Theories of Aging

Question 1

___________ is the outcome of diverse and complex changes in normal biological functions, from the accumulation of DNA damage to dysfunction of proteins and altered communication both within cells and among distant tissues in the body

Answer 1

Aging

Question 2

A measure of an individual’s age based on the calendar date on which he or she was born

Answer 2

Chronological Age

Question 3

It is calculated on most psychological tests

Answer 3

Chronological Age

Question 4

Classification of Aging

Answer 4

1. Objectively
2. Subjectively
3. Functionally

Question 5

Aging is a universal process that begins at birth and is specified by the chronological age criterion

Answer 5

Objectively

Question 6

Aging is marked by changes in behavior and self-perception and reaction to biologic changes

Answer 6

Subjectively

Question 7

Aging refers to the capabilities of the individual to function in society

Answer 7

Functionally

Question 8

Refers to the health status assess functioning at the level of the whole older person, describing how that person functions in daily life

Answer 8

Functionally

Question 9

Theories of Aging

Answer 9

1. Biologic Theories
2. Psychosocial Theories
3. Psychologic Theories

Question 10

2 Main Categories of Biologic Theories

Answer 10

1. Error Theories
2. Programmed Theories

Question 11

Examples of theories under Error Theories

Answer 11

1. Wear and Tear Theory
2. Cross-Link Theory
3. Free Radical Theory
4. Somatic DNA Damage Theory

Question 12

Examples of theories under Programmed Theories

Answer 12

1. Programmed Theory
2. Endocrine Theory
3. Immunological Theory

Question 13

Based on the idea that errors can occur in the transcription of the synthesis of the DNA

Answer 13

Error Theory (Orgel, 1963)

Question 14

Begins to produce cells that are not correct

Answer 14

Error Theory (Orgel, 1963)

Question 15

This deterioration results in aging and eventually over a lifetime, death

Answer 15

Error Theory (Orgel, 1963)

Question 16

This is evidenced by localized brain cell death following a stroke or deprivation of oxygen

Answer 16

Deprivation

Question 17

Stresses leave residual effects that are accumulated over one’s life, depleting the physiologic body

Failure of the body mechanism to adapt to stressors can be linked to aging

Answer 17

Stress and Adaptation

Question 18

Proposed that cells wear out over time because of the continued use

Answer 18

Wear and Tear Theory (Weisman, 1882)

Question 19

Reflects that organs and tissues have pre-programmed amounts of available energy

Answer 19

Wear and Tear Theory (Weisman, 1882)

Question 20

An accumulation of cross-linked proteins resulting from the binding of glucose to protein causes various problems

Answer 20

Cross-Link Theory

Question 21

Once the binding occurs, the protein cannot perform normally and may result in visual problems like cataract or wrinkling and skin aging

Answer 21

Cross-Link Theory

Question 22

Damage cells and tissues, slowing down bodily processes and thus result in aging

Answer 22

Cross-Link Theory

Question 23

Can increase as a result of environmental pollutants

Answer 23

Free Radical Theory

Question 24

May react with the cell membrane, damaging it and making it more permeable

Answer 24

Free Radical Theory

Question 25

Can cause mutation in the DNA/RNA

Answer 25

Free Radical Theory

Question 26

This theory holds that mutations are those inheritable changes that occur in the cellular DNA

Answer 26

Somatic Mutation Theory

Question 27

If there is extensive damage to DNA and it is not repaired, then there will probably be an alteration in a genetic sequence

Answer 27

Somatic Mutation Theory

Question 28

Describes how exposure to low doses of radiation accelerates the aging process

Answer 28

Somatic Mutation Theory

Question 29

Assumes that these exposures shorten the life span by mutating the cells

Answer 29

Somatic Mutation Theory

Question 30

Showed that functional changes do occur within the cells

Answer 30

Programmed Theories

Question 31

Life expectancy was generally seen as pre-programmed within species - specific range

Answer 31

Programmed Theories

Question 32

Each individual has a genetic “program” specifying an unknown but predetermined numbers of cell divisions

Answer 32

Programmed Theories

Question 33

Aging is the result of the sequential switching on and off of certain genes

Answer 33

Programmed Longevity

Question 34

It presumes that there is a biological clock controlled by a person’s genes

Answer 34

Programmed Longevity

Question 35

Therefore, one’s longevity and senescence follow a pattern determined by the genetic structure and when age-associated functional deficits are manifested

Answer 35

Programmed Longevity

Question 36

Biological clocks act through hormones to control the pace of aging

Answer 36

Endocrine Theory

Question 37

It focuses on the complicated chemical interactions set off by the hypothalamus of the brain

Answer 37

Endocrine Theory

Question 38

It is the idea that regular changes in hormones control aging

Answer 38

Endocrine Theory

Question 39

Changes occur in the immune system, specifically in the T-lymphocytes as a result of aging

Answer 39

Immunity Theory

Question 40

These changes leave the individual more vulnerable to diseases

Answer 40

Immunity Theory

Question 41

The term “immunosenescence” has been given to age related decrease in immune function

Answer 41

Immunity Theory

Question 42

This theory states that the immune system is programmed to decline over time, leaving people more susceptible to disease

Answer 42

Immunity Theory

Question 43

It proposes that the increase in autoimmune disease and allergies seen with aging is caused by changes in the immune system

Answer 43

Immunity Theory