Theories of aging

AKSHATA HINGE
AKSHATA ARADHYE
 Introduction
AGING HAS MANY DIFFERENT ASPECTS THAT INCLUDE
SOCIAL , PSYCHOLOGICAL ,MORPHOLOGICAL , CELLULAR
& MOLECULAR ASPECT.

IT IS CHARCTERISED BY FAILURE TO MAINTAIN

HOMEOSTASIS UNDER CONDITIONS OF PHYSIOLOGICAL
STRESS & THAT IS FAILURE ASSOCIATED WITH DECREASE
IN VAIBILITY AND INCREASE IN VULNERABILITY OF AN
INDIVIDUAL [COMFORT 1979]

“AGED” TERM CAN BE DEFINED AS A “STATE OR CONDITION

THAT MAY OR MAYNOT CO-RELATE WITH
CHRONOLOGICAL AGE AND MORE OFTEN REFLECTS THE
LOSS OF A PERSONS CAPACITY TO MAINTAIN
INDEPENDENCE”
Developmental changes are irreversible normal changes that
can occur as time passes. These changes can be divided into 3
phases

Development Maturation Aging

 Biological Aging
Aging includes several different kinds of changes
• age associated changes that involve the physical structure and
functioning of the body & that affect a persons body to function and to
survive are referred to as biological aging
• the cells , critical components of each organ system of the human body
, function all times to build and maintain the structure and carry on
the function.
• the state of having proper and steady conditions is called as
homeostasis .
• Biological aging decreases the ability to maintain homeostasis and
therefore to survive .
• the rates of biological aging are regulated by::-
1. Genetic component
2. environmental and lifestyle components
 Theories of
aging

Biological Non biological

theories theories

• disengagement theory
Stochastic theory • activity theory
Non stochastic
• selectivity theory
theories
• continuity theory
• free radicle theory • telomere/ programmed
• errors theory theory
• wear and tear • gene/ biological clock
theory theory
• cross-linkage • neuroendocrine theory
theory • immunological /
autoimmune theory
 Biological theories
Age related changes that involve the physical structure and functioning of the body and
affect a persons ability to function or survive are referred to as to as biological aging

• STOCHASTIC THEORIES :-Identify episodic events that happen throughout ones life
and that cause random cell damage and accumulate over time causing aging

FREE RADICAL THEORY :- Oxidation of protein, fat and carbohydrate results in free
radical formation . This theory suggests that highly reactive by product of the oxidative
metabolism can react with cellular constituent including proteins, DNA lipids to
generate long- lived dysfunctional molecules that interfere with cellular function.
Eg:- mitochondrial DNA damage , Damage to protein in tendon and ligament
• ERRORS THEORY :- Over the time , cells accumulate errors I the DNA and RNA
protein synthesis that cause the cells to die . (orgel 1970). Environmental
agents and randomly induced events can cause error with ultimate cellular
changes . Aging would not occur if destructive factors did not exist and cause
‘error’ such as mutations and regulatory D5
• Eg:- large amt of x ray radiations cause chromosomal abnormalities

• WEAR AND TEAR THEORY :- the daily grind of life in particular abuse or
overuse , literally wears the body out leading to diseases.
• Eg:- Degeneration of cartilage and eventual grinding of bone causes ageing
process as per wear and tear that exceeds the body’s ability to go beyond
repair.
• CROSS LINKAGE THEORY:- over the time the
biochemical processes create connections between
the protein molecule such as collagen found in skin ,
tendons and ligaments and the excess glucose
disrupts the function of molecules leading to
acceleration of aging .
• e.g.:- elastin Dries up and cracks with age hence
skin with less elastin . Thus skin of the elder adults
tends to be dry .
 NON STOCHASTIC THEORY :- These view aging
as series of pre determinate events happening to
all organisms in a timed framework .

TELOMERE / PROGRAMMED THEORY :- The

Hayflick phenomenon suggests that cells
divide until they can no longer divide, whereas
cells infrastructure realises the inability to
divide and trigger apoptosis sequence / death
of the cell . Human cells age each time they
replicate because of shortening of the
telomere .
• egg:- fibroblast senescence connected to
wound healing
GENE BIOLOGICAL CLOCK THEORY :- Each cell or
perhaps the entire organism has a genetically
programmed aging code that is stored in the
organisms DNA . Saltburn & associates describe
this theory as comprising genetic influences that
predict physical condition , occurrence of disorder ,
cause and age of death & other factors that
contribute to longevity .
• e.g.:- circadian rhythm maintained by RAS.

• NEUROENDOCRINE THEORY:- the theory

suggests a change in hormone secretion when
the stimulating and relaxing hormones of the
pituitary and hypothalamus are out of sync with
the endocrine glands and increase In disorder
expected in multiple organs and system .
• e.g.:- decrease in oestrogen causes decrease in
bone density .
 IMMUNOLOGICAL THEORY :- describes the normal aging process
of humans and animals related to faulty immunological function
e.g.:- thymus function of elderly adults
 Theories of
aging

Biological Non biological

theories theories

• disengagement theory
Stochastic theory • activity theory
Non stochastic
• selectivity theory
theories
• continuity theory
• free radicle theory • telomere/ programmed
• errors theory theory
• wear and tear • gene/ biological clock
theory theory
• cross-linkage • neuroendocrine theory
theory • immunological /
autoimmune theory
 PSYCHOSOCIAL/ NON BIOLOGICAL
THEORIES.
• DISENGAGEMENT THEORY :- aging is an inevitable mutual withdrawal or
disagreement , resulting in decreased interaction between the aging person and
other in the social system he/she belongs to
• Challengers of the theory argue that the emphasis on social withdrawal is
inconsistent with what appears to be a key element of life satisfaction. Being
engaged in meaningful activities and relationships

• ACTIVITY THEORY :- Supports the maintenance of regular activites , roles and

social pursuits .person who achieve optimal age are those who stay active. As roles
change an individual finds a substitute for this roles . Type of activity maybe an
important consideration than that of the frequency .
 SELECTIVITY THEORY :- mediates between and disengagement theories
which suggest that it may benefit older people to become more active in
some aspects of their life disengaged in other.

CONTINUITY THEORY :- Basic personality , attitudes and behaviours remain

constant throughout lifespan . Personality influences the roles we choose
and how we enact them . This in turn influences the satisfaction with living .
Havinghurst identified 4 personality types from observation of older
adults :-
1. INTEGRATED
2. ARMOURED DEFENDED
3. PASSIVE DEPENDANT
4. UNINTEGRATED

referances :- waquar naqui; geriatric physiotherapy

Jean lounge , Sheila Grossman the gerontology of nursing
THANK YOU