For baby boomers, the "senior moment" is synonymous with the inevitable process of aging. Or is it?
Recent research findings indicate that healthy mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles found in our body's cells, may play a pivotal role in enhancing brain cell function and possibly eliminating those pesky random lapses of memory.
Every seven seconds in the United States, a baby boomer turns 50. Unfortunately, there is insufficient data delving into their thoughts and perceptions around the aging process. Prompted by this lack of data, researchers at Juvenon, an emerging nutraceutical company, commissioned a study to gauge baby boomers' perceptions of aging as it relates to mental sharpness, energy levels and lifestyle changes. This recently released study of baby boomers age 45 to age 54 conducted by Harris Interactive revealed that one in two is concerned with "loss of memory" and that for two out of three, the leading age-related concern is "deteriorating physical condition."
Although baby boomers understand the value of engaging in a healthy lifestyle, only 59 percent of them are actively involved in altering behaviors to ensure good physical and mental health in later life.
Nationwide, 72 percent of respondents feel that much of what affects their physical and mental health depends on what they do to take care of themselves. Interestingly, only 3 percent place "gray hair" at the top of their list of concerns about aging, and a mere 7 percent place "wrinkles" at the top of that list.
"It's comforting to know that an overwhelming majority of the respondents surveyed are more concerned with the aging process from the inside out than from the outside in. As we age, our mitochondria become less efficient at converting amino acids and sugars to energy," said Dr. Ben Treadwell, scientific advisor to Juvenon.
Research performed at the University of California, Berkeley indicates that protecting the mitochondria from toxic oxidants can lead to enhanced physical and mental well-being and improved energy levels.
"We think a lot of the degeneration of aging is due to the mitochondria degenerating. It's like an old car engine that's pouring out black smoke, and it's not very efficient, and there are ways of tuning it up, and that's what we think we're doing with the mitochondria," said Dr. Bruce Ames, professor of biochemistry at UC Berkeley.
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Learn more about Pycnogenol at www.pycnogenol.com. - NU
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