Why do people age? Dr. Suvi Neukam explains the science behind aging, including why hair turns gray, why wrinkles form, and why veins stick up as people age. Additionally, the podcast explores why older people get shorter and the importance of oxygen for older adults. The hosts also talk about why leaves change color in the fall and promote 'But Why Adventures Northeast Nature'.
The aging process is influenced by factors such as DNA damage, telomeres getting shorter, and lifestyle choices.
Hair color changes with age due to a decrease in melanin production influenced by factors like sun exposure and genetics.
Deep dives
Why do we change as we get old?
As we age, our bodies change due to various reasons. One main reason is related to our DNA. Over time, our DNA, which acts as the instructions for our bodies, can become damaged by things like chemicals, pollution, and sun exposure. This can lead to our bodies not functioning as well as they used to. Another theory suggests that a part of our DNA called telomeres gets shorter over time, and this can contribute to the aging process. Additionally, factors like lifestyle choices, such as exposure to harmful substances and lack of proper nutrition, can also affect how we age.
Why does hair turn white as we age?
Hair color changes as we get older because of a decrease in melanin production. Melanin is responsible for giving color to our skin, eyes, and hair. As we age, our bodies produce less melanin, leading to lighter hair. The amount of melanin decrease varies from person to person, which is why some people get gray or white hair at a young age, while others may not get it until much later in life. It's also worth noting that hair color doesn't determine age, as factors like sun exposure and genetics can also play a role in hair color changes.
Why do older adults appear shorter?
Older adults may appear shorter because of changes in their bones and discs. As we age, our bones become less strong and may change in shape or become squished. Additionally, the discs between our vertebrae become smaller and drier. These factors can cause a decrease in height and a more bent or compressed appearance. Proper nutrition, exercise, and bone-strengthening measures can help maintain bone health and prevent excessive height loss.
Younger people have lots of questions about older people, like: Why do we age? Why do people get gray or white hair? Why do older people have wrinkles? Why do older people have veins that stick up? Why are older people more tired? Why do some people get shorter as they get older? Dr. Suvi Neukam, a geriatrician at Oregon Health and Sciences University, answers kids’ questions about aging in this episode.