Age Management is the science of utilizing the genes we have inherited at their most optimal potential, in order to improve our health and quality of life on a daily basis.

It focuses on how we can help our genes work more efficiently, especially enhancing the body’s ability to repair damage to our DNA, the source of our genetic blueprint. It is the core of a 5 Step Age Management Program (as outlined in The Anti-Aging Solution), designed particularly for the spa market and spa clientele. It includes the following:.

1. Reduce Stress
2. Nourish the Genes
3. Exercise the Genes
4. Supplement the Genes
5. Optimize Skin Renewal

The Age Management program explains each of these steps, and then shows how they fit into a daily schedule. We can’t change our nature or genetic inheritance, but we can nurture our “genes” to positively effect how we age. IIIWe have been conditioned to believe we are programmed to age and die, but in reality we are programmed for self repair and greater longevity than we believe.

Step 1
Reducing Stress

Stress is a normal part of life, and a certain amount is essential for survival. It allows us to respond appropriately to approaching danger or mount a defense against bacteria or viruses. The primary source of stress in modern day society is associated with time urgency from an overcrowded schedule that bombards us with constant stimuli and interruptions of thoughts. While multi-tasking, we are denied the opportunity to be in the “present moment”, which leads to subtle but chronic changes in hormonal levels, primarily cortisol.

Cortisol has been dubbed “the age-accelerating hormone.” The main function of cortisol is to inhibit the effects of stress, and reduce inflammation in case of injury, and, indeed, the drug cortisone is used for that purpose. However, as we age, cortisol levels rise undesirably. The more stressful the lifestyle and the poorer our diet, the higher the cortisol levels. High cortisol levels are directly related to 11 major factors in aging:

• Collagen and elastin protein breakdown in skin, joint, bone and muscle tissue
• Memory loss and nervous system damage
• Decreased immune function
• Increased pro-inflammatory signaling factors
called eicosaniods
• Fat metabolism disorders reflected in elevated triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low good-to-bad cholesterol ratio
• Body fluid retention and high blood pressure
• Decreased hormonal signaling capability
• Increased hypoglycemia and sugar cravings due to increased insulin levels
• Skin problems, wrinkles, acne, psoriasis, seborrhea, and alopecia (hair loss)
• Decreased cognitive function

Most programs at destination spas begin each day with stress reduction techniques such as meditation, based on the fact that eliminating stress is one of the most important things people can do to age optimally.

Meditation gradually releases the mind from disturbances or confusion, and moves it toward greater calmness, clarity and focus. It has been practiced and perfected as a process for healing and restoring the mind body for centuries. It takes daily work, but soon enables people to free their mind with little effort. Meditation should be practiced at least twice per day, for 15 minutes if possible, upon awakening and before bed.

At both the Spa and home environment, mediation helps begin and end the day with time to experience a place of perfect peace and understanding, and to experience the power of “now”.

This experience will eventually lower cortisol levels. reduce stress, and reducing stress and increase health.

© SPA MANAGEMENT JOURNAL - SEPTEMBER 2004

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