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Cellular Aging

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Unfortunately, aging is inevitable, and there is no way to reverse the process. However, the experts believe we can slow it down. But why do people age? According to Kathleen Berger, author of The Developing Person Through the Life Span, “hundreds of theories and thousands of Scientists have sought to understand why aging occurs” (688). The Wear and Tear Theory, “a view of aging as a process by which the human body wears out with age” (Berger), states that once our body wear out, it can no longer function correctly, because “organ reserve and repair processes are exhausted as the decade pass” (689). A range of things can damage some parts of our body system such as “exposure to the elements, or things in the diet, or pollution, or radiation” (Berger, 2014). However, as stated by Berger, this theory does not explain the whole aging process since some body functions benefit from use. “Exercise improves heart and lungs functioning; tai chi improves balance; weight training increases muscle mass; sexual activity stimulates sexual-reproductive system, [and] foods that …show more content…

This theory is called the Cellular Aging where “the cumulative effect of stress and toxins, [are] causing first cellular damage and eventually the death of cells” (Berger 690). Fortunately, these causes of aging can be modified through eating foods rich in antioxidants to reduce the damage created by free radicals, and practicing mental fitness to keep the brain sharp. Calorie-Restriction, the method of "limiting dietary energy intake . . . while consuming sufficient quantities of vitamins minerals and other important nutrients . . . [can also slow cellular aging]" (Berger 691). However, Berger states that such method does not work for everyone because the specifics of diet are crucial. Restricted-diet might help other creatures, but it doesn’t guarantee that it will slow down the human aging

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