Most of us have heard the phrase, “Age is Just A Number!” Although there is some validity to the latter notion, it still comes with certain conditions. That is if we could exclude unhealthy living and the wear and tear factors of the aging process.

Indeed, age is a number, yet every individual sets impediments against their number. AS Henry Ford, the founder of Ford motors, once said:

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.” Those who are fearless, never grow old.

In reality, a person’s age is their years, plus specific responsibilities like personal and social obligations and their health. With that in mind, the older one gets, the more responsible demeanor is expected of them.

What Everyone Needs to Know about The Role Of Wear And Tear In The Aging Process

The concept of wear and tear is an aged hypothesis initially proposed by a German biologist, Dr. August Wiesmann, in 1882. The scientist proposed that aging is the upshot of the gradual deterioration of human cells and tissues over time.

As the 17th-century biologist describes, as a person ages, they undergo a series of degenerative processes, including wear and tear, oxidative stress, exposure to radiation, various deteriorative processes, and toxins.

For instance, tight muscles and joints will likely contribute to wear and tear damage to human tissue and structure. Furthermore, it will predispose one to injuries.

Few scientists believe the wear and tear theory is programmed; thus, we automatically add numbers to the years since we were born.

Yet, another group of scientists counters the wear and tear theory of aging, claiming that wear and tear is never a programmed phenomenon. The latter approach falls under the so-called “Error theories of aging.” That upholds; aging as being due to a series of “accidents.” These include:

1. The free radical theory links aging to the human cell DNA damage caused by “free radicals.”
2. Rate of living theory, meaning every individual’s body carries only a limited number of steps to take in life or heartbeats before failing.
3. Protein cross-linking theory explains aging based on chemical reactions interacting with one another in the human body.
4. Somatic DNA damage theory supports the existence of particular genetic makeup that controls aging until death.

The aging population around the world is on the rise. US Census Breau estimates that adults aged 65 will reach 98 million by 2060. Parallel to that surge, so will the number of those impacted by psychological stresses associated with human changes such as menopause, empty nest, and retirement. Diseases and disorders contributing to increasing disabilities are directly related to the years we spend in this world.

Today, One May Not Be Able To Stop Or Reverse The Negative Cohorts Of Aging, But We Sure Can Slow It Down

Maximizing successful aging requires lifestyle modification. Indeed, through that change, one can reverse physical status weakening and mental disabilities.

One must always pay attention to the importance of genetic factors and familiar resilience against what may seem like wear and tear, oxidative processes, or programmed body deterioration. Some may be programmed to be more vulnerable to the disorder-riddled aging process. Nevertheless, aging is more than just genetics.

Putting healthy numbers to the years one intends to live, one must adopt the proper eating and exercise habits and get regular health check-ups and screenings.

For instance, there are various health guidelines for over 65 y, including Nutrition and Exercise, Preventing Injury, Vision and Hearing screening, Mental Functioning, Health and Medication, and Oral and Dental Care.

Reference

1. Arguments for and Against the Wear & Tear Theory of Aging [WWW Document], 2022. Verywell Health. URL https://www.verywellhealth.com/wear-and-tear-theory-of-aging-2224235 (accessed 1.20.23).
2. Aging [WWW Document], 2023. Psychology Today. URL https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/basics/aging (accessed 1.20.23).