Wear and Tear Theories of Aging

Wear and tear theories of biological aging propose that aging in humans and other animals is simply the result of universal deteriorative processes that operate in any organized system. According to these theories, humans age for the same reasons and because of the same processes that cause aging in automobiles and exterior paint. These theories (also called simple deterioration theories) are attractive to many people who are mainly concerned with human aging but have severe problems as described below. If we were to buy a new automobile or other complex machine, we might expect some immediate problems actually referred to as "infant mortality." Following this period we would expect more or less trouble-free operation for a considerable period, the "service life." After that time we would expect many frequent problems and also notice that the problems were more similar. All the cars have deteriorated exterior paint. They all suffer from corrosion and mechanical wear. The sort of experiences we describe here are very similar to the experience of human aging. In fact, we use the same word, "aging", to describe gradual deterioration in humans, automobiles, or exterior paint, and many people think of biological aging as a "wearing out" process. Notice that in addition to mechanical wear, accumulation of oxidation and other chemical (molecular) damage are included in the "wear and tear" concept.

Entropy is often cited as "requiring" aging. Stochastic theories of aging similarly

propose that aging is the result of inevitable small random changes that accumulate with time. Entropy, in this context, refers to the tendency of all matter to decay into a

more random, less ordered state. For example, we can dig iron oxide out of the ground, smelt it into elemental iron, and use the iron to build a highly complex organized structure like a ship. If we then abandon the ship, it will eventually return to its original un-ordered, un-structured state: a large lump of iron oxide buried in the ground. Entropy does not "require" aging because entropy can be reversed by the application of energy. In the above example, we used energy to smelt the iron and construct the ship. Nature uses energy to grow and maintain complex structured organisms made from un-ordered raw materials. Nature can, and in some cases does, use energy to maintain living organisms indefinitely (see more below). Problems with Wear and Tear Theories of Aging It was soon obvious that simple deterioration could not explain the life span observations if many different species were examined. In very similar species

such as mammals, the cellular and molecular basis of the organism is very similar and yet mammal life spans vary over a range of 100:1 (between Argentine desert mouse and human). Why would such very similar molecules deteriorate at such different rates? Even if we compare organisms of similar size, design, activity, and metabolism (parrot and crow) large differences in life span (6:1) are apparent. Another problem is that, unlike automobiles and paint, living organisms are known to have very extensive maintenance and repair capability. Nails and hair grow and dead epithelial cells are replaced. Why would these activities necessarily be limited? If a human can maintain itself for 80 years, why not a mouse? The obvious maintenance activities described here are all relatively short-term in nature (weeks). What is stopping a mouse from continuing those activities longer? Some organisms apparently do not age (see Negligible Senescence). How do they avoid the supposedly inescapable deterioration? Some organisms, rather than dying from gradual aging, die suddenly following reproduction. Wear and tear does not provide an explanation for limited life span in these species. Because of these major problems, few biologists currently believe in simple deterioration or wear and tear theories. Note that while many scientists believe oxidation and other molecular damage are implicated in the aging process they also believe that other factors are involved in determining whether that damage is or is not repaired. In summary, the simple deterioration theories are too simple to explain the multi-species observations and a more complex explanation is needed. This led to the development of more complex aging theories.
http://www.programmed-aging.org/theories/wear_and_tear.html

Human Aging: The Wear and Tear Theory

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By Alex-Zander

This is the most accepted theory of aging which provides logical explanations of physiological changes.

Skin aging with sun damage.

The theory states that prolong abuse results in overuse of the body which can destroy cells in the body.
The skin is a good example. The skin is one of the most neglected organ of the body and one that is exposed to harsh environments. Environmental exposure to the ultraviolent rays of the sun causes damage to the skin. It alters the cellular structure and affects the production of collagen and elasticity which gives the skin its youthful and hydrated appearance. The prolonged exposure to the environment over many years contributes to age-related changes. In fact, skin changes are the most outstanding evidence of aging.

Skin aging from inside with smoking and stress.

Internally, prolonged lifestyle practices such as eating habits, results in increase consumption of high fat and salty food. This alters the characteristics of blood vessels which cause hypertension. Hypertension places pressure on the kidneys and the entire cardiovascular system which then experiences progressive wear and tear over time. In addition, the world is not an easy place to survive due to high level of emotional stress. Stress is a normal adaptation process that is required to achieve certain goals, but excess stress places the body under pressure by increasing blood pressure. Prolonged exposure to stress can result in heart conditions.

It is important to understand that cells are the smallest unit in the body. A group of specialized cells form tissue and tissues forms organs. Therefore, changes in the organs actually start at the very smallest unit which is at the cellular level. The body goes through constant cellular changes daily through cellular proliferation which allows new cells to be laid down and old cells to be engulfed and destroyed. This means that our mere existence is a dynamic process. Wear and tear is a natural process despite our lifestyle choices or eating habits. The body will age despite our habits; however, external factors exacerbate the changes. Our organs are constantly working to maintain a homeostatic environment to sustain life. This alone is a form of wear and tear which is inevitable as long as life is present Our bodys response to stress changes over time. During younger years, the bodys ability to endure stress and changes is greater. There is quick recovery from illness due to prompt and aggressive immune response. As the body ages, the recovery time is slower because of reduced immune response. With increase age, there is decrease body resistance to microorganisms such as virus and bacteria that cause diseases. For example, the development of urinary tract infection occurs from bacteria. The condition occurs less frequently in a young person because of the natural washout mechanism of the bladder. The body has the ability to flush out the bacteria with a powerful stream of urine. With advanced age, the bladder loses its tone and there is increased residual urine remaining in the bladder. The stream of urine also declines due to decreased bladder tone which facilitates the excretion of urine from the bladder. In addition to that, the urine has bactericidal effect that destroys invading microorganisms. Because of reduced immune response, the bactericidal effect of urine also decreases which allows invading microorganism to settle in the residual urine and multiply giving rise to urinary tract infection.

However, the wear and tear process can be reversed with proper nutrition and specific treatments.
These will rejuvenate the cells which influence tissue and organ functions. Once the body is stimulated to replenish itself, the vital functions will be recovered. For example, cranberry juice increased acidity of the urine which improves the bactericidal action in urine. Pelvic exercises can improve bladder tone which will help in emptying the bladder effectively. Finally, wear and tear is highly individualized. Certain factors have to be taken into consideration such as genetic makeup, environmental exposure, lifestyle and nutritional practices.

http://seniorcareservices.org/theories_of_aging.htm
The Wear and Tear Theory The Wear and Tear Theory was first introduced by Dr. August Weismann, a German biologist in 1882. He believed aging occurred when the body and its cells were damaged by overuse and abuse. The major organs of the body such as the liver, stomach, kidneys, skin and so on are worn down by toxins in our diet and in the environment, by excessive intake of fat, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, by the ultra-violet rays of the sun and by the many other physical and emotional stresses to which we subject our bodies. Simply using the organs over time wears them out even if you never touch a cigarette or have a glass of wine and stayed out of the sun, etc. Abuse just wears them out quicker. He also believed it takes place on the cellular level. Nutritional supplements and other treatments can help reverse the aging process by stimulating the bodys own ability to repair and maintain its organs and cells. The Neuroendocrine Theory The neuroendocrine theory was developed by Vladimir Dilman, Ph.D. The theory elaborates on the wear and tear theory by focusing on the neuroendocrine system that governs the release of our hormones and other vital bodily elements. Different organs release various hormones under the governance of the hypothalamus, a walnut-sized gland located within the brain. Hormone levels are high in youth and account for menstruation in women and high libido in both sexes. As we get older the body produces lower levels of hormones which can have serious effects on our functioning. Hormones help repair and regulate our bodily functions. When aging causes a drop in hormone production, it causes a decline in our bodys ability to repair and regulate itself. The hormone replacement therapy is a frequent component of any anti-aging treatment and helps to reset the bodys hormonal clock and then reverse or delay the effects of aging. The theory holds that if our hormones are being produced at youthful levels the cells of our bodies are stimulated to active and we stay young. The Genetic Control Theory

This theory focuses on the genetic programming encoded within our DNA. From birth we are equipped with a unique genetic code, which has a great deal to say about how quickly we age and how long we live. When our biological clock goes off it signals our bodies first to age and then to die. The timing on this genetic clock is subject to enormous variation and depends upon what happens to us as we grow up and on how we actually live. Anti-aging medicine attempts to prevent damage to our cells and increase repair of DNA to help us escape our genetic destinies, at least to some extent. Also, See Theories of Aging Page #2 Source: The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. All health concerns should be addressed by a qualified health care professional. Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/anti-aging-articles/theories-of-aging-part-i-545986.html About the Author: Written by: Connie Limon. Visit http://smalldogs2.com/Anti-Aging Articles for an extensive list of FREE reprint articles all about anti-aging. Visit Camelot Articles athttp://www.camelotarticles.com