Turkish Journal of Geriatrics
2013 , Vol 16, Issue 3
CURRENT ASPECTS OF AGEING THEORIES AND CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO MECHANISMS
İstanbul Üniversitesi Cerrahpaşa Tıp Fakültesi Tıbbi Biyokimya Anabilim Dalı İSTANBUL
Attempts to define ageing, explain theories and classify them have always been an important
issue for biogerontologists. Oxidative stress, telomeres, genetics, hormonal changes, immunity
and damage accumulation over threshold values are all common theories that have been
studied and modified over a long period of time. Verifications of these theories may lead to
enlightenment about molecular mechanisms, and these can give rise to new research to reverse
or slow age related pathological changes and increase average life span. Nowadays, an increased
ratio of “successful ageing” or “healthier ageing” is a big aim for the whole society. Achieving
this purpose also depends on research which studies molecular mechanisms and routine laboratory
markers of ageing.
Keywords :
Aging; Free Radicals; Inflammation; Longevity; Telomere