As you may have already suspected, aging is not a reversible process. This was confirmed in a new study titled “Intercellular Competition and Inevitability of Multicellular Aging,” in which researchers concluded it’s impossible to halt the aging process in multi-cellular organisms like humans.1
Scientists have found a cellular mechanism that enables a reverse aging affect in mouse DNA, which also protects it from future damage.2 But alas, our cell system is different, and what works for one doesn’t always work for another.
This is also true for financial strategies. Some individuals are constantly on the lookout for the next big thing, hoping to invest early for strong rewards when a company grows. Others are more risk-averse, happy to make regular, automatic contributions to the same investments over the long haul. While each strategy may have its pros and cons, the important thing is to match strategy to investor within the context of their goals, risk tolerance and investment timeline.
Everyone needs a plan that helps address personal objectives — whether it’s determining how to invest as part of your overall financial strategy or finding the next big scientific discovery. We can help you devise a financial strategy, using a variety of investment and insurance products, based on your particular circumstances.
There are some places where the worlds of science and finance intersect, especially when it comes to big-dollar contributions. Microsoft founder Bill Gates recently invested $50 million in the Dementia Discovery Fund, a private fund specifically devoted to exploring outside-the-box ways to treat dementia.3
Other scientific studies are working to aid the aging process by repairing hearing loss. People generally become hard of hearing gradually due to overexposure to noise, damage to neuronal processes and/or the degeneration of auditory neurons — which do not regenerate once lost. Current studies are looking at ways to convert inner-ear stem cells into auditory neurons that could reverse deafness. Unfortunately, scientists have found that, while effective, this process also poses a significant cancer risk.4
A little closer to home, some studies are looking at whether muscle strength, which peaks by age 25, can be improved later in life. Nearly half of the muscle in our body disappears by age 80. One study compared four strength-training routines for people over age 60. The most effective routine was to train three times a week, inserting a low-intensity workout between two high-intensity workouts.5
From finances to personal health, we often feel at a loss to what we can control as we age. But there are things we can do to improve our chances of aging well. Although genetics play a part, eating healthy, staying active, keeping our brains challenged and remaining socially engaged with friends and family can help each of us become more resilient as we grow older.6
Nate Miller
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Content prepared by Kara Stefan Communications.
1 Leslie D. Monte. LiveMint.com. Nov. 1, 2017. “You will grow old, live with it.” http://www.livemint.com/Science/WeHZhePY2BkKI36txSdeGJ/You-will-grow-old-live-with-it.html. Accessed Nov. 22, 2017.
2 Ibid.
3 Bill Gates. GatesNotes. Nov. 13, 2017. “Why I’m Digging Deep into Alzheimer’s.” https://www.gatesnotes.com/Health/Digging-Deep-Into-Alzheimers. Accessed Nov. 22, 2017.
4 Todd B. Bates. Rutgers Today. Nov. 6, 2017. “Inner Ear Stem Cells May Someday Restore Hearing.” https://news.rutgers.edu/research-news/inner-ear-stem-cells-may-someday-restore-hearing/20171102#.WhXNS7aZOfV. Accessed Nov. 22, 2017.
5 Alex Hutchinson. The Globe and Mail. Nov. 2, 2017. “How should you train to retain muscle as you age?” https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/fitness/how-should-you-train-to-retain-muscle-as-you-age/article36816684/. Accessed Nov. 22, 2017.
6 Debbie Reslock. The Oakland Press. Nov 3, 2017. “Do you have these skills to age well? Some strengths help us roll with the punches easier as we grow older.” http://www.theoaklandpress.com/lifestyle/20171121/do-you-have-these-skills-to-age-well-some-strengths-help-us-roll-with-the-punches-easier-as-we-grow-older. Accessed Nov. 22, 2017.
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