Aging

Bone Density Begins to decrease at the age of 30-35 Bone loss can be slowed by participating in regular, weight-bearing activity

Brain Cells Brain cells dying off with time Fewer brain cells now than five minutes ago With aging, however, neural pathways are created Cognitive tasks are more efficient due to less brain activity needed Some areas continue to generate new cells (hippocampus)

Body Temperature Reduced ability to regulate body temperature Tibetan monks studied for their ability to generate heat in cold temperatures 70s & 80s research, Harvard: monks wore sheets dipped in cold water, sat in 40-degree room Steam emanated from bodies Sheets began to dry Photo: Herbert Benson, ia Harvard Gazette, 2002

Sarcopenia Muscle mass begins to shrink in the 30’s As of 12/2014, world record holder for plank exercise is Mao Weidong, in his 40s (~4.5 hours)

Reproduction Sex hormone production reduced with aging Sexual activity occurs throughout a lifetime

What You Do in Your Lifetime Makes a Difference Choices, behaviors, habits, lifestyles Twin studies, smoking (CNN, 2013) Genes can be altered by behaviors Longevity Game