By: Dr. Dima Ali

As a doctor in the field of Aesthetic and Anti- Aging Medicine, the overwhelming concern we hear in our office is anxiety associated with aging. However, by definition, does aging have to imply chronic disease, suffering, dementia, frailty and debilitation? Could it be possible to live to 110 years of age and still have the vitality and energy to enjoy our great-grandchildren without collapsing from shortness of breath, a fractured hip or forgetting entirely who we are? Whether we admit it or not, besides fear of being old we are also afraid of looking old. Can we take the fear out of wanting to look more youthful without worrying that we’ll look like a Hollywood freak show? Is it possible to reduce the gap between chronological age and biological age?

Anti-Aging = Becoming Ageless?

Longevity (or Anti-Aging) medicine is not about achieving immortality and it is certainly not about looking 21 when you are 92. It is, however, about learning what can be done to live a long, healthful, more productive life. It is about focusing on disease detection and prevention rather than the treatment of symptoms of age-related chronic disease. It is a clinical medical specialty based on innovative, peer reviewed scientific research and a sensible model of preventive medical care.

Let us redefine the term “aging gracefully” to “aging gracefully and healthfully.” The truth is that with rapid advances in high-tech medical treatments we are all going to live longer, whether we like it or not. Given the choice between spending the last years of one’s life debilitated and in a nursing home with three or more chronic diseases of aging being managed by the traditional multi-drug approach vs. leading a vigorous, productive life well into our 90s, the choice is a no-brainer. Today, the average American consumer is realizing this. In this estimated $30 billion industry, sales of anti-aging supplements are estimated at $1billion — in the United States alone.

So, what can be expected from an anti-aging evaluation and treatment plan? At our practice, this may include:

• Anti-Aging endocrinological assessment and bio-identical hormone replacement therapy
• Anti-oxidant analysis and appropriate supplementation
• Evaluation of the bio-markers of aging
• Cardiovascular and Immune protection
• Cognitive function assessment and repair
•  Metabolic and DNA repair
• Aesthetic procedures and skin rejuvenation such as laser surgery, skin tightening technologies, non-invasive body contouring, fat grafting, varicose and spider vein non-surgical removal, botox, chemical peels, fillers and skincare formulations.

The Latest in Anti-Aging Research

The future of this burgeoning field is remarkable, to say the least. The average lifespan, now estimated to be at about 80 years of age could conceivably be 130 years by 2030. In fact, 10 times as many people are expected to reach their 100th birthday today as in year 2000.

Here is a sampling of what current research is focusing on today and what can be expected in the next decade and beyond.

•  Advances in genetic will allow insulin to be administered via skin patches or nasal inhalers, making the need for injections of insulin obsolete. Moreover, with the completion of the Human Genome Project, cures for chronic diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer will follow suit.
•  Laser treatment for vision correction will become more commonplace and more affordable. On the horizon: Surgically implanted contact lenses and light sensitive microchips for age related blindness.
•  Vasectomies will become outdated as advances in male contraception are made with sperm-neutralizing vaccines.
• Advances in infertility will include the gestation of an embryo in an artificial womb that mimics the natural womb environment.
•  Replacement parts for our aging body will be available, from artificial eyes, ears, hips and knees that last for 50 years instead of the present 10.
• In 50 years, it is conceivable that limbs, joints and even faces will be “grown” or replicated replacing the need for artificial parts. This includes lab grown breast tissue to replace breasts lost to cancer.
• Intellectual immortality will be possible through the development of multiple memory chips that will store an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and memories.
• Gene therapy, stem cell therapy, growth factors as well as advances in laser technology and skincare will make wrinkling and sun damaged skin obsolete. An oral sunblock will be likely be the standard of care for UV protection.
• The future of anti-aging medical therapies is already here. Start living a healthy life now so that you can take advantage of these emerging and exciting anti-aging technologies. Always remember though that true health and real beauty first begins within.

 By: Leigh Green

I never thought I would end up with a broken marriage. Years ago I resigned myself into believing that the way it was, was as much as life and marriage had to offer.Yet as my children aged, life was beginning to look bleaker.  Did I want to continue to live feeling unhappy, unfulfilled and stressed out?  Or was I brave enough to make a change? After 25 years of marriage and headed toward my 53rd birthday, I decided it was time to take control of my life.

I realized I had to change

In looking back I can see that the first step in my journey is when I sought therapy for myself.  My family had been in turmoil for many years and we had tried family therapy, but it didn’t work because I was the only one fully engaged.  My spouse didn’t see himself as part of the problem. When I started I was sad and depressed, but soon realized that I didn’t have to make any big decisions. I took baby steps. I began to reconnect with myself and learn that it was okay to have boundaries. I found my voice and learned that you can’t change someone else; you can only work on changing yourself.

I found support

The stronger I became, the less tolerant I became of bad behavior from my spouse and the more I began to disconnect emotionally from the marriage.  This past January I began to work with a life coach, even though at first I didn’t know what I wanted.  I knew that I was very unhappy, but not why I remained.  Slowly, we began to peel back the layers and I was finally able to admit to myself that it was time to make a change.  I had given it everything I had and it was okay to leave.

But with this realization came great fear. How would I take care of myself? Where would I live?  How would I manage?  What about the kids?  My pets?  My finances? How was I going to do it?

My coach helped me get informed and prepare a plan.  First, I attended a local divorce workshop. I wasn’t 100% positive I was going to file, but I wanted information and needed to educate myself if I chose this path.  I was told to compile financial information, accounts, tax returns, passwords, safety deposit box, personal bank accounts, etc.  Next, I met with a divorce attorney. I brought the gathered information and a list of questions.  He gave me clarity and ease. My coach was right, knowledge is power and helped minimize the fear.

I worked on fnding my wings

I had been in a home I loved for 19 years. But the house was too big for me and would require a lot of money and upkeep.  Would I be OK leaving? One scary yet liberating weekend I decided to find out and went searching for an apartment. I found one that was beautiful, would take pets, could accommodate myself and my youngest child (my older two were already living on their own) and was manageable on a small budget. It was time to leap. I put in an application and planned a move a couple of months later so as not to disrupt my child’s school term.

Suddenly, my world began to open up.  It became impossible to stay in the relationship and I broke the news to my spouse and children.  It was painful and probably the hardest day of my life.

A few months have passed. I feel happy, peaceful and finally free.  Daily challenges arise, but I work through them with the support team that I’ve created: my coach, attorney, family and amazing friends.

I chose to share my experience publicly because I have heard from others who are unhappy in their relationship and are not sure there are options. There are. Don’t give up: Surround yourself with a support team and do your homework. It will be painful. It won’t be easy. But, like me, you probably will never go back. The journey continues and I am ready to fly.

‘Leigh Green’ is a pseudonym used to protect her family. However, her experience is very real. You can reach her c/o editor@pureblissmag.com