Here is a list of the known reasons for aging, combining 12 of the best-supported with 6 additional emerging factors that are under investigation (and some ideas about what you can do to mitigate each):
Excellent summarizing, it almost makes your take for granted just how much work over the past century has gone into understanding so many of these principles, coming full circle to just doing the basics well: eat, sleep, exercise, light, (de-)stress, nutrients, and microbiome.
I do wonder where relationships or the lack thereof (loneliness) fits into these, my guess would be multiple of these eighteen.
Thank you! You’re absolutely right—it's humbling to think of the years of research that have contributed to understanding even the fundamentals. In many ways, the science has come full circle to reinforce some age-old wisdom: keep it simple but do it well.
Relationships and the effects of loneliness are critical and indeed intersect with multiple points on the list. For instance, the influence of social bonds on mental well-being, stress, and even immune function is well-documented. Strong connections can elevate dopamine and oxytocin levels, affect how our bodies handle stress, and even influence the microbiome. There’s also emerging evidence suggesting that social relationships can enhance cognitive resilience and longevity—a reminder that humans are wired for connection.
So while the basics (nutrition, sleep, stress management, etc.) are essential, they’re all somewhat intertwined with our relational world. In many ways, relationships amplify or attenuate these core elements, affecting our overall well-being. The "basics" may be simple, but the network that makes them effective is far from it!
Excellent summarizing, it almost makes your take for granted just how much work over the past century has gone into understanding so many of these principles, coming full circle to just doing the basics well: eat, sleep, exercise, light, (de-)stress, nutrients, and microbiome.
I do wonder where relationships or the lack thereof (loneliness) fits into these, my guess would be multiple of these eighteen.
Thank you! You’re absolutely right—it's humbling to think of the years of research that have contributed to understanding even the fundamentals. In many ways, the science has come full circle to reinforce some age-old wisdom: keep it simple but do it well.
Relationships and the effects of loneliness are critical and indeed intersect with multiple points on the list. For instance, the influence of social bonds on mental well-being, stress, and even immune function is well-documented. Strong connections can elevate dopamine and oxytocin levels, affect how our bodies handle stress, and even influence the microbiome. There’s also emerging evidence suggesting that social relationships can enhance cognitive resilience and longevity—a reminder that humans are wired for connection.
So while the basics (nutrition, sleep, stress management, etc.) are essential, they’re all somewhat intertwined with our relational world. In many ways, relationships amplify or attenuate these core elements, affecting our overall well-being. The "basics" may be simple, but the network that makes them effective is far from it!
Excellent presentation and sourcing. Great use of the limited formatting options on Substack. Thumbs up.
Thanks, Eric. I just subscribed to "The Optimistic Future" - looking forward to seeing what you come up with.