Why do we age?Ageing is caused by a complex interplay of different factors, including genetics, programmed physiological changes to our cells, and behavioural and environmental influences. Much of this process is unavoidable. In a sense, our cells are coded to die off as time passes.Ageing can affect over 15 aspects of your health like:Skin - fine wrinkles, dullness, uneven skin tone, dry skin, age spots, rough skin texture, visible pores, changes in facial shape due to fat lossLoss of hearingTeeth and gums - tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, dry mouth, gum diseaseDigestive system - difficulty swallowing, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), constipation, diverticulosis and diverticulitisBladder and urinary tract - difficulty emptying the bladder completely, incontinence, increased risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI)Poor kidney functioningDecline in lung functioningCardiovascular health - thickening of heart wall, thickening of wall of large arteries, build-up of plaque inside the arteries leading to reduced blood flow to the heart, erratic heartbeat or arrhythmias, stiffening of heart valvesReproductive system - decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction in men and thinning of the vaginal walls, vaginal dryness, reduced sexual desire in womenBody composition - change in body shape due to muscle and bone mass lossJoint and connective tissues - pain, stiffness, redness and tenderness in joints or lower backImmune system - slowing and weakened immune systemPoor sleepBrain and nervous system - mental and cognitive declineVision - cataract, glaucoma, poor vision, age-related macular degeneration (AMD)Four horsemen of ageingFour factors are said to be very dangerous for rapid age-related changes in our bodies. They are:Free RadicalsChemically unstable free radicals attack and destroy skin cells. As this damage occurs at a cellular and DNA level, it is believed to accelerate ageing.InflammationInflammation is a part of our immune system elicited against the foreign invaders.A continued state of inflammation (where the immune system can even target healthy tissue-specific cells) can promote ageing.GlycationAdvanced glycation due to excessive sugar addition in the food components can accelerate the process of ageing.StressThe body's mechanism to reduce the stress is so intense that it immediately releases hormone cortisone. Research has indicated that continuously elevated levels of cortisone can affect the hippocampus region of the brain, which is required to be functional for long term memory. Excessive stress can also promote the accumulation of belly fat, increases inflammation and promotes insulin resistance.Wellness explainedWellness refers to the state of overall well- being, encompassing physical, mental, and social aspects of health. It goes beyond the absence of illness and emphasises a holistic approach to maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness involves actively making choices and adopting behaviours that contribute to a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Wellness is a multidimensional concept that encompasses various aspects of a person's life, essential for leading a fulfilling, healthy, and meaningful life, contributing to a longer and more active life..Dimensions of wellnessTo get to the point where you can call yourself fit and healthy involves taking care of your body through proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and avoiding harmful behaviours. It also focuses on maintaining a positive mental state, managing stress, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support when needed. If we take care of our body mentally and physically, it will eventually lead to having emotional wellness as well. This involves understanding and managing your emotions effectively, developing resilience, and cultivating positive relationships.To be able to achieve what we called 'health', one must do lifestyle modifications, which refers to the process of making intentional and positive changes to one's daily habits, behaviours, and choices to promote better health and well-being. This can involve adjustments in various aspects of life, including diet, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and other behaviours that impact health.The goal of lifestyle modification is often to prevent or manage chronic conditions, enhance overall health, and improve the quality of life. Lifestyle modifications are often recommended by healthcare professionals as part of preventive care or as a complementary approach to managing certain health conditions. It's important to note that these changes are typically gradual and sustainable, aiming for long- term benefits rather than short-term fixes.De-ageing technology and methodsHyperbaric oxygen therapyHyperbaric oxygen therapy treats wounds and other medical conditions by supplying you with 100 per cent oxygen inside a special chamber. It heals damaged tissue by helping your body grow new skin, blood vessels and connective tissues. A pressurised chamber delivers oxygen that's two to three times higher than normal air pressure, which helps your lungs gather and absorb more oxygen. Oxygen helps the tissues in your body heal and withstand infections.Hyperbaric oxygen is healthy. It's pure oxygen, which helps your immune system fight bacteria and generate stem cells.Stem cells are special cells in your body that help create other types of important cells, including blood cells, brain cells and muscle cells.Hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps your body heal. To work properly, the tissues in your body must have enough oxygen. If your tissues are injured, they need even more oxygen. The increased pressure in hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps your blood carry oxygen through your body, especially injured tissues. It also helps your white blood cells protect your body from infection.Cold exposureCold exposure increases brown fat tissue activity which leads to increased calorie expenditure. Exposure to cold temperatures leads to increased levels of adiponectin, a protein that increases fat burning and combats inflammation. The physiological effects of cold therapy include reductions in blood flow, swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm. Cold exposure improves sleep quality, strengthens immunity, combats oxidative stress and reduces pain.Cold-exposure therapy could increase longevity. This could be due to hormesis. Hormesis refers to exposure to a stressor that could be harmful when the exposure is intense and long but may be beneficial when the exposure is light and short.Managed exposure to the cold can be beneficial. For example, a stressor such as taking a cold shower is one way to experience hormesis, but it is not only exposure to the cold that offers the opportunity to experience hormesis, intense exercising and fasting are also examples of stressing the body. In the short term, these stressors can lead to long-term health benefits. By deliberately provoking the stress response to such stressors, the ability of our body to repair itself and age healthily remains stronger.DietChoosing a low carbohydrate diets or diets rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, cereals, fish, and unsaturated fats, containing antioxidants, potassium, and omega-3 decreased cardiovascular diseases and obesity risk, protects the brain from ageing, and promotes an overall healthier life. Since the biological processes of ageing cannot be controlled, changing one's nutritional patterns is crucial to prevent the emergence and development of diseases, boost longevity, and, mostly, to enhance one's quality of life and promote healthy ageing..ExerciseThe National Institute on Ageing recommends seniors shoot for 30 minutes of cardio exercise each day. To get started, choose an activity you enjoy and something that's accessible such as walking, swimming, biking, tennis, etc.Introducing Chellaram Wellness CenterKeeping the afore mentioned thought in mind, Chellaram Diabetes Institute has launched a unique and state of the art wellness centre called Chellaram Wellbeing to promote preventive healthcare.The centre emphasises a holistic approach to individual wellness, recognising health as not merely the absence of illness but a balance of mental, physical, emotional, and social factors. The aim to empower individuals with knowledge and tools to make informed choices that promote health and prevent illness. The center offers personalised care and tailormade services to meet specific goals and requirements of every individual using a unique integrative approach to health, combined with conventional medical practices and complementary and alternative therapies.This includes services like gymnasium, modern physiotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen chamber, cryotherapy, colonic hydrotherapy, Infrared sauna, mineral IV therapy, In-body analysis, ayurveda and panchakarma, therapeutic massage therapy, psychological counselling, de- addiction and smoking cessation, health food spa to achieve a strong mind-body equilibrium. Benefits offered by Chellaram Wellness Centre include:Slowing the ageing process to improve quality of life and enhance both physical and mental well-being.Prevent illnesses and chronic conditions associated with metabolic dysfunction thereby reducing the chance of medical interventions.Increase energy levels, improve focus and productivity in both personal and professional aspects of life.Improve your gut health and detoxify your body using modern and ancient therapies like colonic irrigation and ayurvedic panchakarma.Unique programs to cope with stress more effectively, build resilience, and navigate challenges with a positive mindset.Vishwas Walavalkar is a seasoned healthcare executive with the ability to balance strategic decisions and financial discipline with a hands- on approach to leadership - resulting in strong employee, client satisfaction. He has 25 years of success inspiring teams and boosting performance through people-focused healthcare, wellness and sports fitness.
Why do we age?Ageing is caused by a complex interplay of different factors, including genetics, programmed physiological changes to our cells, and behavioural and environmental influences. Much of this process is unavoidable. In a sense, our cells are coded to die off as time passes.Ageing can affect over 15 aspects of your health like:Skin - fine wrinkles, dullness, uneven skin tone, dry skin, age spots, rough skin texture, visible pores, changes in facial shape due to fat lossLoss of hearingTeeth and gums - tooth sensitivity, tooth decay, dry mouth, gum diseaseDigestive system - difficulty swallowing, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), constipation, diverticulosis and diverticulitisBladder and urinary tract - difficulty emptying the bladder completely, incontinence, increased risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI)Poor kidney functioningDecline in lung functioningCardiovascular health - thickening of heart wall, thickening of wall of large arteries, build-up of plaque inside the arteries leading to reduced blood flow to the heart, erratic heartbeat or arrhythmias, stiffening of heart valvesReproductive system - decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction in men and thinning of the vaginal walls, vaginal dryness, reduced sexual desire in womenBody composition - change in body shape due to muscle and bone mass lossJoint and connective tissues - pain, stiffness, redness and tenderness in joints or lower backImmune system - slowing and weakened immune systemPoor sleepBrain and nervous system - mental and cognitive declineVision - cataract, glaucoma, poor vision, age-related macular degeneration (AMD)Four horsemen of ageingFour factors are said to be very dangerous for rapid age-related changes in our bodies. They are:Free RadicalsChemically unstable free radicals attack and destroy skin cells. As this damage occurs at a cellular and DNA level, it is believed to accelerate ageing.InflammationInflammation is a part of our immune system elicited against the foreign invaders.A continued state of inflammation (where the immune system can even target healthy tissue-specific cells) can promote ageing.GlycationAdvanced glycation due to excessive sugar addition in the food components can accelerate the process of ageing.StressThe body's mechanism to reduce the stress is so intense that it immediately releases hormone cortisone. Research has indicated that continuously elevated levels of cortisone can affect the hippocampus region of the brain, which is required to be functional for long term memory. Excessive stress can also promote the accumulation of belly fat, increases inflammation and promotes insulin resistance.Wellness explainedWellness refers to the state of overall well- being, encompassing physical, mental, and social aspects of health. It goes beyond the absence of illness and emphasises a holistic approach to maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness involves actively making choices and adopting behaviours that contribute to a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Wellness is a multidimensional concept that encompasses various aspects of a person's life, essential for leading a fulfilling, healthy, and meaningful life, contributing to a longer and more active life..Dimensions of wellnessTo get to the point where you can call yourself fit and healthy involves taking care of your body through proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and avoiding harmful behaviours. It also focuses on maintaining a positive mental state, managing stress, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support when needed. If we take care of our body mentally and physically, it will eventually lead to having emotional wellness as well. This involves understanding and managing your emotions effectively, developing resilience, and cultivating positive relationships.To be able to achieve what we called 'health', one must do lifestyle modifications, which refers to the process of making intentional and positive changes to one's daily habits, behaviours, and choices to promote better health and well-being. This can involve adjustments in various aspects of life, including diet, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and other behaviours that impact health.The goal of lifestyle modification is often to prevent or manage chronic conditions, enhance overall health, and improve the quality of life. Lifestyle modifications are often recommended by healthcare professionals as part of preventive care or as a complementary approach to managing certain health conditions. It's important to note that these changes are typically gradual and sustainable, aiming for long- term benefits rather than short-term fixes.De-ageing technology and methodsHyperbaric oxygen therapyHyperbaric oxygen therapy treats wounds and other medical conditions by supplying you with 100 per cent oxygen inside a special chamber. It heals damaged tissue by helping your body grow new skin, blood vessels and connective tissues. A pressurised chamber delivers oxygen that's two to three times higher than normal air pressure, which helps your lungs gather and absorb more oxygen. Oxygen helps the tissues in your body heal and withstand infections.Hyperbaric oxygen is healthy. It's pure oxygen, which helps your immune system fight bacteria and generate stem cells.Stem cells are special cells in your body that help create other types of important cells, including blood cells, brain cells and muscle cells.Hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps your body heal. To work properly, the tissues in your body must have enough oxygen. If your tissues are injured, they need even more oxygen. The increased pressure in hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps your blood carry oxygen through your body, especially injured tissues. It also helps your white blood cells protect your body from infection.Cold exposureCold exposure increases brown fat tissue activity which leads to increased calorie expenditure. Exposure to cold temperatures leads to increased levels of adiponectin, a protein that increases fat burning and combats inflammation. The physiological effects of cold therapy include reductions in blood flow, swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm. Cold exposure improves sleep quality, strengthens immunity, combats oxidative stress and reduces pain.Cold-exposure therapy could increase longevity. This could be due to hormesis. Hormesis refers to exposure to a stressor that could be harmful when the exposure is intense and long but may be beneficial when the exposure is light and short.Managed exposure to the cold can be beneficial. For example, a stressor such as taking a cold shower is one way to experience hormesis, but it is not only exposure to the cold that offers the opportunity to experience hormesis, intense exercising and fasting are also examples of stressing the body. In the short term, these stressors can lead to long-term health benefits. By deliberately provoking the stress response to such stressors, the ability of our body to repair itself and age healthily remains stronger.DietChoosing a low carbohydrate diets or diets rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, cereals, fish, and unsaturated fats, containing antioxidants, potassium, and omega-3 decreased cardiovascular diseases and obesity risk, protects the brain from ageing, and promotes an overall healthier life. Since the biological processes of ageing cannot be controlled, changing one's nutritional patterns is crucial to prevent the emergence and development of diseases, boost longevity, and, mostly, to enhance one's quality of life and promote healthy ageing..ExerciseThe National Institute on Ageing recommends seniors shoot for 30 minutes of cardio exercise each day. To get started, choose an activity you enjoy and something that's accessible such as walking, swimming, biking, tennis, etc.Introducing Chellaram Wellness CenterKeeping the afore mentioned thought in mind, Chellaram Diabetes Institute has launched a unique and state of the art wellness centre called Chellaram Wellbeing to promote preventive healthcare.The centre emphasises a holistic approach to individual wellness, recognising health as not merely the absence of illness but a balance of mental, physical, emotional, and social factors. The aim to empower individuals with knowledge and tools to make informed choices that promote health and prevent illness. The center offers personalised care and tailormade services to meet specific goals and requirements of every individual using a unique integrative approach to health, combined with conventional medical practices and complementary and alternative therapies.This includes services like gymnasium, modern physiotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen chamber, cryotherapy, colonic hydrotherapy, Infrared sauna, mineral IV therapy, In-body analysis, ayurveda and panchakarma, therapeutic massage therapy, psychological counselling, de- addiction and smoking cessation, health food spa to achieve a strong mind-body equilibrium. Benefits offered by Chellaram Wellness Centre include:Slowing the ageing process to improve quality of life and enhance both physical and mental well-being.Prevent illnesses and chronic conditions associated with metabolic dysfunction thereby reducing the chance of medical interventions.Increase energy levels, improve focus and productivity in both personal and professional aspects of life.Improve your gut health and detoxify your body using modern and ancient therapies like colonic irrigation and ayurvedic panchakarma.Unique programs to cope with stress more effectively, build resilience, and navigate challenges with a positive mindset.Vishwas Walavalkar is a seasoned healthcare executive with the ability to balance strategic decisions and financial discipline with a hands- on approach to leadership - resulting in strong employee, client satisfaction. He has 25 years of success inspiring teams and boosting performance through people-focused healthcare, wellness and sports fitness.
