Ageing is change

Ageing is not one switch. Your body changes in many ways, at different speeds. Some changes ask for more care. Many do not mean decline.

Researchers now look at healthspan, the years you live well, as much as lifespan.

Muscle matters

From about age 30, adults lose roughly 3 to 5% of their muscle mass each decade. The loss speeds up later in life.

Strength training is the best-supported way to slow this. Two short sessions a week is a good start. It supports balance, bones and independence.

What science cannot yet say

No pill, cream or supplement has been proven to slow ageing in people. Be careful with anyone who says otherwise.

That includes antioxidants and resveratrol. Human trials have not shown convincing evidence that resveratrol slows ageing.

Habits with the best evidence

Everyday habits have much stronger evidence. Move every day. Do strength training. Eat a varied diet. Sleep well. Do not smoke. Stay close to people who matter.

For visible skin ageing, sunscreen, retinoids and niacinamide have stronger evidence than supplements sold to slow ageing.

FAQs

References

1. Office on Women's Health. Sarcopenia, womenshealth.gov/sarcopenia.
2. Scientific American. No truth to the fountain of youth.
3. The Conversation, republished by ScienceAlert. Popular supplements sold with ageing claims: what the science says.

This article is for information. It is not medical advice. Speak to your doctor about your own health.