Causes of Aging

Theories, factors and other pertinent info on aging!

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Genetic Theories» Cellular Theory

˃ Damage to DNA alters genetic information; cells are unable to manufacture essential enzymes

» Running Out of Program Theory˃ Limited number of DNA molecules and limited number of cell

divisions controls life span

» Somatic Mutation by Radiation Theory˃ Abnormal chromosomes developed after radiation exposure

control aging

» Error Theory of Aging˃ Accumulation of errors involved in the transmission of DNA

molecules to the final protein product; leads to the death of cells and aging

Quick Q & A on Genetic Aging» Q: What causes the whole body to age?

» A: Aging is the normal result of the genetic plan for our species.

Life Expectancy» Genetic programming to reach biological maturation at fixed

times ˃ Also, to die after a fixed number of years

» Maximum life span for humans is approximately 150 years

Selective Adaptation» Epigenetic theory provides some explanation for primary

aging» In early adulthood, only non-genetic events are likely to

cause death» Genetic diseases that affect older people may be passed

down

Non-Genetic Cellular Theories» Changes take place in cellular proteins after

they are formed, causing cells to die» Deprivation Theory

˃ Aging is caused by vascular changes, depriving cells of oxygen and essential nutrients

» Accumulation Theory˃ Aging results from an accumulation of harmful

substances building up in the cells

» Wear and Tear Theory˃ Cells die after a long use and exposure to stressful

elements

» Free Radical Theory˃ Chemicals called “free radicals” contain a highly activated

state of oxygen that react with other molecules, and this in turn damages cells

» Cross Linkage Theory˃ Bonds develop between molecules and change the

chemical and physical properties causing cells to die

Physiological Theories & Biological Timing» Single Organ System Theory

˃ Aging caused by an unidentified system breaking down

» Endocrine System Theory˃ Hormones control the aging process

» Stress Theory˃ Aging due to the accumulation of stressful living

+ EX: Research has shown that Hawaiian people have longer life expectancy due to living under less stress in a tropical island environment

» Immunological Theory˃ Points to changes in our immune system, which protect the

body from invading bacteria, micro-organisms, and atypical mutant cells

» Control mechanisms theory of the central nervous system

˃ Mechanisms that control the automatic nervous system may function less effectively as we age

Factors That Influence Aging» Mental Activity» Physical Activity» Positive Outlook» Exposure to Excessive Temperatures» Self-Esteem Issues» Life Satisfaction

Factors That Influence the Aging Process» Mental and physical activity» Having a positive outlook» Exposure to excessive temperatures» Self-Esteem Issues» Life Satisfaction

Factors That Cause Aging» Biological “insults”» Environmental factors» Outlook: positive or negative» Genetic inheritance» Life Expectancy

For Additional Information on Aging Issues» Please visit the Los Angeles Aging Advocacy Coalition

(LAAAC) website by clicking the button below ˃ There you will find an abundance of educational information on the aging

community and more!

VISIT LAAAC HERE

Thank you!