THE DIFFERENT THEORIES
OF AGING
Scientists have come up with different theories explaining why and how you age.
The free radical theory of aging
This theory is based on the damage of cells due to
cumulative free radicals, leading to disease and, ultimately, death.
Free radicals are molecules within the human cells. Due to
regular oxidation (e.g. breathing), and other environmental factors (e.g.
tobacco smoke), these molecules become damaged and unstable, and begin to
affect other healthy cells close by, creating many more similar unstable free
radicals, and thus initiating a chain reaction of cell damage by free radicals.
Damaged cells lead to disease and ultimate death.
This theory implies that antioxidants, such as vitamins A,
C, and E, which reduce the formation of free radicals, not only slow down the
aging process, but also prevent disease.
The genetic theory of aging
This theory is based on the pre-programming of human genes
to induce aging and death—your Creator ensures that you will not be immortal.
Therefore, aging is not the consequence of wear and tear over the years. The
fact of the matter is that you are not meant to live forever.
Other than disease and other environmental factors, there is
no great variation in the lifespan of humans, and this may partially explain
the role of genes in aging.
The hormone theory of aging
This theory is based on the gradual changes in the human
body due to the decline and degeneration of the endocrine system, which is
responsible for producing hormones to regulate many body functions and
processes. Changes in the human hormone production, such as menopause, account
for the changes responsible for aging.
There is no scientific evidence that hormone replacement
will in fact increase human lifespan. So, think twice before you decide on a
hormone replacement therapy.
The immunity theory of aging
This theory is based on the failure of the immune system to
give adequate protection against contaminants, viruses, and stress, among other
agents contributing to a weakened or compromised immune system.
This theory attests to the important role of the immune
system in longevity health and overall wellness.
The rate of living theory of aging
This theory is based on the rate of breathing: faster oxygen
metabolism leads to a shorter lifespan. In the animal kingdom, rodents, with
the fastest heartbeats have the shortest lifespan, while tortoises with the
slowest breaths live the longest.
This theory vindicates that breathing right is one of the
key factors in longevity in humans. Learning to breathe right is critical to
remaining younger and healthier for longer.
To sum up, the human aging process is best explained not by
one single theory but by a combination of these theories.
The truth of the matter is that you age, just like everyone
else. The point in question is how
you can delay that aging process, making you younger and healthier for
longer—or, at least, not making you age more quickly than you are supposed to.
Unfortunately, many of us have fallen victims to the
so-called Accelerated Aging Syndrome.
Potentials
for accelerated aging
According to Steven Masley, M.D., the former medical
director of the Pritikin Longevity Center
in St. Petersburg , Florida
- A
fast blood sugar level of more than 100 mg/dl
- A
blood pressure higher than 130/85
- A
waist larger than 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men
- Good
cholesterol level (HDL) less than 40 mg/dl for men, and 50mg/dl for women
- Triglyceride
(a certain type of fat in your blood) levels greater than 150 mg/dl.
Factors
contributing to accelerated aging
There are several factors that increase the predisposition
to accelerated aging:
·
Your diet: you
are what you eat, and you become what you eat.
- Your
lifestyle: life on the fast lane often leads to faster aging.
- Your
physical inactivity: or immobility brings about stagnation and
degeneration.
- Your
stress: stress kills your brain cells, predisposing you to accelerated
aging.
“The
secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your
age.” Lucille Ball
Stephen Lau
Copyright© by Stephen Lau
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