Question

Is the aging process random, programmed, or both? Explain how aging theories support the process(es) you subscribe to.

Explain why you agree with the aging theories you do, as opposed to other theories.

Answer 1

Ageing process is programmed. All the living organisms are prone to ageing. There is no immortal in any creatures. Telomere Theory of ageing suggested by Dr. Hayflick in 1961, suggests that the ability of the cell to divide is limited to 50 times and then it stops dividing thus causing ageing. So the human body is already programmed to ageing and it’s not random. Although there are many theories, I would suggest the Psychosocial theories such as, Activity Theory which looks into how people develop in old age, Disengagement Theory where people withdraw from active life and finally Continuity theory where people continue to live as a normal person without caring much about the stigma around.

I would go with Continuity Theory which proposes that people, when they get old should make adaptive choices to preserve and maintain existing internal and external structures. This way they could keep in touch with the reality. They could actively engage in social activities without feeling loneliness. Other theories look into the biological ageing which is natural whereas coping with the societal changes is what I consider to be the biggest challenge.