What are the theories of aging?
There are at least a dozen theories on the causes of aging that have been proposed, but the most popular focus on the general categories of programmed aging and “wear and tear” aging. Programmed aging includes the genetic programming encoded within your DNA and free radical damage to cells as well as the disruption of cell metabolism. By contrast, aging due to wear and tear is not the result of any specific controlling program, but is the effect of many kinds of environmental insults such as radiation, chemical toxins, trauma, and metal ions on the body’s ability to repair and maintain its organs and cells. A drop in hormone production, which causes a decline in the body’s ability to repair and regulate itself, is also a critical component in aging.