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Professor Hartmut Geiger from Ulm University has been researching the topic of aging processes for many years. In an exclusive interview with IPPEN.MEDIA he explains how important epigenetic factors are.
Genes don’t just determine our appearance. Traits such as intelligence are also inherited genetically. Even susceptibility to disease is embedded in our genes. However, the genome is by no means unchangeable. It is scientifically proven that environmental influences and your own lifestyle have a major influence on how genes work in our body.
What is meant by “genome”?
The genetic material is also referred to as the “genome” in specialist circles. It includes all the genetic information present in a cell, as the specialist portal Thieme informs. The human genome is stored in the form of DNA on 46 chromosomes in the cell nucleus.
Not only the genetic inheritance from mother and father – environmental influences also influence human development. This second genetic code is being researched in the field of epigenetics. “Epi” comes from Greek and means something like “on the side”.
Stay physically fit longer: “Epigenetics is central to aging processes”
Age researcher Professor Hartmut Geiger from the Institute of Molecular Medicine at the University of Ulm is also concerned with the influence of epigenetics, especially with its effects on the aging process. In an interview with IPPEN.MEDIA, the President of the German Society for Aging Research explained how we can influence our epigenetic code – and thus increase the chance of a long and healthy life.
“Around 15 years ago it became clear how important and central epigenetics is in the field of aging research. Since then, the reliable data situation has become more compact,” explains Geiger: “Epigenetics can be inherited. You can say that 50 to 60 percent is innate, the rest is influenced by aging, medications, diet, exercise and other behavior.” The human epigenetic code is partly fixed and partly changeable. “You have up to 50 percent chance of doing something and changing something. Epigenetics is central to aging processes.”
Change your lifestyle and gain valuable years of life
According to aging researcher Hartmut Geiger, the epigenetic code can be positively influenced by a number of lifestyle factors – and thus slow down the aging process of the cells. According to Geiger, the following routines can influence our epigenetic code by up to 50 percent:
- Eat healthy: “Not too much, not too little of anything,” is a rule of thumb from age researcher Geiger.
- Exercise and sport: To increase your chance of healthy aging, you should exercise frequently and “don’t become a couch potato,” advises the professor.
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View photo series- Social interactions: People who interact a lot with others stay healthy longer. “A stable social network is the be-all and end-all,” says Geiger: “In any case, loneliness is not good for your health. The more contacts you have, the better.”
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team cannot answer individual questions about medical conditions.
2024-11-29 22:18:00