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Biological Theories

This chapter covers several Social Theories of Aging. Social theories explain how older adults and society view the process of aging, the value placed on older adults and how those images and values came to be.

Examples of these various theories are Modernization, Disengagement, and Activity Theory. Although these various theories attempt to predict how one will adapt to the process of aging they do not explain "why" we age.

Why does the body physically age? Humans have looked in vain for the fountain of youth for decades, and there is some agreement about what contributes to longevity.

You  might notice that your text has a section on Biological Theories of Aging (Why Do Our Bodies Grow Old?). You can use the resources I have provided below and skim your text to read about Biological Theories of Aging (note: this is different from the social theories of the chapter you have just read). Then find one biological theory (why the body ages) that appeals to you and tell us (according to that theory) what the experts say contributes to longevity. What do  you think contributes to longevity? 

 If you use a theory that has already been posted elaborate on the concepts your colleague posted. Please put the name of your theory in your post so we can all easily identify what has been reported. 

ASSIGNMENT

First put the name of the theory in the subject line of your post. Do not repeat theories unless you have something new to say about it. Repeated info will not receive credit :-(.

  1. Choose one biological theory of aging that appeals and makes sense to you and your beliefs . Briefly explain the theory's main ideas. Make sure it is a biological theory and not a social theory for full credit. Not sure? Ask any of us.
  2.  List behaviors experts believe (according to this theory) contribute to longevity. What did you like about this theory? Why does it make sense to you?
  3. Note any commonalities among the advice from different theories that you read that contribute to longevity? What are they? Don't say you did not find any...that is not what we are looking for :)
     
  4. Do you believe the points in the Annual Editions Article?  How might you change your life expectancy?

 

Again: If you use a theory that has already been posted elaborate on the concepts your colleague posted. Please put the name of your theory in your post so we can all easily identify what has been reported. 

Resources

  1. Genetics of Longevity: For a fascinating article on the biology of aging, "The Aging Enigma," visit:http://harvardmagazine.com/2005/09/the-aging-enigma.html
  2. Biomarkers: http://www.benbest.com/lifeext/aging.html#biomarkers
    The quest for valid biomarkers for aging has been a recurrent issue for the field of gerontology.
  3. Check the bottom of this site http://longevity-science.org/
  4. Chiro web http://www.chiroweb.com/archives/17/23/16.htmll
  5. Attitude - http://www.attitudefactor.com/ If it asks for a password just hit cancel and it loads
  6. Human Growth Hormone Replacement Therapy-

    http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/can-we-prevent-aging

Can  HGH (Human Growth Hormone) stop the process of aging? It is FDA approved. What does the research say according to the NIH?

Also use the search engines and use key words : Biology of Aging, Longevity or Increasing Life Expectancy

 

 OPTIONAL - EXTRA CREDIT (all extra credits offered are worth up to 3 points and must be completed in the week offered and any grade questions resolved)
Your entry must be based on facts (SWAGS). Make sure you also follow the instructions exactly so your entry is counted.

 What might society look like if we did not die of diseases? You can choose an area to research, for example, health, ecology, financial, health care issues, housing, productivity etc. It's up to you.  

Do a little research here and give us the citations - where you found your information.
What do the experts say?
Post a separate thread entitled "Extra Credit" and tell us what you learned. 
In the case of duplicates the earliest postmark will receive the credit so check the board before posting.

OPTIONAL HELP

HELP IN WRITING AND ORGANIZING YOUR POSTINGS.
When organizing your information I suggest you make a short list of everything you learn about the aspect of this subject that interests you as you read. Then number the items from a logical start to more complex issues. You will compose your editorial from that list. Here is a very simplified example for researching mud pies. My researched list might include:

clean dirt is needed
making mud pies can be  messy 
You need a good place to clean up 
water is needed
mud fights are an option
kids like to do it
it helps if the weather is warm

1. It helps if the weather is warm
2. You need a good place to clean  up 
3. Water is needed
4. Clean dirt is needed
5. Kids like to do it
6. Making mud pies can be  messy 
7. Mud fights are an option

Once that list is created you can then sort the information into a logical order, then start writing. 

It is this reporters opinion that when making mud pies it is important to have a good quality of dry dirt with no rocks and an ample water supply. Many people believe that mud pies are best made when the weather is warm and one can be outside because it is messy. You have to have a good place to clean up. I have found that many children like this activity while many adults do not. Sometimes when children make mud pies they participate in mud fights. etc. etc. 

Reference: http://www.ehow.com/how_5103031_let-kids-make-mud-pies.html