Demographics/Theories of Aging

The 5 M's

1. Multi complexity

2. Mind

3. Meds

4. Mobility

5. What matters

Ageism

Bias against, discrimination towards, or bullying of individuals and groups based on their age

Systemic Ageism

Discrimination on the basis of age across society

Internalized Ageism

Lies within individuals (our own thoughts)

Instituitonal Ageism

Occurs within institutions and systems of power

Interpersonal Ageism

Occurs between individuals

Ex: Elderspeak

Ageism is a ___?

Social determinant of health

___% of healthcare spending from 30% of the population?

57%

2 Categories of Theories of Aging

1. Error based

2. Programmed model

Error Based Theory of Aging

Damage to cells and DNA are the reason for aging

- Emphasizes the role of free radicals

Programmed Model Theory of Aging

Death is programmed by cell's genetic machinery

- Death occurs d/t intrinsic timing mechanisms and signals

5 Error-Based Theories

1. Wear and tear (disproven)

2. Rate of living (disproven)

3. Crosslinking

4. Free radicals

5. Somatic DNA damage

3 Programmed Model of Aging Theories

- Programmed longevity

- Endocrine

- Immunologic

Wear and Tear Theory

Cells and tissues' vital parts wear out which causes aging

Rate of Living Theory

The greater an organism's rate of oxygen basal metabolism the shorter it's life span

Cross Linking Theory

An accumulation of cross-linked proteins damages cells and tissues, slowing down bodily processes, resulting in aging

What do studies show ab the Cross Linking Theory?

Studies show that cross linking reactions are involved in age related changes but are not the primary driver

Free Radicals Theory

Free radicals cause damage to the macromolecular components of the cell giving rise to accumulated damage causing cells and organs to stop working

What macromolecules are susceptible to free radical attack? (4)

- Nucleic acid

- Lipids

- Sugars

- Proteins

Somatic DNA Damage Theory

DNA damages occur continuously in cells of living organims

Aging results from damage to ___ integrity of body's cells?

Genetic

Programmed Longevity Theory

Aging is the result of a sequential switching on and off of certain genes

- With senescence (deterioration) being defined as the time when age associated deficits are manifested

Endocrine Theory

Biological clocks act through hormones to control the pace of aging

- Studies have confirmed that aging is hormonally related

Immunological Theory

The immune system is programmed to decline over time, which leads to an increased vulnerability to disease and this aging and death

When does the effectiveness of the immune system peak?

Peaks at puberty and gradually declines

What has a dysregulated immune response been linked to? (4)

- CVD

- Inflammation

- Alzheimer's (AD)

- Cancer

Aging related changes are ___?

Gradual

The more complex the function, the more ___ is seen?

Decline

Aging: ___

Changes in adaptability of the system to stressors