Aging Causes and Risk Factors

What causes aging?
Scientists aren't sure exactly why we age, however, genetics surely plays a role. People with family members who live into their 90s seem to be more likely to live long lives as well. However, there are a few theories as to why aging takes place which are mutually exclusive.

Some theories assert that the body is genetically programmed to age, perhaps acting through our endocrine or immune system. Other theories assert that the body ages simply through wear and tear: the body's cells, and therefore tissues and organs, just wear out over time due to usage. Smoking, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, exposure to certain chemicals and more, all contribute to this wear and tear on our genes. Inevitably, genes just stop working to reproduce cells in the body no matter how well the environmental conditions and/or the quality of the genes themselves.

Risk factors
Although we cannot control genetic behaviour, we can change what we do that places wear and tear on our genes. Chronic diseases such as overweight, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, etc. can place a strain on our physical and emotional well-being. Being in-tune with your body's needs, and what you can do to keep it running smoothly, is important to live not just a long life, but a long life with a high quality of living.

What can you expect as you age? Let's take a look at some of the symptoms of the aging process, also known as senescence. To learn more about symptoms of aging, including age dementia symptoms continue reading the next section on symptoms of aging for more information.