Why are old people old?

Question

Why do we age in our skin and bones?
What makes our bodies wrinkle up and weaken?
Can it be stopped?

Answer 1

This is actually a very good question!

Our bodies are constantly breaking down and rebuilding themselves (this process is called metabolism). For example, your bones are not 'static'. The bone cells (osteoclasts and osteoblasts) are constantly breaking down the bone matrix and rebuilding it. As we age, more 'break down' than 'build-up' of bone occurs and eventually (if you live long enough) osteoporosis is created.

The process of rebuilding is never 100% perfect. A little 'damage' always results. Over many years that damage acumulates - a process we recognize as 'aging'.

A person's nutritional status has a major impact on the ability of the cells to minimize the damage that occurs with metabolism. Most people today have less than optimum nutritional status because of the Standard American Diet - lots of fast foods, processed foods and junk foods; and few fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, berries and juices that contain critical nutrients for protecting the cells from damage.

Consequently, aging and chronic diseases have become 'the norm' and almost everyone of middle age or older is on prescription drugs to help mask the symptoms of their poor diets and accelerated aging/decay.

Answer 2

There are several biopsychosocial theories on this matter. Different theories emphasize different matters. Here is a summary of the biological theories of aging: 1. Genetic Theory: the maximum life span of a human being is 120 years. The life span differs between species. 2. Deviation Amplification Theory: Theory that deals with problems of aging. i.e., a death gene that regulates suicide cell death = Apoptosis (programmed cell death). Apoptosis is one mechanism for the destruction of cells i.e. the destruction seen in the immune system with T-cells. 3. Free radical theory is based on the belief that free radicals are generated during the oxygen process in cells. 4. Aging cells also accumulate waste matter called lipofuscin = a dark mixture of lipoproteins and various waste products. This process becomes impaired in older cells which affects the oxidation process. 5 .There are many cellular repair mechanisms which are known as aging decelerators such as Heat Shock Proteins that are protecting cells against the effects of stress and are important in the promotion of healthy cell growth and proliferation. 6. Wear & Tear Theories; With continued use organs or joints simply wear out. “Use it or lose it”. Abuse of a system will shorten its life span. 7. Prolonged exposure to stress (physical and psychosocial) may increase the rate of aging in various organ systems.
Concluding, all theories of aging are interrelated and the rate at which organisms age is affected by many factors.

Answer 3

People age because their DNA becomes damaged overtime. At the moment there is no way to prevent DNA from being damaged, however you can take precautions such as wearing sunscreen, stay away from toxic chemicals etc

There is a notable scientist called Aubrey de Grey who believes aging can be stopped, and that it is possible in the near feature for technology to be developed to completely stop the aging process.

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aubrey_de_Grey

^^^I suggest you read the article on Aubrey above. :)

Answer 4

The reason that we get old at all is because Adam sin. It can only be stopped when there are no sin left in this world.

Answer 5

You are born, you grow, you live, you age, you die. It's called a life. That's just the way it is. Get used to it.