Are You Regenerating or Degenerating? (Hint: It’s Not About Your Age)
Janine sat across from me, chin in hand, eyes tired. “I just don’t feel like myself anymore,” she said. “I’m exhausted, not sleeping well, and I just don’t care about much lately.” I gently asked her a few questions, and she sighed deeply before adding, “Well, I am 32, you know.”
I burst out laughing. “Buckle up, sweetheart! You’ve got decades ahead – and this is not what they have to look like!”
Janine isn’t alone in thinking that age defines our vitality. But let me ask you: Are you REgenerating or DEgenerating? Because the answer has nothing to do with your age – and everything to do with how you live.
Your Cells Are Talking – Are You Listening?
Here’s the deal: Your body is made of organs, your organs are made of tissues, and your tissues are made of cells. Health begins – always – at the cellular level. And every bite you take, every step you skip or make, every thought you dwell on… it’s either building you up, keeping you stagnant, or breaking you down.
The beautiful truth? Regeneration is always possible.
Proof in the People: Meet Sally
My friend Sally is in her mid-80s. She races sailboats. Single-handedly renovated her lakeside cottage. Runs a stunning Victorian Airbnb. Sally doesn’t slow down – she speeds up with purpose. She’s living proof that regeneration doesn’t retire.
The Science of Rejuvenation
Research shows that your cells are constantly renewing – your gut lining every 5 days, your skin every 27, and your red blood cells every 3 months. Even your brain, once thought to stop growing after childhood, continues to form new neurons and neural pathways throughout life – especially when stimulated by breath work, gratitude, and movement like yoga.
Practices That Fuel Regeneration
- 🧘♀️ Yoga harmonizes yin and yang, balancing energy and hormones.
- 🌬 Deep breathing and gratitude journaling lower cortisol and spark new brain connections.
- 🏃♀️ Strength training at any age builds lean muscle and reverses decline (as I shared in my last article!).
- 🍽 Intermittent fasting activates autophagy, the body’s natural cell cleanup and renewal process.
- 🥗 Whole, unprocessed foods loaded with phytonutrients feed your mitochondria – your cells’ power plants.
Supplements That Support Cellular Regeneration
- 🧠 Omega-3 fatty acids – Fuel brain cell regeneration, reduce inflammation, and support heart health.
- 💊 CoQ10 – Powers up your mitochondria, supporting energy production and heart function.
- 🍄 Lion’s Mane Mushroom – Shown to stimulate the growth of new neurons and support brain repair.
- 💚 Magnesium – Vital for over 300 biochemical reactions, including cellular repair, relaxation, and detoxification.
- 🌿 Resveratrol – A powerful antioxidant that activates anti-aging genes and mimics some benefits of fasting.
Even things like grounding – walking barefoot or using a grounding mat – help discharge excess electromagnetic energy and lower inflammation.
And Then There’s the Degeneration Side…
On the flip side, certain choices accelerate decline:
- 🛋 Inactivity weakens muscles and slows metabolism.
- 🧂 Processed foods and industrial oils (like canola) inflame your cells.
- 🍖 Meats laced with antibiotics and hormones disrupt your gut and hormones.
- 🧴 Everyday products – shampoos, toothpastes, and cleaners – often contain hormone-disrupting chemicals.
- 😴 Poor sleep hinders your body’s repair systems.
- 😔 Lack of social connection increases the risk of cognitive decline and early death more than smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Nature knows best – get outside, soak up sunlight, walk, connect, breathe. These simple acts have powerful ripple effects on your biology.
So… Are You Rebuilding or Breaking Down?
That’s the question I’ll be answering more deeply in my new free webinar:
If you ever wondered if it’s too late to feel vibrant, clear-minded and truly well, this is for you. I created a beautiful heart-felt video class where I will share some of the most powerful natural shifts that helped me – and now help thousands of other women reignite their energy and joy after 50.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
When you consider the above points, do you think you are regenerating or degenerating? How are you supporting the renewal of your body on a daily basis?
Tags Healthy Aging
Is resveratrol a supplement? I remember talk years ago about drinking red wine for resveratrol, but I’m not much of a drinker. The best restorative for me these days is gentle exercise, walking, and swimming, especially outdoors. Thanks for this lovely article.
You are most welcome! You don’t need to become a drinker -and your much further ahead if you take resveratrol as a supplement! Red wine provides about 1 mg of resveratrol per glass while supplementing can add 100-500mg depending on the brand you choose. One of the most potent antioxidants there is you’ll find resveratrol helpful for heart health, brain support, blood sugar and insulin balance and anti-aging (repairs your cells. Your routine sounds great! Good for you!
I am a 67 yr old nurse still working though part time.i find my pt that are Medicare age are doing with Regen and Degen. The happy pt that are Regenerating are happier and in better health even at 91! It’s a choice. Great article!
Spot on, Toni! You are so right …overcoming, regenerating and moving forward is always going to serve us well. It’s not always easy….but, it’s certainly worth it! Thank you for the kind words!
This article is so informative! I love finding all the elements you discuss in one place. Thank you!
Thank you, Deb! I’ve at this natural health gig for about 30+ years so there is always a lot swimming in my head! SO much new information coming out, too. I appreciate your kind words!
No, you can absolutely regenerate at any age! You are not a pet and are worthy and valuable. Watch my webinar and learn mor about how I can help…I’ve had two hip surgeries, two fractures, bed bound, etc. one of those sad stories we all have. I’d love to have you in our Wise Women of Wellness Community…designed to empower you to have a stronger body, mind, healthy home and heart. You are wanted :) You can learn more about me and WWW on the website below.
I am degenerating. I have a Masters degree in Gerontology! I have never had the opportunity to use the knowledge and now I think I never will. No one wants a 63 year old woman, not one who was recently diagnosed with advanced osteoarthritis in the shoulder- right shoulder and right handed.
if I was a pet, I would be euthanasised.
It’s hard living with pain. I have arthritis in many places too. But each day I take small steps to care and challenge myself. Be kind to yourself. Wishing you well.
I have dealt with pain from rheumatoid arthritis in my twenties and thirties and was healed after making many dietary and environmental changes which I believe were I inspired by the Holy Spirit. I received many answers to prayers for healing and the healing was a gradual process.
Now, I am in my 70’s and have overcome cancer twenty years ago and overcome knee problems.
You still have so much to offer.
Even a dog with your problems could be an incredible emotional support animal.
Think of the needs of the elderly that you studied and what you could offer. Start visiting elderly people and you b may find a new job or vocation. Sending encouragement that you can do something and it is important that you try.
Wise words indeed. :)
Oh, sweetie, you are special! I wish we were neighbors with all your knowledge, we could help each other. 🩷