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Causes of Aging
Theories, factors and other pertinent info on aging!
Presentation brought to you by:
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!