Why do people age?

As we look left and right we can see people that are young and old. Why do we age anyway?
Before we answer the question, lets read about read the study of aging. The study of aging -
gerontology - is a relatively new science that has made incredible progress over the last 30 years.
In the past, scientists looked for a single theory that explained aging. There are two main groups
of aging theories. The first group states that aging is natural and programmed into the body,
while the second group of aging theories say that aging is a result of damage which is
accumulated over time. In the end, aging is a complex interaction of genetics, chemistry,
physiology and behavior.

We have to know a little bit about theories of aging. By understanding and describing how we
age, researchers have developed several different theories of aging. The two categories are
programmed theories and error theories.

Programmed Theories assert that the human body is designed to age and there is a certain
biological timeline that our bodies follow. First programmed longevity that aging is caused by
certain genes switching on and off over time. Second, endocrine theory is the changes in
hormones control aging. Third, immunological theory is the immune system is programmed to
decline over time, leaving people more susceptible to diseases.

Error Theories assert that aging is caused by environmental damage to our body's systems, which
accumulates over time. Such as wear and tear are cells and tissues simply wear out. Rates of
living is the faster an organism uses oxygen, the shorter it lives. Cross-linking is a cross-linked
proteins accumulate and slow down body processes. Free radicals cause damage to cells that
eventually impairs function. And Somatic DNA damage thatgenetic mutations cause cells to
malfunction.

Studies have demonstrated that genetics can play a major role in aging. When researchers adjust
the genes in certain mice, yeast cells and other organisms, they can almost double the lifespan of
these creatures. The meaning of these experiments for people is not known, but researchers think
that genetics account for up to 35 percent of the variation in aging among people. Some key
concepts in genetics and aging include; longevity genes, there are specific genes which help a
person live longer; cell senescence is the process by which cells deteriorate over time.
Telomeres: is structures on the end of DNA that eventually are depleted, resulting in cells
ceasing to replicate. Then stem cells, these cells can become any type of cell in the body and
hold promise to repair damage is caused by aging.

No matter what genes you have inherited, your body is continually undergoing complex
biochemical reactions. Some of these reactions cause damage and, ultimately, aging in the body.
Studying these complex reactions is helping researchers understand how the body changes as it
ages. Important concepts in the biochemistry of aging include; free radicals is unstable oxygen
molecules which can damage cells. Protein cross-linking: Excess sugars in the blood stream can
cause protein molecules to literally stick together. For an unknown reasons, the systems in the
body to repair DNA seem to become less effective in older people. Heat Shock Proteins: These
proteins help cells survive stress and are presented in fewer numbers in older people. Hormones:
The body's hormones change as we age, causing many shifts in organ systems and other
functions.

As we age, our body's organs and other systems make changes. These changes alter our
susceptibility to various diseases. Researchers are just beginning to understand the processes that
cause changes over time in our body systems. Understanding these processes is important
because many of the effects of aging are first noticed in our body systems. Here is a brief
overview of how some body systems age:

 Heart Aging: The heart muscle thickens with age as a response to the thickening of the
arteries. This thicker heart has a lower maximum pumping rate.
 Immune System Aging: T cells take longer to replenish in older people and their ability
to function declines.
 Arteries and Aging: Arteries usually to stiffen with age, making it more difficult for the
heart to pump blood through them.
 Lung Aging: The maximum capacity of the lungs may decrease as much as 40 percent
between ages 20 and 70.
 Brain Aging: As the brain ages, some of the connections between neurons seem to be
reduced or less efficient. This is not yet well understood.
 Kidney Aging: The kidneys become less efficient at cleaning waste from the body.
 Bladder Aging: The total capacity of the bladder declines and tissues may atrophy,
causing incontinence.
 Body Fat and Aging: Body fat increases until middle age and then weight typically
begins to decrease. The body fat also moves deeper in the body as we age.
 Muscle Aging: Muscle tone declines about 22 percent by age 70, though exercise can
slow this decline.
 Bone Aging: Starting at age 35, our bones begin to lose density. Walking, running and
resistance training can slow this process.
 Sight and Aging: Starting in the 40s, difficulty seeing close detail may begin.
 Hearing and Aging: As people age, the ability to hear high frequencies declines.

The good news is that many of these causes of aging can be modified through your behaviors is
like by eating foods loaded with antioxidants, you can minimize damage caused by free radicals,
by exercising, you can limit bone and muscle loss, by keeping your cholesterol low, you can
slow the hardening of your arteries and protect your heart. And by practicing mental fitness, you
can keep your brain sharp.

Lifestyle factors have also been shown to extend life. Rats and mice on a calorie restricted diet
(30 percent fewer daily calories) live up to 40 percent longer. Positive thinking has also been
shown to extend life in people by up to 7.5 years.