How Depression Affects Accelerated Aging

How Depression Affects Accelerated Aging

For those of you that believe that depression affects only your mind, you are thoroughly mistaken. There are researchers that study this mental disorder and relate it to what is now classified as “accelerated aging.” Accelerated aging means developing or being at risk at a young age of conditions normally associated with older people like heart disease, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, stroke, dementia, osteoporosis, and type II diabetes. And depression is a major culprit.

For example, early research on the brain scans of older people with depression showed faster age-related loss of volume in the brain, compared with people without depression. Factors contributed to depression and accelerated aging appears include behaviors like smoking, diet, and lack of exercise.

Current research on telomere length (the protective coverings at the end of chromosomes-and related to aging) find that the shortened length of telomeres is related to an increased risk of disease and mortality. Further, research has also shown that telomeres length is associated with depression, childhood trauma and other conditions. Not only that, individuals that have more bouts with depression have shorter telomeres, which leads to the eventual stopping of cell division. When that happens, it’s all over.

Simply put, depression makes you sicker because it makes your cells age prematurely. So, I believe that lifestyle can help ward off depression. And if you ward off depression, you will likely not only live longer but better. For me, some of the key variables for better health include exercise. I run even though running is difficult. I must admit I like this form of aerobic exercise. I also incorporate goals. This means I’m looking forward to the future-it could be running with Tony, competing in a running event or even thinking about what trail to run. Exercise also provides meaning for me. It’s not the only thing that provides meaning, but it’s important.

I must admit that running, being healthy, being in good condition contributes to well-being and how I think about myself. So thinking, positive about self is a good mental exercise. All these factors (aerobic exercise, goals, looking to the future, having meaning in my life, eliminating irrational thoughts positive self-esteem) push away depression.

So when I say, keep moving, laughing, smiling, loving, bonding and appreciating, I walk the walk; if you know what I mean.

Article found in the Wall Street Journal April 10, 2012.