Nutrition & Wellness – Biology 50

Twin Study offers Some Tips on Aging

October 23, 2009

Interesting studies of twins published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery shows how environment, lifestyle choices and stress can affect the aging process in identical twins.

The first study, “Factor Contributing to the Facial Aging of Identical Twins” published in final form in the April 2009 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, suggests that despite genetic make-up, certain environmental factors can add years to a person’s perceived age. In this study, divorce and antidepressant use associated with a significantly older appearance. Interestingly in twins who were less than 40 years old, the heavier twin was perceived as being older, while in those groups over 40 years old, the heavier twin appeared younger.

Watch the video clip (after the ad) from the LA Station about this new study, factors such as smoking, sun exposure, stress and dieting play a role in the aging process.

Factors affecting Aging:

• Divorce
• Stress
• Sun Exposure
• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Weight Gain – varies depending on the age

You can watch another report from ABC news at their website.

Resources

Salamone G. October 2009. Study of identical twins reveals how habits like smoking and tanning can dramatically age skin. NY Daily News.
Cloud J. February 2009. Twins and Aging: How Not to Look Old. Time.com
Press Release. February 2009. Divorce, Antidepressants, or Weight Gain/Loss Can Add Years to Your Face: ASPS Twins Study Finds Environmental Factors Trump Genetics in Facial Aging. Press Release. American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Entry Filed under: Health, Health News, Weight Management, Wellness. Tags: Anti-aging, Lifestyle Choices, Smoking and Aging, Stress Management, Successful Aging, Sun Exposure.