I. Early ideas about aging
1. Vital Substance Theory
A. telomeres
2. Genetic Mutation Theory
A. radiation
3. Reproductive Exhaustion Theory
II. More Modern Theories
1. Neuroendocrine Theory
A. hypothalamus implicated
B. DHEA
2. Wear and Tear Theory
3. Waste Product Accumulation Theory
A. lipofuscin
4. Cross-linkage Theory
A. collagen
5. Free Radical Theory (not a political
conspiracy)
A. antioxidants may be good
for us
6. Immune System Theory
7. “Clocks of Aging” Theory (a.k.a.
Programmed Aging)
A. Hayflick
III. Conclusions
1. Is one theory right?
A. stochastic changes
B. somatic changes
2. Can aging be delayed?