L3: Theories of Aging Flashcards
Theories of aging
Biological
Sociological
Psychological
These are concerned with answering basic questions regarding the physiologic processes that occur in all living organisms as they chronologically age.
Biological theories of aging
age-related changes occur independent of any
external or pathologic influence
Foci of Biologic Theories
a) Deleterious effects leading to decreasing function of the organism.
b) Gradually occurring age-related changes that progress over time
c) Intrinsic changes that may affect all members of the species because of chronologic age.
d) ALSO:
i) All organs in any one organism do not age at the same rate
ii) Any single organ does not necessarily age at the same rate in different individuals of the same species
Types of Biological Theories
a) Mitochondrial Free Radical Theory
b) Cross-Linkage Theory
c) Hayflick Limit Theory
are byproducts of fundamental metabolic activities within the body
Free radicals
The production of free radicals may increase because of environmental pollutants such as
ozone
pesticides
radiation
These highly reactive free radicals react with the molecules in cell membranes, in particular, cell membrane of unsaturated lipids such as
mitochondria
lysosomes
nuclear metabolism
a substance that is though to be indicative of chronologic age
Lipofuscin
it is a lipid and protein- enriched pigmented material found to accumulate in older adults’ tissues and is commonly referred to as “age spots”.
Lipofuscin
are two of these substances that can inhibit the functioning of the free radicals or possibly decrease their production in the body.
Vitamin C and E
Scientific Researcher who developed the “free-radical theory”) was the first to suggest that the administration of chemicals terminating the propagation of free radicals would extend the life span or delay the aging process.
Denham Harman
In animal studies, administration of antioxidants postpones the appearance of diseases such as
Cardiovascular disease and CA
