We can’t slow down time, but we can slow its effects on us, experts say.
The key is to do healthier choices in the areas we can control – and that starts with breaking bad habits.
“One of the key hallmarks of aging is the accumulation of cellular damage that leads to organ dysfunction and ultimately death,” Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert at Senolytix, told Fox News Digital.
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“The key to staying healthy is to minimize cellular damage by not throwing accelerants into the fire, which is unfortunately what most Americans do.”
Doctors shared with Fox News Digital the eight most common unhealthy behaviors that accelerate the aging process – and tips for avoiding them.
The key is to make healthier choices in areas that can be controlled — and that starts with breaking bad habits, experts say. (iStock)
1. Smoking
Smoking has been proven to reduce life expectancy.
Researchers from Action on Smoking and Health in the United Kingdom reported that a 30-year-old smoker can expect to live about 35 years longer, compared to 53 years for a non-smoker.
“Smoking accelerates aging by exposing you to harmful chemicals, reducing oxygen supply, degrading collagen and increasing oxidative stress,” said Dr. Dawn Ericsson, obstetrician/gynecologist and medical director of ‘AgeRejuvenation in Tampa, Florida at Fox News Digital.
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“The harmful effects of tobacco extend beyond lung healthaccelerating skin aging and increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.
Smoking introduces toxins that impair skin elasticity and collagen production, leading to the appearance of wrinkles, Osborn added.
“The harmful effects of tobacco extend beyond lung health, accelerating skin aging and increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth loss,” one expert said. (iStock)
“Free radicals in smoke damage lung tissue – causing cancer – and the walls of your blood vessels,” he told Fox News Digital.
“The incidence of heart attacks, strokes and brain aneurysms is significantly higher in smokers than in non-smokers.”
The quickest solution is to stop smoking immediatelythe experts agreed.
“The incidence of heart attacks, strokes and brain aneurysms is significantly higher in smokers than in non-smokers.”
To increase the chances of successfully quitting smoking, Ericsson suggested setting a “quit date,” avoiding triggers, and seeking support from friends, family, and health care providers.
Some also get results with nicotine replacement therapy or medications like bupropion and varenicline, she said.
2. Excessive sun exposure
Excessive sun exposure can lead to aging by damaging the skin’s DNA, causing wrinkles, sagging skin and dark spots, Ericsson noted.
Osborn agreed, also warning of an increased risk of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and melanoma, the latter of which can be fatal.
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