THEORIES OF

AGING

BIOLOGICAL THEORY
The process of biological aging not
only differs from species to species
but also from one human being to
another; however, no two
individuals will age identically.

B IO LO G IC A L TH EO R IES
Genetic Theory/ Mutation Theory
- people inherit a genetic program
that determines their specific life
expectancy.
- The lifespan is believed to be
programmed before birth into the
genes of DNA, and the changes in
cells cause the changes in
organization and function
associated with aging.

B IO LO G IC A L TH EO R IES
Cross-Linking / Connective
Theory
- Cell molecules from DNA and
connective tissue (collagen) interact
with free radicals to reduce the
ability of tissue to regenerate.
Collagen stiffens with age ,
producing loss of elasticity in skin,
organs like lungs, heart, vessels and
muscles.

B IO LO G IC A L TH EO R IES
Free-Radical Theory
- free radicals are molecules with
unpaired electrons that exist normally
in the body, as well as being
produced by ionizing radiation, ozone
and chemical toxins. According to this
theory, these free radicals cause DNA
damage, cross linkage of collagen
and the accumulation of age
pigments.

B IO LO G IC A L TH EO R IES
Lipofuscin
Theory
- Suggests that as people age,
they produce age spots that are
an accumulation of biochemical
debris or waste products. It is
believed that these waste
products accumulate until they
interfere with cellular
functioning.

B IO LO G IC A L TH EO R IES
Autoimmune
Response
- as the body ages, the immune
system is less able to deal with
foreign organisms and increasingly
make mistakes by identifying ones
own tissues as foreign (thus
attacking them)
- these altered abilities result in
increased susceptibility to disease

B IO LO G IC A L TH EO R IES

Wear and Tear

Theory
- This theory attributes aging
to the wear and tear on the
body as it performs its highly
specialized functions over
time. Like any complicated
machine, the body will
function less efficiently with

B IO LO G IC A L TH EO R IES
Stress
- Stresses to the body can have
adverse effects and lead to
conditions such as gastric ulcers,
heart attacks, and thyroiditis.
- however, individuals react
differently to lifes stresses- one
person may be overwhelmed by a
moderately busy schedule, whereas
another may become uncomfortable
when faced with a slow, dull pace.

B IO LO G IC A L TH EO R IES
Disease
- Bacteria, fungi, viruses,
and other organisms are
thought to be responsible
for certain physiological
changes during the aging
process.

B IO LO G IC A L TH EO R IES
Radiation
- repeated exposure to ultraviolet
light is known to cause solar
elastosis, the old-age type of
skin wrinkling that results from the
replacement of collagen by
elastin; ultraviolet light is a factor
in the development of skin cancer.
- Radiation may induce cellular
mutations that promote aging.

B IO LO G IC A L TH EO R IES
Nutrients
- it is believed that what we
eat has a significant influence
on how we age.
- The quality of diet is as
important as the quantity.
Deficiencies of vitamins and
other nutrients and excesses
of nutrients such as

B IO LO G IC A L TH EO R IES
Environment
- The ingestion of mercury, lead,
arsenic, radioactive isotopes,
certain pesticides, and other
substances can produce
pathological changes in human
beings. Smoking and breathing
tobacco smoke and other air
pollutants have adverse effects.

PSYCHOLOGICAL
THEORIES

Disengagement
Theory
- refers to an inevitable process in
which many of the relationships
between a person and other
members of society are severed and
those remaining are altered in
quality.
- withdrawal may be initiated by the
aging person or by society , and
maybe partial or total.
- as people age, they experience

Activity Theory
- emphasizes the importance of
ongoing social activity
-this theory suggests that a
persons self-concept is related
to the roles held by that person
(i.e. retiring may not be so
harmful if the person actively
maintains other roles, such as
familial roles, recreational roles,
volunteer and community roles.

Continuity Theory
- also referred to as developmental
theory, relates the factors of
personality and predisposition
toward certain actions in old age to
similar factors during other phases of
the life cycle.
- Concepts and patterns developed
over a lifetime will determine
whether individuals remain engaged
and active or become disengaged
and inactive.