03. Theories of Aging

There is no single universally accepted definition of aging. Aging is series of changes that occur over time, contribute to loss of function.

Among the theories of aging can differentiate: Biologic theories, and Psychosocial theories.

Biologic theories of aging attempt to explain why the physical changes of aging occur.

Among the biologic theories find the programmed theory, the rut-out-program theory, the living theory, the gen theory, the molecular theories, the error theory, the somatic mutations theory, the free radical theory, the cross line, the clinker theory, the neuroendocrine theory, and  the immunologic theory.

  

Psychosocial theories of aging do not explain why the physical changes of aging occur; rather they attempt to explain why older adults have different responses to the aging process.

Among the psychosocial theories find the disengagement theory, the activity theory, life course theories, life course theories: erikson`s theory, life course theories: havighurt`s theory, and the life course theories: Jung`s theory.

I would like to say that for me, one theory very important is the free radicals theory. One free radical named lipofuscin has been identify to cause a buildup of fatty pigments granules that cause age spots in older adults.

The excessive accumulation of free radicals in the body is purported to cause the psysiologic changes of aging and a variety of diseases.

According Medline Lipofuscin is a brownish pigment left over from the breakdown and absorption of damaged blood cells₁

Lipofuscin is found in heart muscle and smooth muscles and is also called the aging pigment₁

Attached here images of this pigment in cardiac cells:

                         

Bibliography:

1. Kumar V, Abbas AK, Fausto N, Aster JC. Cellular responses to stress and toxic insults: Adaptation, injury, and death. In: Kumar V, Abbas AK, Fausto N, Aster JC, eds. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2009:chap 1.

2. Hadley EC. The science of the art of geriatric medicine. JAMA. 1995.