The Secret to Aging (or Not): Telomeres, Stress, and the Mammootty Mystery

One of my friends became curious about why actor Mammootty, even at 75, shows almost no signs of aging. His research led him to a fascinating conclusion: telomeres.

Telomeres are the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that prevent genetic material from deteriorating as cells divide. Essentially, they act like the plastic tips on shoelaces, keeping our DNA from unraveling.

So, does telomere length help us slow down or even defy aging? The answer is—yes! Healthy habits such as eating well, exercising, managing stress, and getting quality sleep can slow telomere shortening, keeping cells healthier for longer.

Now, we’ve all seen interviewers throw the same question at Mammootty:

"Why don’t you age?"
And he casually shrugs it off with, "It’s in my genes."

Could he be referring to telomeres?

We know for sure, he might be following a healthy lifestyle—eating right, exercising, and hopefully getting good sleep. But what about stress? How does he manage that? 😉

On the flip side, I know people much younger than Mammootty who are so good at sleeping—that they do it with their eyes closed. Their telomeres seem to be in trouble, making them look far older than him.

Then, there’s another group of people who seem to treat stress like a daily ritual. Smiling and laughter? A strict no. Their lives revolve around regrets:

They drink but regret not being able to stop.
They have families but feel misunderstood.
They have degrees but struggle with unemployment.
They have food, clothing, and shelter yet worry about financial instability.
They battle depression with no one to confide in.

And what’s their solution? Kreupasanam—the latest retreat sensation in Kerala. Here’s how it works: You walk in with problems, and instead of a solution, you walk out with a contract—the Kreupasanam Udambadi—where you pledge to give up sin, attend regular retreats, and spread the word of Jesus. (I know this firsthand because my WhatsApp is now a subscription service for daily online prayers from family and friends.)

But here’s the catch—failing to uphold this agreement is believed to bring the wrath of God. Imagine seeking a solution to your problems and leaving with a contract that demands daily commitment, adding even more stress.

More rules, more fear, more stress—basically, a fast-track to telomere destruction.

Nisha Kurian (O'Rodha)

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