===== Aging ===== We are all programmed through our DNA codes to age differently. External factors also influence aging; these factors are part of one's programming in the simulation of reality, which sets the course of our lives from birth until the end. Nothing seems to age a person faster than mental illness and substance abuse. Depression and anxiety are rampant as of 2022, especially after Covid began two years ago, leaving people burned out. This situation is sometimes labeled 'end times' as people disconnect from the simulation, perceiving a looming end. The focus is often on Covid, climate, crime, and chaos. Aging is the accumulation of changes in a person over time. In humans, aging refers to a multidimensional process involving physical, psychological, and social changes. Some dimensions of aging expand over time, while others decline. For instance, reaction time may slow with age, while knowledge and wisdom may expand. Research shows that even late in life, there is potential for physical, mental, and social growth and development. Aging is an important aspect of human societies, reflecting both biological changes and cultural conventions. Approximately 100,000 people worldwide die each day from age-related causes. Age is measured chronologically, with birthdays often being significant events. However, the term "aging" can be ambiguous. Distinctions may be made between: * **Universal Aging**: Age changes shared by all people. * **Probabilistic Aging**: Age changes that may occur in some people, but not all, including diseases such as type 2 diabetes. * **Chronological Aging**: Measured by the passage of time. * **Social Aging**: Cultural expectations regarding behavior as people age. * **Biological Aging**: The physical state of an organism as it ages. * **Proximal Aging**: Age-based effects resulting from recent factors. * **Distal Aging**: Age-based differences traceable to early life factors, such as childhood illnesses. Differences are sometimes made among the elderly, dividing them into categories such as the young old (65-74), the middle old (75-84), and the oldest old (85+). Chronological age does not always correlate with functional age, as two people of the same chronological age may differ in mental and physical capacities. Various nations and organizations classify age differently. Population aging refers to the increase in the number and proportion of older people in society, driven by migration, longer life expectancy, and decreased birth rates. Aging impacts society significantly. Young people are more likely to commit crimes, push for change, adopt new technologies, and require education, while older people have different societal and governmental needs and often have more political influence due to higher voting rates. Recent scientific advances in rejuvenation and extending the lifespan of model animals (e.g., mice - 2.5 times, yeast - 15 times, nematodes - 10 times) and discoveries of species with negligible senescence offer hope for achieving negligible senescence (cancellation of aging) in humans, reversing aging, or at least significantly delaying it. Despite these developments, anti-aging and life extension research remains underfunded, and societal awareness and demand for cancelling human aging are still lacking. The body continues to age technically after death as it progresses from birth. ===== Senescence ===== In biology, senescence refers to the state or process of aging. Cellular senescence is where isolated cells show a limited ability to divide (the Hayflick Limit, discovered by Leonard Hayflick in 1961). Organismal senescence is characterized by a declining ability to respond to stress, increasing homeostatic imbalance, and greater disease risk, inevitably ending in death. Some researchers view aging as a disease, considering it similar to other genetically influenced conditions that might be treatable. ===== In the News ===== * **Is Age Biological Or Psychological? Here's The Science** - IFL Science, November 4, 2023 - This article explores whether aging is purely biological or influenced by psychological factors, questioning if age is merely a number or if biological indicators track the passage of time. * **Unlocking the Secrets of Aging: Researchers Discover Previously Unknown Mechanism That Drives Aging - Gene Length** - SciTech Daily, January 23, 2023 - Researchers discovered that gene length impacts lifespan, with longer genes linked to longer lifespans and shorter genes to shorter ones, revealing a shift in gene activity associated with aging. * **Researchers have rejuvenated a 53-year-old woman's skin cells so they are the equivalent of a 23-year-old's** - BBC, April 10, 2022 - The technology aims to develop treatments for age-related diseases but faces challenges, such as increased cancer risk, requiring alternative, safer methods. * **People live longer. When is someone old?** - Medical Express, July 8, 2020 - Examines how the conventional threshold for old age does not account for differences in aging across time and populations. * **There are at least 4 different ways of aging, scientists say** - NBC, January 13, 2020 - Highlights the diverse ways people age, from aging gracefully to appearing significantly older than peers. * **A new CRISPR/Cas9 therapy can suppress aging** - Medical Express, February 19, 2019 - Discusses a gene therapy developed to slow the aging process, addressing the urgency of anti-aging treatments due to aging-related conditions. * **Humans may not be able to turn back time, but a new study finds that Americans are slowing it down** - Science Daily, March 17, 2018 - A study suggests that advancements in medicine may slow biological aging and extend life expectancy. * **Researchers develop technology to make aged cells younger** - Medical Express, July 31, 2017 - Details a breakthrough in rejuvenating human cells, crucial for conditions like progeria. * **Brain cells found to control aging** - Science Daily, July 27, 2017 - Identifies brain cells in the hypothalamus that regulate aging, offering potential for future treatments. * **New genetic variants associated with extreme old age** - Science Daily, April 26, 2017 - Discoveries in genetic variants related to extreme longevity and reduced risks for diseases. * **Critical step in DNA repair, cellular aging pinpointed** - Science Daily, March 24, 2017 - Research reveals a key step in DNA repair that declines with age, crucial for cell vitality and cancer prevention. * **Scientists unveil a giant leap for anti-aging** - Science Daily, March 23, 2017 - Discovery of a critical step in DNA repair could lead to revolutionary anti-aging drugs. * **Maximum human lifespan has already been reached** - Science Daily, October 5, 2016 - Suggests that the maximum human lifespan might have a ceiling, based on the oldest recorded ages. * **Gene linked to youthful looks has been discovered, scientists claim** - The Guardian, May 3, 2016 - A study identifies a gene affecting appearance and aging, with potential implications for slowing visible aging. * **Do Presidents Age Faster Than the Rest Of Us?** - Discovery, March 24, 2016 - Investigates whether the pressures of presidency accelerate aging. * **Why are 95% of people who live to 110 women? You're as old as your stem cells** - Science Daily, June 4, 2015 - Explores differences in aging between sexes and the role of stem cells in longevity. * **Scientists identify signature of aging in the brain** - PhysOrg, September 29, 2014 - Discovery of a unique "signature" of brain aging that may lead to treatments for cognitive decline. * **Biologists delay the aging process by 'remote control'** - Science Daily, September 8, 2014 - Research on a gene that can slow aging when activated, with implications for human health. * **Strategy proposed for preventing diseases of aging** - PhysOrg, July 23, 2014 - Advocates for preventative measures to address multiple chronic diseases and extend healthy lifespans. * **Youth-drug can 'reverse' aging in animal studies** - BBC, December 20, 2013 - A study shows dramatic age reversal in animals, although translating this to humans is still challenging. * **Depression 'makes us biologically older'** - BBC, November 12, 2013 - Depression accelerates biological aging, with changes in cell aging measures like telomere length. * **Aging really is 'in your head'** - PhysOrg, September 3, 2013 - Research on sirtuins, proteins associated with longevity, and their role in aging and longevity. * **Brain Region Found to Control Aging** - Live Science, May 1, 2013 - Discovery of a brain region that may control aging processes, potentially leading to new treatments.