There is general agreement that aging is a complex process governed by an abundant list of variables, including those connected to genetics, illness and lifestyle choices. Less of a mystery is how our bodies’ cells evolve over time.
The fact that cells grow or shrink in size or in number, change shape or become abnormal may all be byproducts of aging, often depending on where cells are located. For example, according to Mount Sinai, when cells enlarge, they are less able to reproduce, and the quality and functionality of the cells decrease as waste builds up inside them. Because tissues are composed of cells and organs are composed of tissues, organ function diminishes over time; it can take a while for diminished function to manifest, but typically, it’s the heart, lungs and kidneys that seem to age most quickly.
So, when we’re talking about cell aging, that’s basically synonymous with aging in general. To feel and stay young, the usual healthy habits come into play: exercising regularly, minimizing stress and avoiding smoking, alcohol, overeating and too much sun exposure. In addition, intriguing research cited by the National Institutes of Health suggests that getting enough sleep slows down the aging process at the cellular level. Conversely, even a single night of inadequate sleep can trigger cell aging.
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