NewsNation recently interviewed longevity medicine expert Dr. Brett Osborn about a recent study showing a concerning trend that younger generations may be aging faster biologically, which is increasing their risk for early onset cancers and other age-related diseases. With almost 150,000 people between the ages of 37 to 54 participating in the study, the resulting statistics have raised significant concern for public health professionals.
Dr. Osborn explains that the difference between our chronological and biological age is a growing health issue, especially when our bodies show wear and tear beyond our actual years. This "accelerated biological aging" puts individuals at a higher risk for developing health conditions earlier in life.
What contributes to this speeding up of our biological clocks? Dr. Osborn is clear: a cocktail of poor nutrition, an inactive lifestyle and high stress are the primary culprits behind our susceptibility to degenerative diseases. These factors are not only pushing us toward rapid aging but also increasing the prevalence of cancer, diabetes, heart attacks and strokes.
There is good news amidst the concern. Yes, accelerated aging can be reversed, as Dr. Osborn reassures. We have multiple solutions at our disposal and can push the needle backward by giving our bodies the right signals — proper nutrition being at the forefront, coupled with daily exercise and managed stress levels.
Although it is unclear if any particular group is aging faster, men are known to have a slightly shorter lifespan compared to women, potentially due to additional work-related stress and poor lifestyle choices like bad eating habits that are often used as coping mechanisms for stress.
The study Dr. Osborn is referring to utilizes specific biomarkers: C-reactive protein levels to measure inflammation, white blood cell count, glucose levels and albumin (a protein found in the blood) - to weigh an individual's risk for early onset cancers. These indicators not only signal a propensity for cancer but also for diseases such as Alzheimer's, heart disease and diabetes.
Surprisingly, the grim findings empower us with knowledge. Lifestyle choices are seemingly the deciding factor. With the advancement of medical screenings, individuals are not just able to discover their biological age but can take proactive steps in choosing healthier lifestyles to reduce their risk for these conditions.
The message from this NewsNation interview is clear: our health and longevity lie significantly in our hands. By making conscious, healthier choices, we can potentially reverse the effects of aging and lower our risk for early onset diseases. As researchers continue to learn more, it becomes vital to translate this knowledge into practical lifestyle adjustments. So let this serve as a wake-up call—not just to younger Americans but to us all—to take ownership of our health for a chance at a longer, healthier life.
The original interview aired on NewsNation on April 10, 2024.
