In our Grandmother’s day, a 36-year-old woman was at the threshold of old age. Today, Christie Brinkley, who turned 65 last month, proves that female sensuality has a longer shelf-life than ever thought possible, while Betty White and Dick Van Dyke (the former turns 97 this month, the latter turned 94 last month) are proving that Hollywood careers can last longer than ever thought possible.
Yet, our obsession with aging—or rather, not aging—is more intense than ever before. New advertisements for the latest time-trapping cream or supplement crop up monthly adding to the pressure to look and feel young while helping to plump up anti-aging industry profits. But which products really work and which just have clever marketing strategies?
What’s more, since the latest studies prove something we all know anyway—that smiling more and worrying less equate to a long, healthy life—do we really need to spend our hard-earned cash on expensive supplements and exotic juices we can barely pronounce?
Well, if you’re like most of us, your game plan includes both smiling and paying out of pocket occasionally—as long as it’s worth it. So, read on to find out what really works in the chase for better health and longer life, and what’s just hype. While you’re at it, find out which anti-aging products might actually be harmful and what you might be avoiding that may be good for you.
Anti-Aging Facts and Myths
Human Growth Hormone
Myth: HGH (Human Growth Hormone) is a safe, natural way to slow the hands of time and stave off signs of aging.
Fact: Human studies involving HGH supplements do report an increase in muscle mass, strengthening of the immune system, and increased libido. But while humans report feeling better, the results in studies with mice suggest that higher GH levels will not prolong life. Furthermore, human studies suggest a sort of supernova effect: HGH makes you feel great but might actually diminish your lifespan since it has been proven that HGH will cause cancerous cells to grow and spread faster.
“I’ve seen obvious differences in people’s appearance,” says Dr. Catherine Arvantely, an anti-aging specialist in Newport Beach who is listed in Susanne Sommers’ books. “Less wrinkles, a more youthful appearance, people have even reported gray hairs turning black,” she says. “But I don’t prescribe HGH for my patients. You’re playing with fire.”
Dr. Helen Pensanti, a holistic anti-aging specialist, also of Newport Beach, agrees. “There’s a disease that is caused by the body producing too much HGH called acromegaly,” she says. “Your ears, nose, and chin continue to grow.”
