Why do we age Biological Theories of Aging Physical Changes Gerontology October 10 2012 Biological Theories of Aging What causes aging Can we slow the aging process Should we attempt to stop aging What is the difference between normal aging disease The Biology of Aging Primary aging unavoidable inevitable Senescence Secondary aging experienced by most not all Function of disease disuse and abuse Why do we age Cellular Theories Hayflick Limit Cells can only divide so many times primary 1 Most likely explanation Cross linking Proteins produce molecules that make the body stiffer not an adequate explanation Free Radicals Unstable molecules damage proteins fats and lipids contribute to diseases Why do we age Rate of Living Theories Wear Tear Theory Aging occurs because of the system wearing out over time Autoimmune Theory Aging is a function of the body s immune system becoming defective producing antibodies against itself Can aging be reversed or delayed Telomeres end of chromosomes telomeres shorten with age evidence Progeria Growth Hormones replace deleted hormones Caloric restriction Anti Aging Compounds Reducing calorie intake by 50 70 Increased life expectancy and delayed disease Anti Aging Compounds Animal studies Can we predict longevity Heredity How long did your parents live Gender differences in life expectancy Why Social Factors health attitudes habits lifestyle and occupations Biological Factors resistance to infection Important Lifestyle Practices Do not smoke moderate alcohol use healthy diet regular exercise social integration Changes in Physical Appearance Visible signs of aging Good news Some can be modified Skin changes wrinkles gray hair Lose height gain weight Smell Sensory Deficits with Age The Lesser Studied Senses Decreased sensitivity to Taste to some extent Temperature Pain Increased instability of posture gait Age Related Changes in Vision Presbyopia Farsightedness Problems adapting to the dark Increased sensitivity to glare Diminished depth perception Vision Problems in Later Life Glaucoma Hardening of the eyeball buildup of fluid in eye Untreated can destroy vision Macular Degeration Deterioration of the retina Leading cause of blindness in older adults Cataracts Cloudy opaque areas in the lens of eye that prevent light from passing through Surgery can remove this problem Hearing difficulties increase with age Greater for males than females Some corrected by hearing aides Implications for relationships Age Related Changes in the Cardiovascular System Age related structural changes Accumulation of fat deposits Stiffening of the heart muscle o Decreased in ability to copy with physical exertion o Still moderate exercise slows these age related changes Age Related Changes in the Respiratory System Decrease in Vital capacity Amount of air we can take into lungs Ability to exchange oxygen carbon dioxide o Rate of decline slower when physically active o Difficult to distinguish between normal aging and effects of pollution Signals end of childbearing Age Related Changes in the Reproductive System For Women Menopause Around 50 55 years Symptoms hot flashes night sweats headaches mood changes etc Few women experience serious problems For Men DO NOT lose childbearing capacity DO experience decline in testosterone Decline in quantity of sperm Physiological changes in sexual performance Increased likelihood of insomnia Changes in Sleep 40 of older people complain of sleep problems Takes longer to fall asleep Breathing disturbances more common Lifestyle changes to improve sleep Fewer hours of slow wave sleep Sex in Later Life Myth Age related physiological changes detrimentally affect sexual functioning May occur less often but still meaningful Old ideas from limited cross sectional studies Desire for sexual activity DOES NOT diminish with age Older adults do not differ significantly in sexual activity compared to their younger selves Rate of sexual behavior is stable when a partner is available Even those with chronic health conditions still have and enjoy sex Relationships more important than sexual activity Why then do these myths persist What barriers might exist that limit sexuality in later life Not spoken about physical attractiveness not having a partner In Summary Aging is not a disease Multiple explanations for why we age Anti aging controversy Some changes inevitable with age but changes can often be modified
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