How Do We Age

Aging is a programmed biological process which involves gradual physiological changes throughout life. The changes occur from hormonal decline and the wear and tear of the body. As people age, many changes occur in our bodies. The characteristics of our organs begin to change. There is loss of collagen and elasticity in our tissues and skin. Calcium depletes from our bones and our blood vessels become hardened. There is a decrease in visual acuity, hearing and the vital capacity of the lungs. Flexibility of the musculoskeletal system declines and the person’s physical appearance changes as collagen and elastin in the skin is depleted. Even though the internal changes are not visible with the naked eye, they still exist and are uncontrollable.

This confirms that aging is programmed and can be considered to occur by chance. Environmental factors can affect the programmed DNA structure and function resulting in damage to our cells. This can lead to various diseases such as cancers.

Age is inevitable despite efforts to find ways to minimize the effects or slow the process down. Various theories of aging have evolved, but there is no definitive theory that is accepted to substantiate the basic process of aging. Scientists have attested that aging is the only phenomenon that ensures survival of human beings.

The aging process starts from birth to senescence and involves a process of physiological changes throughout life. The biological concept of species survival consider the fertile years as the most valuable period in life. In fact, natures’ biological clock prepares the body for reproduction in the first half of life. The most vitality, productivity and fertility occur during early life in which the body starts to decline in its function by the age of 40. However, age is beneficial to nature in order to nurture the young and guide them with valuable experience that was gained from wisdom.

There are four basic theories of aging, (click to learn more):