1. Aging

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

3. 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)

4. 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

5. 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)

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

7. 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