Shape_USA-January-February_2017

You can control how young you look and feel simply by tapping into little-known

power sources in your cells, new research reveals. Telomeres, tiny protein

sheaths on the ends of your chromosomes, help keep your DNA in prime con-

risk of diseases, and a longer life.

But factors like chronic stress, a lack of exercise and sleep, and a poor diet can

cause your telomeres to deteriorate. “If they wear down too much, the genetic

Ph.D., a coauthor of the new book The Telomere Effect. This inhibits your cells’

ability to function properly, which speeds up the aging process, she says.

that within just weeks of making small changes to your lifestyle, your telomeres

improve,” Blackburn says. Read on to learn about the strategic moves that will

lengthen yours and make you even healthier. →

FOREVER YOUNG

Taking steps to

keep your telo-

meres long can

essentially turn

back the clock on

your biological age.

SHAPE.COM JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 1 1 9

Tom Schirmacher/AUGUST