sugars, salts, and processed foods. Avoid fast food culture as much as possible.
6. Respect our biological clock - Circadian rhythm. Our metabolism mirrors our circadian rhythm. Early Dinner (by 7 pm) is ideal for healthy living.
7. Don’t overeat! Always give free space in the stomach.

• Sleep: Deep sleep is essential for repairing and rejuvenating both the mind and body. The time-honored practice of going to bed early and rising early is still the best advice. Lack of good sleep accelerates aging, while deep sleep allows the body to focus on internal repairs.
• Physical activity: Movement is life. A sedentary lifestyle is as harmful as smoking. Physical activity promotes metabolism and ensures that all internal organs function efficiently. Prolonged inactivity leads to weight gain and eventual organ failure. If traditional exercises are unappealing, incorporate physical activity into your daily routine in other ways. There are no substitutes for movement!
• Breathing Exercises: Breathing is the essence of life. Regular deep breathing exercises can be transformative, increasing blood circulation to the brain and vital organs, aiding tissue repair, and helping reverse aging.
• Mindfulness: Being aware of ourselves, our habits, actions, and reactions is essential. Mindfulness involves setting intentions, adopting a positive attitude towards life, and paying attention to ourselves and our surroundings. It helps us identify our true needs and release negative thoughts, paving the way for happiness. Remember, happiness is a choice, and it comes from within. Cultivate gratitude, focus on life’s blessings, and learn to let go of negativity.

A healthy life is a happy life.