Aging & Gerontology

Modern biological theories of aging in humans fall into two main categories: programmed and damage or error theories. Aging is the result of a sequential switching on and off of certain genes, with senescence being defined as the time when age-associated deficits are manifested. Biological theories can be classified into three types: (1) those that attempt to differentiate among individuals on the basis of certain innate (i.e., those with which you are born) outward physical traits or characteristics; (2) those that attempt to trace the source of differences to genetic or hereditary. What is biological aging? The basic idea behind biological aging is that aging occurs as you gradually accumulate damage to various cells and tissues in the body. The actual number comes down to different biological and physiological development factors. Some of these include: chronological age.

The biological approach believes that most behaviour is inherited and has an adaptive (or evolutionary) function. For example, in the weeks immediately after the birth of a child, levels of testosterone in fathers drop by more than 30 percent. This has an evolutionary function. Biological development, the progressive changes in size, shape, and function during the life of an organism by which its genetic potentials (genotype) are translated into functioning mature systems (phenotype). A strength of the biological approach is that it provides clear predictions, for example, about the effects of neurotransmitters, or the behaviours of people who are genetically related. This means the explanations can be scientifically tested and proven.

Normal ageing is the result of a complex process that is progressive in nature, in the absence of disease. Commonly described as healthy lifestyle habits, the following actions physical exercise, a healthy diet, restorative sleep, abstaining from tobacco and alcohol use contribute positively to normal ageing. Normal ageing is the result of a complex process that is progressive in nature, in the absence of disease. Commonly described as healthy lifestyle habits, the following actions physical exercise, a healthy diet, restorative sleep, abstaining from tobacco and alcohol use contribute positively to normal ageing. Normal ageing is the result of a complex process that is progressive in nature, in the absence of disease. Commonly described as healthy lifestyle habits, the following actions physical exercise, a healthy diet, restorative sleep, abstaining from tobacco and alcohol use - contribute positively to normal ageing.