Figure 2.

Metabolic background and mechanisms involved in aging versus healthy longevity. The initiation of aging or anti-aging mechanisms depends on the degree to which the intensity of the stimulation aligns with the coping capacities of the functional metabolic reserves. In general, anti-aging processes are initiated by mild stimulation of the redox reaction and the transition of mitochondria to an active energy state without imposing excessive strain on the cardiovascular system, which is reflected by HRV. The changes in HRV parameters can help to monitor and adjust the dose for various interventions (e.g., intake of dietary ingredients, physical activity, activities involving creativity, learning, and evoking positive emotions), helping to achieve optimal health benefits. FRR—free radical reactions; HRV—heart rate variability; HPA—hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal; HF—high frequency; LF—low frequency; NS—nervous system; ROS—reactive oxygen species; SOD—superoxide dismutase; TP—total power; VLF—very low frequency.