May 7, 2024
Most of us want to learn the mystery of LONGEVITY and how to live longer and better, so we must understand what causes aging.
So, What Causes Aging?
Aging longer is a broad topic, and when we refer to “aging,” it could mean different things. Generally, however, aging is narrowed down to two types: https://leelaq.com.
- Intrinsic
Intrinsic aging refers to the biological aging of cells.
The cells that make up your body divide and multiply throughout your life.
The more they divide, the older they get. These cells lose their ability to function and no longer increase.
Intrinsic aging is closely related to the programmed theory of aging, which suggests that aging is a natural process that our bodies are designed to undergo. This theory posits that cells only have a certain lifespan, and you can do little about it.
Therefore, cells only have a certain lifespan, and you can do little about it.
The idea that hormones cause aging or that the immune system is predetermined to decline falls under the broader umbrella of the programmed theory of aging.
There’s some acceptance of programmed theory, as we have observed that cells age and eventually stop working.
This is…….
- Extrinsic aging
Extrinsic aging refers to damage your body takes on from your environment and external factors.
These include:
- Air pollution / Environment
- Smoking tobacco/ secondhand smoke
- Alcohol consumption
- Poor diet or malnutrition
- Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV)
- Poor sleeping habits.
Therefore, these theories suggest that aging is caused by random and unplanned cellular changes, often due to external factors such as oxidative stress or free radicals.
According to Leela Quantum Tech, some of the concepts that fall under this theory umbrella include (which inspired this blog):
- Aging is due to a buildup of oxidative stress or free radicals.
- Aging is caused by the buildup of cross-linked proteins, which damage cells and
- An organism’s rate of metabolism determines its lifespan.
Generally, the most widely considered cause of aging is the accumulation of cellular damage over time.
However, most theories of aging respond to this idea but differ on how that damage is caused.
When it comes down to it, I believe aging is still a mystery; however, it is still worth the pursuit!
In addition, there is also …….
Chronological Age vs. Biological Age
Chronological Age – is how long your cells or the years you have been alive!
Biological Age – This concept can help us understand that aging is biological. It refers to the decline or divergence your body has undergone, which may not necessarily align with the number of birthdays you’ve had. Dr. Morgan Levine put forward this concept in her book True Age. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/659627/true-age-by-morgan-levine/.
“Your biological age doesn’t refer to how many birthdays you’ve had, but to the state of decline or divergence your body has undergone.”
For example, you might be 70 years old, but biologically, your body indicates you’re closer to what’s generally seen in a 55-year-old.
The idea that we have a biological age can also explain why some people age more quickly than others. This is impacted by the external factors and error theories previously mentioned.
Knowing your biological age may incentivize you to lead a healthier
AGE-GILITY lifestyle!
I wish you a Happy Mother’s Day. Trust your truths as we dive deeper into aging well with longevity next week! https://michelerase.com/how-to-practice-longevity-with-age-gilit/