August 21, 2024 – Our DNA telomeres will fray with chronological aging like normal annual wear on a favorite couch. But if there are stressors in one’s life, telomeres will fray faster or what is termed “accelerated aging” like a couch prematurely tattered by a scratching pet cat. Physical and psychological stressors can prematurely unravel or shorten telomere length. One study on mothers noted significant telomere length differences between ones raising healthy children compared to those who are caregivers to their chronically-ill children. The authors of the study noted that the difference in telomere length between the two groups was “equivalent to 10 years of life”, meaning the women under more stress faced a greater risk of certain health-related issues earlier in life.
There are a number of studies online that show lingering side effects from COVID have accelerated shortening of telomeres. Sadly, there are other recent studies that younger generations are showing faster unraveling of the telomeres compared to persons who are slightly older.
What are Telomeres?
Telomeres are caps at the both ends of a pair of chromosome strands (called base pairs), somewhat like ends of shoestrings, to prevent entanglement and fraying. Telomeres protect the unique DNA sequencing for cellular division and replication. Each time the cell divides, telomeres become slightly shorter. Once the telomeres become too short, the cell no longer successfully divides and will likely die. Or, there are certain epigenetic conditions that can create dysfunctional telomeres (or fusion of telomeres to attempt repair) that prolong the life of an older cell thereby promoting genome instability and progression of chronic disease.
Multiple complex blood tests are available to measure the number of repetitive DNA sequences in the sample to extrapolate the average length of telomere base pairs compared to reference ranges based on age to interpret the results. Visit this link for more detailed descriptions of a variety of tests available.
Ways to Protect Longer Viability of Telomeres
In surfing the literature online, it appears that healthy lifestyles with lower stress may protect the longevity of telomere length making a person feel, look and act younger than their chronological age. We are smart individuals knowing less time shared with our sleepy cat on the couch and reducing screen exposures, and more thinking good thoughts, goodwill toward others, exercising, deep restful sleeping, taking supplements (specifically resveratrol, vitamins B6, B12, and folate are mentioned with some guidance on daily dosages), staying super hydrated, and eating healthy can sustain the body with more successful DNA sequencing longevity that can lead to slower aging.