Unraveling the Mystery of Aging : Theories of
Ageing and impact of Nutrition on longevity

Unraveling the Mystery of Aging : Theories of 

Ageing and impact of Nutrition on longevity

Volume 2 Issue 2 –December 2024, Page  47-50

Shiraza Haque1, Shraddha Singh1, Ritu  Tiwari1, Manzoor Ahmad2, Toyaj Kumar1,  Shivam Verma3

Abstract :

This article provides an overview of different theories of aging,  categorizing them into evolutionary theories and modern biological  theories. Evolutionary theories explain why aging exists and why there are  variations in lifespan among species. They suggest that external factors like  predation and disease involved in determining the speed of senescent.  Traditional evolutionary theories include mutation accumulation,  antagonistic pleiotropy, and disposable soma theory. Modern biological  theories are divided into programmed or genetic theories and damage or  error theories. Programmed theories propose that senescent follows a  biological  timetable  controlled  by gene expression. They include the programmed cell death theory,  endocrine theory, immunological theory, and telomere shortening theory.  Damage theories suggest that environmental factors cause gradual damage  to tissues over time, leading to aging. The wear and tear theory, somatic  DNA damage theory, free radicals theory (or oxidative damage theory),  cross-linking theory, and rate of living theory are important theories in this  category. Among these theories, telomere shortening theory and free  radicals theory have gained significant acceptance and are currently the  focus of ongoing research. Telomere shortening theory suggests that as  cells divide, their telomeres shorten, leading to cellular aging. The free  radicals theory posits that oxidative damage caused by free radicals  contributes to aging. Antioxidants are molecules that neutralize free  radicals and are of interest in this field. Despite advances in understanding  aging at the molecular level, the mechanisms that control human lifespan  remain elusive. Theories of aging provide different perspectives, but none  of them provide a comprehensive explanation. Ongoing research continues  to explore the markers and processes of aging, with particular attention to  telomere shortening and free radicals theory  Keywords: Ageing, Theories of aging, longevity, nutritional impact,  effects of aging

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