Theories of aging

For explain the aging is not accepted an single definition, again is resides of changes that occur over time

BIOLOGIC THEORIES

These theories of aging attempt to explain why the physical changes of aging occur. Researcher try to identify which biologic factor have the greatest influence or longevity.

1. The programmed theory: Proposed that every person has a “biologic clock”.

2.The rut-out-program theory: said that individual has a limited amount of genetic material that will run out over a time

3. The living theory: explain that persons have an number of breaths or heartbeats over time

4. The gen theory: Proposes that the person has one or more damage genes which activate over time producing changes seen with aging

5. The molecular theories: advance that aging is controlled by genetic materials encoded to predetermine grow and decline.

6. The error theory: proposes that error in ribonucleic acid, protein synthesis cause error to occur in cells in the body resulting in a progressive decline in biologic function

7. The free radical theory: The free radical theory process one exaltation for cell damage, excessive accumulation of these purported to cause or contribute to the physiologic changes of aging and a variety to diseases.

8. The cross line, also called connective tissue theory: is one variation of the free radical theory.

9. The clinker theory: combines somatic mutation with free radicals, presumes that body is similar to a machine which loses function when its parts wear out. As a people age their cells tissues and organs are damaged by internal or external stressors.

10. The neuroendocrine theory: focuses on chemical interactions set off by the hypothalamus of the brain. With age the hypothalamus appears to be less precise in regulating endocrine function related with age.

11. The immunologic theory: proposes that aging is a function of changes in the immune system, also proposes that the increase in autoimmune diseases and allergies seen with aging is causes by changes in the immune system

I do not agree with some theories, for example the living theory sais that we have finite numbers of breaths and hearts beats, I think that it is not correct because it depend of more factors, physical factor, facrtor of risk or life quality.

PSYCHOSOCIAL THEORIES

Psychosocial theories of aging do not explain why the physical changes og aging occur; rather they attempts to explain why older have different responses

1. The disengagement theory: This theory proposed that older people are systematically separated, excluded from society because they are not perceived to be of benefit to the society as a whole.

2. The activity theory: proposed that activity is necessary to successful aging.

3. Live course theory

• erkson’s theory: identifies eight stages of developmental tasks than an individual must confront throughout the life
• trust VS mistrust
• autonomy VS shame and doubt
• initiative VS guilt
• industry VS inferiority
• identify VS identity confusion
• intimacy VS isolation
• generatively VS stagnation
• integrity VS despair
• Havighurt’s theory: details the process of aging and defines specific tasks for late life including:
• adjusting to decreased physical strength and health
• adjusting to retirement and decreased income
• adjusting to the loss of a spouse
• establishing relationships with one’s age group

In my opinion the better theory is the activity theory because I think it is correct that if you do exercice as mental as physical help to improve your function.

Bibliography

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995895/

http://longevity.about.com/od/researchandmedicine/p/age_programmed.htm