The Aging of American Presidents

Feb. 16, 2009 — -- As one of the world's most powerful and influential positions, the American presidency comes with a lot of control and prestige -- but it also can bring premature aging.

According to Dr. Michael Roizen, founder of www.realage.com, presidents can age at a rate of two years for every year they are in office. In honor of President's Day, Roizen has taken a look at the effect the office has on the commander in chief's health.

Teddy Roosevelt

In fact, after he was hospitalized following an assassination attempt, it is reported that he snored so loudly and irregularly — a sign of sleep apnea — that all the other patients in the hospital on his floor couldn't sleep and asked to be moved as far from his room as possible.

You also could see that inner aging in faster development of cardiovascular diseases -- hypertension in particular develops sooner. You see it manifest in heart disease, strokes and even facial aging lines.

George W. Bush

Remember, he had a good exercise program, just as Barack Obama does, but the stress still takes its toll.

George H.W. Bush

But when he came into office, he lost a lot of his friends and was affected by his time in office significantly.

The isolation of the presidency is something that really gets to some of the nation's leaders. They lose their friends just because they don't have time to devote to friendships anymore.

Presidents have confidantes and advisers, but they are each giving them information on a different subject. The only person they have to really talk to and trust is their spouse.

Bill Clinton

Most of the presidents show this arterial aging brought on by stress. Bill Clinton said he's eating better since he had heart surgery, which would help, and he's lost weight.

Barack Obama

President Obama has said he won't smoke in the actual White House, and Eisenhower quit smoking in his first weeks in office, but still seemed to age overnight.

He suffered from hypertension that wasn't adequately treated and had a series of heart attacks and strokes in office.

Obama should remember three very important things:

Remember to reach out to friends in times of crisis. It means you're not turning that stress inwards and that does wonders for stress reduction.

Also, studies have shown that the simple act of expressing gratitude — with thank-you notes or by keeping a gratitude journal — can reduce the aging effect stress has on people by as much as 75 percent.

Finally, exercise. And that's not just because it keeps you healthy; it's because you are channeling your anxiety in healthy ways — not cigarettes, alcohol or food.

Exercise is great, and so is volunteering or religious practice. Taking good care of yourself--whether you're the president or not — can shave real years off of the aging process.