The Biological Theory of Aging Essay

The biological theory of aging combines two main approaches toward aging in the human body: programmed and damage (error) theories. Programmed theories are based on the assumption that the aging process is regulated by gene expression and changes that happen in those. Damage or error theories specify environmental assaults as the catalysts of aging that depend on the damages cumulated in one’s body and cells (also known as the free radical theory of aging) (Kochman, 2015). Therefore, as a caregiver, I can explain that the genes are not the only active agents in our process of aging. As the environment and the quality of food, water, air, and other resources have changed, so did our body and its ability to resist damaging processes. Moreover, we cannot control the damage in our cells, and the external intrusions have a different influence on us.The Biological Theory of Aging Essay

In order to provide health teaching related to age processes, I would address such topics as stress, malnutrition, genetic research, socioeconomic factors, environmental factors, vitamins and other parts of healthy nutrition, mental illnesses, socialization, etc. to explain that aging process can be influenced (positively and negatively) by various factors that do not often align with the problems (or lack thereof) our parents experienced. I would also educate the patient about the normality of the aging process and point out that it should not be perceived as a failure or malfunction. Additional lectures (with written texts and visuals) about the changes in internal organs as we age are also recommended to explain why the aging process can result in various physical issues.The Biological Theory of Aging Essay