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In this site, we offer a wealth of resources, including articles, tips, and guidance on various aspects of healthy aging. 

The Aging Process

  • Natural aging is an inescapable process that cannot be completely stopped.

  • Aging involves gradual changes in our body, such as loss of strength; reduced hearing and vision; slower memory; and changes in enzymes and hormones.

  • Recent study suggest that waves of aging-related changes occur at two distinct points in our life around ages 44 and 60.

Examples of Measures employed to moderate or slow down aging

  • Healthy eating and considering botanicals as detailed in the book

  • Staying physically active

  • Sleeping enough

  • Managing stress

  • Staying socially active and carrying some meaningful work

  • Avoiding  exposure to extreme heat or cold

  •  Spending time in natural areas (such as green spaces, parks, water surfaces) and staying away from polluted areas

  • Stopping smoking and alcohol drinking

  • Avoiding  polluted environments (air and water

Those healthy habits would delay health issues and allow improved quality of life.  As will be explained later, age is expressed in different ways (e.g. chronological, phenological).

 

Based largely on:

Botanical: Towards improving quality of life of seniors,  Friesenpress. 2025

Should we Totally Avoid Processed Foods?

Foods in the market may be classified according to the degree of processing into types:

Minimally Processed

Minimal processing involves washing, drying, sorting, chilling, packaging, or freezing.  It does not affect nutrient content significantly but increases shelf live and improves safety.

Secondary Processed

Secondary processing involves transforming primary ingredients into culinary ingredients or food products. Examples include canning of fruits and vegetables, making cheese from milk, and extracting oils from plants, among others. Secondary processing extends shelf life and improves convenience. It may, however, involve the addition of sugar, salt, or fat to improve taste or for preservation. Some nutrient losses may occur.

Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs)

At the other end of processing spectrum is the ultra-processed foods (UPFs). These are manufactured products that contain multiple ingredients not typically used in home cooking, such as emulsifiers, stabilizers, flavor enhancers, and artificial sweeteners. Examples include packaged snacks, sugary drinks, processed meats, and instant soups. UPFs offer convenience and appealing flavors and texture. But they are high in sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. Some are low in nutrients and fiber.

UPFs appear to be linked to increased risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health problems.

Overview

Overall, food processing plays a significant role in our food system by making food safer, more convenient, and more accessible. However, it is generally recommended to give priority to minimally processed foods and to limit our intake of UPFs to maintain a healthy diet.

Based largely on:

Botanical: Towards improving quality of life of seniors,  Friesenpress. 2025