Two Blood Proteins Might Slow Aging Process, Study Says
University research may someday slow the aging process. However, until that time, the consequences of aging place physical, emotional, and financial strain on American families. Being prepared will protect assets and ease family stress as we wait for science.
From our ongoing decline in our health to the impact that chronic age-related diseases and frailty has on society, aging affects every one of us. Science tells us that our bodies undergo a "systemic functional decline" after reaching adulthood. The ongoing process of getting older results in age-related disease, infirmity, and eventually death.
Most of us are aware that we will, eventually, pass away. What happens before our death is often very unpleasant for most of us to think about or plan for. While realistic and scientifically sound, the risk of needing long-term health care often gets ignored until a family finds themselves in a crisis.
Delay Aging?
Can we avoid - or delay - aging? Perhaps, but probably not any time soon. University of Edinburgh researchers have identified two blood proteins have that seem to influence how long and healthy a life we live. This knowledge could help scientists develop drugs that target these proteins and perhaps slow the aging process, according to the most extensive genetic study of aging to date.
Individuals who inherited DNA that causes raised levels of these proteins were frailer, had poorer self-rated health and were less likely to live an exceptionally long life than those who did not.
The first protein, called apolipoprotein(a) (LPA), is made in the liver and thought to play a role in clotting. High levels of LPA can increase the risk of atherosclerosis – a condition in which arteries become clogged with fatty substances - causing heart disease and strokes.
The second protein, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1), is primarily found on the surfaces of endothelial cells – a single-cell layer that lines blood vessels. The protein controls vessels' expansion and retraction – and function in blood clotting and the immune response.
The researchers say that drugs used to treat diseases by reducing LPA and VCAM1 levels could benefit improving quality and length of life.
Dr. Paul Timmers - University of Edinburgh
"The identification of these two key proteins could help extend the healthy years of life. Drugs that lower these protein levels in our blood could allow the average person to live as healthy and as long as individuals who have won the genetic lottery and are born with genetically low LPA and VCAM1 levels," said Dr. Paul Timmers, lead researcher at the MRC Human Genetics Unit at the University of Edinburgh.
Professor Jim Wilson, Chair of Human Genetics at the University of Edinburgh's Usher Institute, says that the study showcases the power of modern genetics to identify two potential targets for future drugs that could extend an individual's lifespan.
Everything Ages - Are You Prepared?
Every living thing ages — even bacteria. However, why aging happens is still one of the biggest mysteries in biology. Research may help delay aging; however, aging means a decline in health, body, and mind until such time science can solve the problem of aging.
Every person ages differently. Aging leads to many chronic health problems like diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and cancer. Plus, as we get older, we have a higher risk of dementia. Frailty alone can lead to needing help with daily living activities.
One of the problems of long-term health care is the cost of the care and the consequences that caregiving places on family members who often, by default, become caregivers.
Long-Term Health Care Costs are Rapidly Increasing Over Time
Long-term care services are getting more costly due to increased demand for services and labor shortages worldwide. The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator shows these costs where you live and where the costs are expected to be in the decades to come - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News.
Since health insurance and Medicare (including supplements) pay little or nothing toward most of these long-term health care costs, the financial consequences can be considerable.
Medicaid will only pay if the care recipient has little or no income and assets. Long-Term Care Insurance will pay for both long-term facility care and in-home services, but you must have reasonably good health to obtain coverage which is usually purchased when someone is in their 50s.
Experts indicate many people delay or avoid purchasing Long-Term Care Insurance, thinking they can obtain coverage "when they need it," assuming they need it at all. The denial of aging creates a crisis when family members must determine how an older parent will be cared for when no advance plan was put in place decades prior.
About the Author
Linda is a former journalist who now enjoys writing about topics she is interested in so she “can keep her mind active and engaged”.
Linda Maxwell
Contributor since December 11th, 2017
Editor's Note
Being prepared for aging is best when you are not old. For many people, affordable Long-Term Care Insurance is the solution. LTC Insurance offers access to quality care options and asset protection. Perhaps just as important, owning an LTC policy gives loved ones the time to be family instead of caregivers.
Seek Professional Advice
Experts suggest using a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you navigate the many options available to you and your family.
Insurance rates are regulated, so no insurance agent, agency, or financial advisor can give you special deals. However, premiums do vary over 100% between insurance companies for the same coverage.
A specialist who works with the top companies can match your age, health, family history, and other factors and find you the best coverage at the best value. A specialist will save you money, and you will have peace of mind knowing they are making the appropriate recommendations - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.
Planning Resources and Tools Available on LTC NEWS
You can find many tools and resources on LTC NEWS to assist you in your research for a planning solution or help your family find the appropriate care for a loved one at the time of crisis.
To help you plan for the future costs and burdens of changing health and aging, LTC NEWS has put in place several resources, including:
- The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator will show you the current and future cost of long-term health care services where you live. Plus, each state has vital state specific information you should know - Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News
- The Ultimate Long-Term Care Guide is an outstanding read to help you get a good overview of the topic area.
- Compare the major insurance companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance products here - Top Insurers for Long-Term Care Insurance | LTC News.
- A detailed tax guide that includes available tax incentives can be found by reviewing the Long-Term Care Tax Benefits Guide.
Find all the resources on LTC NEWS - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.
Share Your Knowledge - Be A Guest Contributor for LTC NEWS
LTC NEWS is open to contributors to share their stories with the world.
You can write a story or ongoing column for LTC NEWS. You can write about many topics, including aging, caregiving, health, lifestyle, retirement planning, and long-term care, to name a few.
Be sure to write for our core target audience of adults aged 40 and older. Our audience is worldwide; however, our primary target is the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other English-speaking nations.
Improve your website or blog's SEO and gain exposure and traffic at the same time by being a contributor to LTC NEWS.
You can even promote yourself, your business, and your website or blog. However, it must have editorial content exclusive for LTC NEWS and cannot be just an advertisement. It can include links to other sites, and you can share the article link once published on your website or social media.
Email your story idea or article: newsroom@ltcnews.com - LTC News Contributors | LTC News
Get Expert Help Filing an LTC Insurance Claim
LTC NEWS provides free assistance with no obligation to help you or a loved one complete the claims process with your Long-Term Care Insurance policy.
You can also get support in finding quality caregivers and get recommendations for a proper care plan, whether a person has a policy or not. - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News.
Find Quality Caregivers and Long-Term Care Facilities
If your parent or loved one needs care now - or soon - you will need to find the appropriate care in the right setting depending on their needs.
Take a moment and read -
Benefits of Reverse Mortgages
Today's reverse mortgages for those aged 62 and older could be an ideal resource to fund a Long-Term Care Insurance policy OR even provide money to pay for care if you, or a loved one, already needs help and assistance.
Some people have much of their savings invested in their homes. With today's reverse mortgages, you can find ways to fund care solutions, care itself, even help with cash flow during your retirement.
Learn more by asking questions to an expert. LTC NEWS columnist and host of the TV Show "62 Who Knew" will answer your questions regarding caregiving, aging, health, retirement planning, long-term care, and reverse mortgages.
- Just "Ask Mike." - Reverse Mortgages | LTC News.
Sharing News with LTC NEWS
Include LTC NEWS in your press release distribution. If your group, organization, business, political committee, etc., have news to share, send it to LTC NEWS. Email - newsroom@ltcnews.com
Shared Links
LTC NEWS offers a 'helpful links' page so readers looking for additional information can find them easily. You can get a dofollow link to your website on LTC NEWS in exchange for a dofollow link on your site.
Let's work together and help consumers who search for us on the web - Site Request | LTC News.
You can also affordably purchase a dofollow link to your website or blog on LTC NEWS. Just contact the advertising department.
