One year ago, we learned about research revealing that rhesus monkeys that ate one third less than others aged more slowly. Now comes a study from the BBSRC Centre for Integrated Systems Biology of
Ageing and Nutrition (CISBAN) at Newcastle University suggesting that a calorie restricted diet may slow aging even if it is only followed for a short time. A press release from the BBSRC reports that researchers looking at mice fed a restricted diet found that they had
a reduced accumulation of senescent cells in their livers and
intestines. Both organs are known to accumulate large numbers of these
cells as animals age. Scientists also found that the telomeres of
the chromosomes of the mice on restricted diets were better maintained
despite their aging. Telomeres are the protective 'ends' of chromosomes
that prevent errors, and therefore diseases, occurring as DNA
replicates throughout an organisms lifetime but they are known to become
'eroded' over time.The BBSRC reports that the adult mice were fed a restricted diet for a short period of time
demonstrating that it may not be necessary to follow a very low calorie
diet for a lifetime to gain the benefits the scientists found.
Health, fitness and lifestyle tips for people over 50 who still like to play hard
Saturday, May 31, 2025
I will always be amazed that we spend so much time attempting to gain a greater quantiy of life rather than a greater quality of life. One day lived well is better than a long life time of mere existence.
William,
Could it be the people who are funding the long life studies are the same ones making the money from the drugs the elderly need?
Yes, SouthernMan, and coupled with Americans fear of death and aging undoubtedly some big pharma co. will be taking in the “big bucks”.
of course the corollary is also true:
unrestricted diet (calorie intake) shortens one’s life.
folks, the corollary is therefore true,
an unrestricted diet (caloric intake) shortens one’s life. Seems obvious to me…
Diet or die!
Perhaps the truth that is being pointed out by the article and by the respondents posted here is that one has to eat intelligently, not too much yet not too little, that we should exercise regularly (again, not too much and not too little) so that we can learn to live in harmony with all things and all others as we breathe (such is the very essence of Aikido and the teachings of Morihei Ueshiba, O Sensei, as well as the Gautama Buddha and such is the truth that is within us all and that we each too often choose to ignore).
Eat a little less and feed many others.
namaste
William I think you need to read the article a little more closely. The part about the telomeres…”Scientists also found that the telomeres of the chromosomes of the mice on restricted diets were better maintained despite their aging. Telomeres are the protective ‘ends’ of chromosomes that prevent errors, and therefore diseases…”
This statement seems to indicate to me at least, a better quality of life!
we eat way too much food here in the West. But a bigger problem than the amount we ingest is the quality of the food. The food industry in this Country is allowed to get away with murder, (literally). I don’t believe it takes too much food to sustain life, but by the time you remove the garbage that is sold as food found on some dinner plates, there probably isn’t much there anyhow, of quality nutrition. It stands to reason for me that the hardest thing for our system to do is digest food. Perhaps some are even wearing out their system’s by the over indulgence or intake of food. Now, further burden your system with having to digest fillers, colorings, flavorings, texturizers, synthetic sweetners, and thousands of other additives, all designed to increase shelf life/profits, and it’s a wonder to me that we live as long as we do, nevermind the quality of that life. And they wonder why the healthcare system is in peril. And the big Pharma. Co.’s are making so much $$$
Candace, perhaps you nedd to re-read my post as well as realize that “big pharma” will use such investigations to sell new and improved drugs (that will have side effects and therefor need new drugs that will have side effects, etc and ad infinitum) when the answer is as simply as don’t over eat, exrecise regularly and correctly as you live the life you have as one with all else that is.
Sages, gurus, saints, holy men and women of all cultures have taught this for eons and it is still true today.
This article is not talking about an improvement in the quality of life but, rather, mere extention of life.
I am presently invovled with the meidcal community as deal with a life ending ailment. I have learned the that they have ways to extend my life expectency however, the same will destroy any quality my life may have and I may now enjoy.
Diginty, quality and being part of the natural process of living and dying seem appropriate for those who do not fear the same.
namaste
Amen to that! namaste