Physiology of Aging-theories and definitions Flashcards
Biological definition of Aging
progressive decline and deterioration of functional properties at the CELLULAR, TISSUE, ORGAN level that lead to a LOSS OF HOMEOSTASIS, DECREASED ABILITY TO ADAPT to internal or external stimuli, and INCREASED VOLNERABILITY TO DISEASE and MORTALITY
what is biologic age?
based on individuals functional capacity. is the direct measure of the ability of cells, tissues, and organ systems to function both properly and optimally.
Is aging a normal physiologic process?
Some experts think that. aging is a result of normal wear and tear.
If aging isn’t a normal physiologic process, what is it?
other experts think aging is a pathology that results from the cumulative interconnection of multiple diseases brought on by genetic mutations, environment, and time
What is the biological enigma of aging?
Natural selection designs organisms for optimal survival and reproductive success (fitness), so why not prevent aging?
Evolutionary theories of aging…why??
make room for next generation who will consist of more reproductively prolific individuals. (there’s more on the ppt slide…check it out)
What is the antagonistic pleiotropy theory?
Look at the power point, but…
Mutations or alleles may have opposite, pleiotropic, effects at different ages; genetic variants may have beneficial effects on fitness early in life when selection is strong, but have deleterious effects late in life when selection is weak.
If the beneficial effects of such genetic variants early in life outweighed their deleterious effects at advanced age, such variants would be selected for in a population.
What is the disengagement theory?
relationships between a person and other members of society diminish with age
What is the activity theory
highlights maintenance and alterations in regular activities, roles, and social pursuits
What is life-course theory?
views aging as progressive adjustment to declining health, reduced income, loss of family, and to the pleasures of aging
What is continuity theory
Elders may seek familiar strategies to preserve and maintain internal and external structures to deal with changes that occur during normal aging.
What is gerotranscendence theory
aging is a natural progression toward maturation and wisdom, shifting from a materialistic and rational view to a more cosmic and transcendent view.
