Theories of Aging 1. Biological Theories a.

Genetic Factors

Mutation of DNA Perpetuation of mutation during cell division Increasing number of mutant cells in the body Malfunction of tissues, organs and systems Decline in body functions
b. Radiation

Reapeated exposure to ultraviolet light

Solar elastosis - the "old-age type of skin wrinkling that results from the replacement of collagen by elastin

Cellular mutations

Aging

c. Nutrition i. It is believed that what we eat has significant influence on how we age ii. Deficiencies of vitamins and other nutrients and excess of nutrients such as cholesterol may cause various disease process iii. Complete relationship between diet and aging is not well understood, enough is known to suggest that a good diet may minimize or eliminate some of the ill effects of the aging process d. Environment i. Several environmental factors are known to threaten health and are thought to be associated to the aging process ii. Ingestion of mercury, lead, arsenic, radioactive isotopes, certain pesticides and other substances can produce pathological changes in human beings iii. Smoking and breathing tobacco smoke and other air pollutants have adverse effects iv. Crowded living conditions, high noise levels and other factors are thought to influence how we age e. Cross-Linking i. This theory proposes that cellular division is threatened as a result of a chemical reaction in which a cross linking agents attaches itself into the DNA strand and prevents normal parting of the strands during mitosis. Over time, as these cross-linking agents accumulate, they from dense aggregates that impede intracellular transport; ultimately, the body organ and the systems fail f. Free radicals i. Free radicals are highly reactive molecules generated from oxygen metabolism and are self-perpetuating. These molecules can damage proteins, enzymes and DNA by replacing molecules that contain useful biological information with faulty molecules that create genetic disorder. Physical decline of the body occurs as the damage from these molecules accumulates over time.

g. Lipofuscin i. Also called, age pigments A lipoprotein by product of metabolism. Because lipofuscin is associated with oxidation of unsaturated lipids, it is believed to have similar roles with the free radicals. As they accumulate, they interfere with the diffusion and transport of essential metabolites and information bearing molecules in the cells. h. Autoimmune reactions

Cells undergo changes with age body percieved these cells as foreign substances Antibodies are formed to attack and rid body of foreign substances cells die

Another reason for this reaction could be related to the bodys immunochemical memory system, which causes it to misinterpret normal body constituents.

Cells are normal

Immunochemical memory system dysfunctions and percieve cells as foreign substances

Antibodies are formed to attack and rid body of foreign substances

Cells die

i.

Wear and Tear Theory This theory attributes aging to the wear and tear of the body as it performs its highly specialized functions over time. Like any complicated machine, the body will function less efficiently with prolonged use and numerous insults

2. Psychosocial Theories a. Disengagement Theory By: Elaine Cumming and William Henry i. Views aging as a process whereby society and the individual gradually withdraw, or disengage from each other, to the mutual satisfaction and benefit of both. ii. The benefit of individuals is that they can reflect and be centred on themselves, having been freed from societal roles iii. The value of disengagement theory for the society is that some orderly means is established for the transfer of power from the old to the young, making it possible for society to continue functioning after its individual members have died b. Activity Theory By: Havighurst i. At the opposite pole from the Disengagement Theory, the Activity Theory proclaims that an older person should continue a middleaged lifestyle, denying the existence of old age as long as possible and that society should apply the same norms to old age as it does to middle age and not advocate diminishing activity, interest and involvement as its members grow old. c. Continuity Theory By: Neugarten i. Also referred to as the Developmental Theory, relates the factors of personality and predisposition towards certain actions in old age to similar factors during other phases of the life cycle. Personality and basic patterns of behaviour are said to remain unchanged as the individual ages.