Why some people age better than others (and how to be one of them)?

Why do some people ‘age well’ while others don't?

The undeniable role of genetics in health and longevity

The way you age is influenced by a number of factors.

Firstly, your genetic make-up determines various characteristics, such as cellular health, organ resilience, the development of certain diseases, etc. (1).

Here, it's the genes inherited from your ancestors that are at work, and there's not much you can do about it.

The crucial importance of lifestyle

The second factor that has an impact on ageing, and over which you have some control, is your lifestyle (2).

In particular, your diet, physical activity, sleep and state of mind (especially the way you deal with stress) have an undeniable impact on your cellular ageing and on whether or not you develop certain disorders (3).

Of course, there's also access to healthcare, exposure to pollution and UV rays, and so on.

The different disorders that can occur with age

Taken together, these factors explain why some people appear younger for longer, while others suffer more rapidly from various problems as they age, including:

• greater fatigue on exertion, loss of strength;
• very pronounced wrinkles, brown spots on the skin;
• joint pain (osteoarthritis, arthritis, rheumatism, etc.);
• cognitive impairment (loss of memory, difficulty concentrating, etc.);
• cardiovascular problems (high blood pressure, risk of stroke, heart attack, etc.);
• metabolic disorders (diabetes, hyper- or hypothyroidism, hypercholesterolaemia, etc.);
• slowed intestinal transit;
• chronic and inflammatory diseases, etc.

The key factors for healthy, well-balanced ageing

A diet that keeps you healthy

As mentioned above, diet is one of the pillars of good health at any age (4).

Broadly speaking, it's essential to eat a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, which are sources of dietary fibre and antioxidants.

Proteins, whether vegetable or animal, help to maintain muscle mass.

Finally, it's a good idea to avoid saturated fats in favour of ‘good fats’.

And, of course, good hydration is also vital for the proper functioning of all the body's organs.

The importance of physical activity for the body and the brain

Maintaining a sufficient level of physical activity is essential at any age.

Gentle exercise (walking, swimming, yoga, etc.) helps maintain good mobility while preserving muscle mass (5).

Regular exercise is also good for the brain, helping to stimulate cognitive function (6).

Better sleep: a key to longevity

Finding and maintaining a balanced night's sleep is known to contribute to cell repair and protect the brain against premature ageing (7).

In fact, during sleep, the body activates essential processes such as the regeneration of body tissues and the elimination of toxins accumulated in the brain.

Chronic stress: a driver of premature ageing

During stress, the body secretes a hormone called cortisol.

At normal levels, it helps to manage this stress, but when present in excess and on a chronic basis, cortisol has negative effects on ageing.

Not only does it accelerate skin ageing and muscle loss, but it also encourages the development of chronic pathologies such as neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic disorders (8).

That's why it's important to find ways to reduce your stress on a daily basis — through meditation, yoga, gardening, spending time with loved ones, walking in the woods, and so on.

Substances that support healthy ageing

Targeted anti-ageing action on cells

NAD+ and cell repair

In our bodies, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme that plays a key role in energy production and cell repair.

It therefore makes sense to support its natural synthesis, for example by supplying the body with its most direct precursor, nicotinamide mononucleotide (found in the supplement Nicotinamide Mononucleotide or in higher doses in MNM Max) (9).

Eliminating senescent cells

As we age, cells that are no longer functional but remain in the body can interfere with the functioning of healthy cells.

Research suggests that certain compounds, including a polyphenol called fisetin, have the ability to destroy these senescent cells (see Fisetin supplement) (10).

Spermidine & cell regeneration

Another molecule, spermidine, a polyamine naturally present in the body, plays an essential role in autophagy, a natural mechanism for cell recycling and regeneration (11).

Since its physiological production decreases with age, it may be worth taking it orally (with Spermidine).

Synergistic formulas for cell longevity

For a more complete action, some food supplements combine these three substances to take advantage of their synergistic effects (such as Liposomal Anti-Ageing Formula, the only liposomal formula in the world to combine NMN, spermidine and fisetin).

Good fats for the heart and brain

Omega-3 EPA and DHA are 'good fats' that contribute to normal heart function, normal blood pressure and normal triglyceride levels.

DHA also helps maintain normal brain function and vision.

They are therefore both essential micronutrients for maintaining long-term circulatory and cerebral health.

EPA and DHA are found in certain oily fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, etc.) and in higher quantities in omega-3 dietary supplements (such as Super Omega 3, renowned for its stability and purity) (12).

Maintaining bone health as we age

Supplied by sunlight, trout or calf's liver, vitamin D3 is essential for calcium absorption and therefore bone health.

In particular, the combination of calcium and vitamin D helps to reduce bone loss in post-menopausal women.

Vitamin K, found in green leafy vegetables, parsley and natto, helps maintain normal bones.

Ideally, opt for the only form of vitamin K that can increase its concentration in the bloodstream by up to 8 times: menaquinone-7.

It is therefore particularly interesting to combine vitamin D3 and menaquinone-7 to promote bone strength (this is what the synergistic duo Vitamin K2 MK7 + D3 offers you) (13).

Other plant-based formulas can also complement the action of these vitamins on bone tissue (such as Bone Health, which contains Osteosine™, an exclusive blend of plant extracts studied on fracture resistance).

Collagen to nourish joints

Type 2 collagen is an important component of cartilage (14).

Over time, this cartilage tends to wear down, leading to joint problems that can reduce mobility and, consequently, the quality of life for the elderly.

Many people, therefore, choose to supplement with type 2 collagen (cf. the UC II® supplement or the more comprehensive Arthro Fast Relief formula, which combines type 2 collagen with fermented ginger extract, astaxanthin, MSM, etc.).

Preserving cognitive functions threatened by ageing

Reasons for cognitive decline with age

It's a well-known fact that ageing puts a strain on cognitive functions, such as reaction time and the ability to remember.

This phenomenon is due to the gradual reduction in neuroplasticity, reduced cerebral blood flow, accumulated oxidative stress, neuronal inflammation and the decline in essential neurotransmitters involved in memory and processing speed.

Ginkgo biloba and memory

Fortunately, certain plants are recognised for their effects on cognitive performance.

Ginkgo biloba, in particular, helps to maintain a good memory by promoting cerebral blood circulation, protecting nerve cells against oxidative stress and improving the transmission of neuronal signals (find an extract of this plant with Ginkgo Biloba) (15).

How does Bacopa monnieri boost cognition?

Another plant, Bacopa monnieri, has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine.

According to current studies (16), bacopa helps maintain good cognitive function by promoting neurogenesis, increasing synaptic plasticity and regulating levels of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and serotonin (see the Bacopa Monnieri product).

A form of carnitine that's excellent for the brain

Apart from plants, there is acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC), an acetylated form of L-carnitine, a compound naturally produced by the body from the amino acids lysine and methionine.

ALC is involved in the production of cellular energy by facilitating the transport of fatty acids to the mitochondria.

It also protects the brain against oxidative stress and ageing by reducing free radicals, supporting neurotransmission and promoting neuronal plasticity (17).

ALC can be taken orally (see the supplement Acetyl L-Carnitine Arginate or the more complete, synergistic Neuro-Nutrition Formula).

Phosphatidylserine: cognitive speed & neuroprotection

Phosphatidylserine is a molecule naturally present in the cell membranes of the brain, where it plays an essential role in membrane fluidity, neuronal signalling and cell communication.

The presence of phosphatidylserine in brain tissue helps maintain memory, concentration and cognitive speed, while offering a form of neuroprotection (18) (find it with PS 100).

Combating glycation, which accelerates tissue deterioration

Glycation is a natural chemical reaction in which sugars spontaneously bind to proteins, lipids or nucleic acids within the body or when food is cooked.

In the body, this reaction can lead to the creation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that accelerate tissue stiffening, cellular ageing and the onset of various degenerative disorders (19).

Carnosine, a dipeptide naturally present in muscle, brain and other tissues, helps prevent the formation of AGEs (20).

It can also be taken as a supplement (see Carnosine).

Some synergistic formulas are also specially designed to combat the glycation process (such as Anti-Glycation Formula, which combines carnosine, aminoguanidine and guava leaf extract).

Relaxing plants for less stress and better sleep

Finally, some plants promote relaxation and restful sleep, slowing down the ageing process by helping the body to regenerate rather than deteriorate.

These include adaptogenic plants (tulsi, eleutherococcus, rhodiola, etc.), which can be found in anti-stress supplements (such as Adrenal Support) (21).

Finally, there are valerian, passionflower, etc., found in supplements to help you sleep better (such as the sugar-free Sleep Gummies, in which these plants are combined with melatonin, the sleep hormone) (22).