Now as a senior citizen I usually perk up when I
see articles about aging. None of us are immune to
the aging process but the term aging is undergoing
a new definition. Aging is not merely the inevitable consequence of time passing but, rather, it represents a progressive deterioration of physiological processes which ultimately lead to a degree of function that is incompatible with life. Well, that’s a depressing thought and I am glad some folks are looking at the process of aging in a different and less depression way. Genetics and biochemistry are coming to our rescue, maybe.
Since aging is different for everyone and several factors as diet, environment and lifestyle choices can affect individuals with the same chronologic age differently, the term “biologic age” has been coined to describe how old our cells are. Studies have been and are continuing to be undertaken to examine what is happening to our DNA as the clock continues to tick forward.
This concept of “biologic age” has additional meaning when it comes to disease especially lung disease. Life span is not equal to health span. Using a complex analysis called proteomic profiling investigators have found that changes in DNA over our life time may determine our “biologic age” and further determine how this will affect the progression or outcome of a disease process like COPD or pulmonary fibrosis.
Does this mean I get a biologic birthdate party and a chronologic one? Which cake will have more candles?
