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Although the term CUPID in this book may conjure up amorous images it is actually an acronym, relating to medicine, which stands for a biological reality that we all face, viz., "continuous, universal, progressive, intrinsic and deleterious" process that leads to sagging skin, greying hair, loss of muscle, faulty memory, slower reactions and enfeebled libido etc.
These changes are inevitable and irreversible, and eventually lead to death. However, the severity of these mutations varies from person to person. As yet, no scientific agreement exists as to the true nature of the ageing process. Several theories have been propounded from time to time to explain the phenomenon. For example, the Error Theory assumes that ageing results from the accumulation of random genetic damage or from errors in the flow of genetic information that reduce or prevent proper cell function. In cellular research the Hayflick Effect indicates that ageing is programmed into cells. Some human cells in a tissue culture are capable of only a limited number of cell divisions before they die. There are physiological theories too that focus on organ systems and their inter-relationships.
Again, the social and behavioral theorists prefer to factor in such elements as individual, environmental and social circumstances.
There could be any number of reasons that trigger off or hasten these changes. These could be genetic, various diseases, stress and/or environmental trauma. To these Kumar adds such factors as smoking, drinking alcohol, sedentary lifestyle, pollution, over-exposure to sun, inadequate sleep and dietary imbalance etc.
The author asserts that owing to a dramatic rise in life expectancy chronic and degenerative diseases have replaced infectious diseases as main causes of death. This has naturally given a fillip to the anti-ageing industry. After all it is only human to desire a long life without having to suffer the infirmities and indignities of old age. Hence the growing demand for concoctions that would enhance and sustain youthful looks and vigour. In order to cater to this demand the market is being flooded with health foods, creams, lotions and other nutrient-rich preparations that promise to delay, if not prevent or reverse completely, the onset of ageing.
Then we have New Age Gurus retailing a mix of mantras, meditation and medicine to de-stress one’s body and mind. But ageing is a serious problem and needs a well-intentioned, scientific approach that may ensure active life for the greying humanity. This is precisely the reason why the WHO has come up with a set of suggestions to combat or even reverse the problems associated with gerontologics.
Kumar suggests such inputs as eating Omega 3-fat-rich foods, including linseeds and oily fish, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like blueberries, blackberries and bilberries that are good for the health of brain. He has written a separate chapter on anti-ageing food, detailing the nutritional values of individual fruits and vegetables.
He has also devoted an entire chapter to various strategies to combat the ageing process. These include certain upgrades in social skills, personal lifestyle, intake of certain vitamins and minerals, immunisation against different infections etc. In another chapter on advances in anti-ageing medicine he discusses the need for using super-hormones to fight hormonal deficiency among the young. He also discusses, albeit briefly, such new therapies as magnet therapy, ozone therapy, use of acarbose for diabetics, adrafinil and modafinil to stimulate brain, and several other remedies.
Similarly, in separate chapters, he dwells upon the benefits of caloric restriction, the pros and cons of using human growth hormones, the relationship between ageing and skin-care, the ill effects of obesity, prevention of ill-health in old age etc. However, it is the chapter on futuristic technologies that should hold one’s interest.
This book is so structured as to be useful to professionals and the health-conscious alike.
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