Why do we have to age?

Aging is likely caused by a combination of reasons. Some theories suggest cells have a predetermined lifespan, while others claim it's caused by error and damage. Other theories say that aging is due to genetic, evolution, or biochemical reactions.

healthline.com - Why Do We Age, and Can Anything Be Done to Stop or Slow it?

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Share on Pinterest Getty Images/AleksandarNakic Aging refers to the physiological changes we experience during our lifespan. It’s also an inevitable part of life. After all, our cells aren’t made to last forever. The structures and functions in our cells decline over time. But why does this happen? For decades, scientists have been studying the subject. There are currently more than 300 theories on why we age, and experts are learning more every day. Let’s explore why humans age, and how you can slow down the effects. Types of aging Aging can be categorized into two types and due to two types of factors, intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic aging vs. extrinsic aging Intrinsic aging is a genetically predetermined process that occurs naturally. Extrinsic aging is a result of outside factors chose by you, such as where you live, your stress levels, and your lifestyle habits (like smoking). Cellular aging Cellular aging is due to intrinsic factors. It’s related to the biological aging of cells. Cells are the basic building blocks of the body. Your cells are programmed to divide, multiply, and perform basic biological functions. But the more cells divide, the older they get. In turn, cells eventually lose their ability to function properly. Cellular damage also increases as cells get older. This makes the cell less healthy, causing biological processes to fail. Cellular damage accumulates over time, too. Damage-related and environmental aging Damage-related and environmental aging is related to extrinsic factors. It refers to how our surroundings and lifestyle affect how we age. This includes factors like: air pollution

tobacco smoke

alcohol consumption

malnutrition

ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure Over time, these factors can damage our cells and contribute to aging. Everyone experiences both types of aging. However, each form of aging varies from person to person, which explains why we age in different ways. Theories on aging It’s generally accepted that aging is caused by multiple processes, rather than one reason. It’s also likely that these processes interact and overlap with each other. Here are some of the most prominent theories: Programmed theories of aging Programmed aging theories say that people are designed to age and that our cells have a predetermined lifespan that’s encoded into our bodies. Also called active, or adaptive, aging theories, they include: Gene theory. This theory suggests that specific genes turn “on” and “off” over time, causing aging. This theory suggests that specific genes turn “on” and “off” over time, causing aging. Endocrine theory. According to this theory, aging is caused by changes in hormones, which are produced by the endocrine system. According to this theory, aging is caused by changes in hormones, which are produced by the endocrine system. Immunological theory. Also called the autoimmune theory, this is the idea that the immune response is designed to decline. The result is disease and aging. Programmed theories have many supporters. However, they suggest that habits linked to longevity, like quitting smoking and exercise, are useless. This is likely inaccurate, as research has continuously proven that these habits affect life expectancy. Error theories of aging Error theories, or damage theories, are the opposite of programmed theories. They hypothesize that aging is caused by cellular changes that are random and unplanned. Error theories of aging include: Wear and tear theory. This is the idea that cells break down and become damaged over time. But critics argue that it doesn’t account for the body’s ability to repair. This is the idea that cells break down and become damaged over time. But critics argue that it doesn’t account for the body’s ability to repair. Genome instability theory . According to this theory, aging happens because the body loses its ability to repair DNA damage.

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. According to this theory, aging happens because the body loses its ability to repair DNA damage. Cross-linkage theory . This theory claims that aging is due to the buildup of cross-linked proteins, which damages cells and slows biological functions. . This theory claims that aging is due to the buildup of cross-linked proteins, which damages cells and slows biological functions. Rate-of-living theory. Proponents of this theory say that an organism’s rate of metabolism determines its lifespan. However, the theory lacks solid and consistent scientific evidence. Proponents of this theory say that an organism’s rate of metabolism determines its lifespan. However, the theory lacks solid and consistent scientific evidence. Free radical theory . This theory suggests that aging is due to the buildup of oxidative stress, which is caused by free radicals. But some say this theory fails to explain other types of cellular damage seen in aging. . This theory suggests that aging is due to the buildup of oxidative stress, which is caused by free radicals. But some say this theory fails to explain other types of cellular damage seen in aging. Mitochondrial theory. As a variation of the free radical theory, this theory says that mitochondrial damage releases free radicals and causes aging. The theory lacks hard scientific evidence. Genetic theory of aging The genetic theory proposes that aging primarily depends on genetics. In other words, our life expectancy is regulated by the genes we got from our parents. Since genes have predetermined traits, it’s thought this theory overlaps with programmed theories of aging. Genetic theories include: Telomere theory. Telomeres protect the ends of your chromosomes as they multiply. Over time, telomeres shorten, which is associated with disease and aging. Telomeres protect the ends of your chromosomes as they multiply. Over time, telomeres shorten, which is associated with disease and aging. Programmed senescence theory. Cellular senescence occurs when cells stop dividing and growing, but don’t die. This theory suggests that this causes aging. Cellular senescence occurs when cells stop dividing and growing, but don’t die. This theory suggests that this causes aging. Stem cell theory. Stem cells can turn into other cells, which helps repair tissue and organs. But the function of stem cells declines over time, potentially contributing to aging. Stem cells can turn into other cells, which helps repair tissue and organs. But the function of stem cells declines over time, potentially contributing to aging. Longevity gene theory. This is the idea that certain genes extend lifespan. More research is necessary. The limitation of genetic theories is that they disregard the importance of external factors. In fact, it’s estimated that just 25 percent of lifespan is influenced by genetics. This suggests that environmental and lifestyle factors play a major role. Evolutionary theory of aging Natural selection refers to the adaptive traits of an organism. These traits can help the organism adjust to their environment, so they’re more likely to survive. According to evolutionary theories, aging is based on natural selection. It says that an organism begins aging after they have reached their peak of reproduction and have passed down adaptive traits. Evolutionary theories include: Mutation accumulation. This theory presumes that random mutations accumulate later in life. This theory presumes that random mutations accumulate later in life. Antagonistic pleiotropy . According to this theory, genes that promote fertility early in life have negative effects later on.

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. According to this theory, genes that promote fertility early in life have negative effects later on. Disposable soma theory. The theory claims that when more metabolic resources are directed toward reproduction, the less is put toward DNA repair. The result is cell damage and aging. These theories are still being researched and require more evidence. Biochemical theory of aging Another theory is that biochemical reactions cause aging. These reactions occur naturally and continuously throughout life. This theory is rooted in various concepts, including: Advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs develop when fats or protein are exposed to sugar. High levels may lead to oxidative stress, which speeds up aging. AGEs develop when fats or protein are exposed to sugar. High levels may lead to oxidative stress, which speeds up aging. Heat shock response . Heat shock proteins protect cells from stress, but their response decreases as we age. . Heat shock proteins protect cells from stress, but their response decreases as we age. Damage accumulation. Normal chemical reactions damage DNA, proteins, and metabolites over time. Why do life expectancies increase? In recent decades, life expectancy around the world has increased. This is due many factors, including: better nutrition

improved hygiene

access to health care

improvements in modern medicine These factors can protect our cells and reduce cellular damage, increasing life expectancy.

healthline.com - Why Do We Age, and Can Anything Be Done to Stop or Slow it?

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