Aging is a natural process that can be delayed, according to professor Jesus Tresguerres, university professor of Endocrinology at Universidad Complutense de Madrid .

According to this investigator, in age there are as many genetic factors as changes in the own organism 'on which we can act'. Aging produces a series of corporal transformations and a progressive decrease of the physiological functions. It -ageing- increases the fatty matter, the muscular volume is reduced and a general deterioration of all functions takes place - cardiovascular, respiratory, kidneys, etc.

The most widespread and accepted theory to explain all this processes is the one of oxidative stress, according to which, with age the organism generates, on one hand, more free radicals that have the power to oxidize us little by little, which makes us age; and on the other hand, the immunological system produces a minor number of anti-oxidative substances, which limits our protection against aging ", indicated professor Tresguerres.

The research carried out by this expert in the last eight years have shown that the speed of the aging can be modified making reversible -partially- some characteristics of this deterioration. 'Thus, with certain treatments we have demonstrated that we can recover partially all functions: the skin regenerates, the immune capacity increases, memory loss is reduced, etc'.

The anti-aging therapy is based fundamentally on the adoption of healthful life habits. 'These habits are centered, on the one hand, in accomplishment of an easy physical exercise (walk, swim, cycle, run) three times per week; in the restriction of calories ingestion (in experimental treatments the reduction of 30% calories has been associated to a 50% increase in survival); the consumption of fruits and vegetables, mainly those that contain vitamin C and E; and reduction of toxic habits such as tobacco and alcohol; and if necessary -in some cases- certain compounds like melatonin or others hormones is advised'

It is advised to initiate the anti-aging therapies around 50 years of age. Like professor Tresguerres points out 'it is not the same to initiate this treatment at the age of 80 than at the age of 50. We can prevent a slight deterioration and even modify it but an aggravated process cannot be stopped. In addition, the evidence indicates to us that the sooner it begins, the better results are obtained'

Tresguerres indicated that the purpose is not about living more years, but about those years that we are going to live be better lived and with greater and better quality.