Expert: Walter Hintz - 7/28/2005

Question
    I would like to know if the speed in which a persons metabolism could affect the rate at which that person ages.  For example, if a person were to happen to have a real slow metabolism rate could this possibly cause his aging process to slow down considerably?  Also, if a person were to have a really fast rate of metabolism for some reason could this possibly speed up his aging process substantially as well.  I was just wondering for example if this could explain why some people who are in thier 60s may appear to be in their 40s, and vice a versa.  Thank you.

Sincerely,
Daniel E. Knott

Answer
Hi Dan
 There appears to be a relationship between metabolic rate and aging. Studies have been conducted with many vertebrates and it would appear to be so.  Compare a fast moving short lived hummingbird with a giant tortoise that lives over 100 years. Studies of bats show the relationship.
 There are so many factors involved in human aging however that it is not quite as clear.  If you type in "aging and metabolism" at google you can find a few articles on the subject.