Claudia Sheinbaum makes history as Mexico's first female President

Environmental scientist, Jewish and on the side of the poor, the first woman elected to the Presidency of Mexico is already causing a lot of talk about herself. And we like it

Claudia Sheinbaum first female president of Mexico

Dra. Claudia Sheinbaum/X

In a pioneering victory, climate scientist Claudia Sheinbaum has been elected as the first female and first Jewish President of Mexico. The election has been heralded as one of the largest in Mexican history, featuring record voter turnout and the most seats ever contested.

A historic milestone

During her victory speech, Sheinbaum emphasized the collective effort behind her success.

“I did not get here on my own; we all arrived here together—our heroines who built the nation, our ancestors, our mothers, our daughters, and our granddaughters,” she stated, underlining the significance of the historical moment.

Election dynamics

Initial exit polls had predicted a clear win for Sheinbaum, who at 61 years old, emerged victorious in what has been called the “largest election in the history of Mexico“. This election was particularly notable for featuring not just one, but two women vying to lead one of the world’s largest nations, predominantly Catholic.

Este es el triunfo del pueblo de México, de la revolución pacífica de las conciencias y el reconocimiento de nuestro pueblo a que es claro el mandato de continuar y avanzar con la Cuarta Transformación de la Vida Pública de México. pic.twitter.com/S7kt0LdnW3

— Dra. Claudia Sheinbaum (@Claudiashein) June 3, 2024

Background and political path

Born in Mexico City to a Jewish family with roots in Lithuania and Bulgaria, Claudia Sheinbaum is a physicist, engineer, and researcher. She entered politics as a member of the cabinet of then Mexico City’s head of government, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), from 2000 to 2006, serving as the Secretary of the Environment. During this period, she championed significant initiatives like the Metrobús system and an urban reforestation program.

In 2007, she contributed to the work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize that year. Sheinbaum served as the head of Mexico City’s government from 2018 to 2023 and has authored over 100 articles and several books on energy, the environment, and sustainable development.

Vision for the future

Sheinbaum’s campaign, under the slogan “For the good of all, the poor first“, aims to address economic inequalities with measures like raising the minimum wage, providing scholarships, and ensuring pensions for women over 60. She has committed to lifting 7.5 million citizens out of extreme poverty by 2030.

The question remains: Will she succeed?

Slowing down the processes of biological aging is possible by putting into practice healthy longevity habits from today and letting our chronological age be nothing more than a number

Every year, we add another candle to our birthday cake, feeling increasingly older, especially after we’ve passed those years when we were eager to grow up and become adults. However, our chronological age may not be as significant in terms of life quality and expectancy as our biological or epigenetic age, which could have an even greater impact on our health and longevity.

Chronological age vs. biological age

Chronological age, or the actual time a person has been alive, differs from biological age, which is a more intricate concept that considers an individual’s physical health, functionality, and molecular profile. This age can be gauged through “epigenetic clocks” based on DNA chemical modifications like methylation, starting from the embryonic stage and continuing to affect our biology throughout life.

These clocks can be influenced by the wear and tear the body undergoes, with aging seen as an inevitable result of processes necessary for development and maintenance. However, some scientists view aging as a disease that might be “curable.”

Understanding biological aging factors

Methylation

Methylation, a process where methyl groups attach to DNA affecting gene expression, plays a key role in the epigenetic clock. Higher levels of methylation in specific body areas are linked to accelerated aging. Factors like smoking can increase methylation, while a healthy diet and exercise can slow this decay process.

DNA Damage

Accumulated DNA damage is another critical factor in aging, disrupting essential cellular processes and leading to premature aging. As we age and cells continually divide, telomeres (the protective ends of chromosomes) shorten, heightening the risk of diseases and early death.

Environment and pollution

Beyond genetics, the environment significantly impacts biological aging. Predictably, exposure to pollutants and other environmental stressors, as well as limited contact with natural environments, can accelerate cellular decay processes. While we have little control over genetics, we can modify our environment to slow epigenetic aging, such as reducing exposure to pollutants, increasing nature walks, or moving to less polluted cities.

Nutrition’s role in aging

“We are what we eat,” and it’s no surprise that our diet plays a crucial role in determining our biological age. Numerous studies have shown that a diet low in sugars, fats, processed foods, and red meats is key to healthy aging, free from chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

Reversing biological aging

Currently, there is no magic pill to reverse aging. However, lifestyle changes—such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management—can significantly impact. Understanding and influencing the factors that determine biological aging could allow us to live longer, healthier lives. Research continues to explore new ways to measure and intervene in this complex process, offering hope for the future of anti-aging medicine.

Meanwhile, we recommend adopting good longevity habits that, in addition to providing a healthy life now, offer great prospects for future longevity:

Healthy diet: Emphasizing fruits, vegetables, fibers, and whole grains, and drastically reducing processed foods, added sugars, and red meats.
Regular exercise: Tailored to one’s age and capabilities.
Healthy sleep routine: At least 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night.
Proper daily hydration.
Stress reduction: Through practices like journaling, yoga, and meditation.
Smoking cessation.
Limited alcohol consumptio

The article draws upon studies published and recommendations from international institutions and/or experts. We do not make claims in the medical-scientific field and report the facts as they are. Sources are indicated at the end of each article.

Claudia Sheinbaum makes history as Mexico’s first female President