THEORIES OF AGING

Biological Theories of Aging

2 Broad categories
1. Stochastic Theories - cause random cell damage and accumulate
over time, thus causing aging
2. Nonstochastic Theories – view aging as a series of predetermined
events happening to all organisms in a timed framework

•
 Stochastic Theories

Free radical theory

• Aging is due to the effects of free radicals
• Damages protein, enzymes, and DNA
the cells cannot regenerate themselves

•Lipofuscin–a lipoprotein by- product of oxidation

• Interferes with the diffusion and transport of
essential metabolites
 Stochastic Theories

Error Theory

• As cells ages, various changes occurs

naturally in its DNA and RNA
• Proposes that error can occur in the
transcription of the synthesis of DNA
• May lead to aging or death of a cell
 Stochastic Theories

Wear and Tear Theory

• Attribute aging to the repeated use

and injury of the body over time
• Proposes that cells wear out through
exposure to internal and external
stressors, including trauma, chemicals,
and buildup of natural wastes.
 Stochastic Theories
Connective Tissue Theory
➢ Also referred as Cross-Linking Theory
➢ Hypothesizes that with age, some protein become increasingly
cross-linked or enmeshed and may impede metabolic process
by obstructing the passage of nutrients and waste in between
intracellular and extracellular compartments
➢ Primarily involves collagen-loss of elasticity, stiffness; hence
skin with less elastin (as with the older adult) tends to be dried
and wrinkled
➢ -responsible for the ultimate failure of tissues and organs.
 Nonstochastic Theories

Programmed theory of Aging

• Proposes that animals and humans are born with a
genetic program or a biological clock
• Life expectancy was generally seen as preprogrammed,
within a species-specific range: this biological clock for
human was estimated at 110 to120 years
 Nonstochastic Theories

Immunity theory
• It has been found that as a person age, the immune system function less
effectively (immunosenescenes-age related decrease in function)
• Most apparent change related to aging is changes in T lymphocytes; hence
decrease in the body’s defense against foreign pathogen
Sociological Theories of Aging
Research on the emerging theories
Neuroendocrine Control or Pacemaker theory
Metabolic theory of aging/Caloric Restriction
Age stratification theory
Person-Environmental Fit theory