Programmed Aging Info - Information About Modern Aging Theories

Site Contents	About Site Editors and Contributers Contact Editors	Introduction Programmed vs. Non-Programmed Controversy Aging Theory Frequently Asked Questions Anti-Aging Medicine Aging Theory Glossary How to Live Longer	Aging Theory Overview Aging Theories and Issues Genetic Programming and Aging Aging Theory Comparison Summary Evolution Issues Important to Aging Theory Modern Genetics and Evolution Gene-Centered Evolution Theories Medawar's Hypothesis Aging Theory Historical Timeline Detailed Chronology of Aging Theories Non-Science Factors in Aging Theory Darwin on Aging Theory Life Span Vs. Evolutionary Benefit	Non-Programmed Aging Theories Wear and Tear Theory Mutation Accumulation Theory Antagonistic Pleiotropy Theory Disposable Soma Theory General Arguments Against Non-Programmed Theories Arguments Against Mutation Accumulation Theory Arguments Against Antagonistic Pleiotropy Arguments Against Disposable Soma Theory	Programmed Aging Theories Group and Kin Selection Based Aging Theories Evolvability Based Aging Theories Weismann: Programmed Death Theory Maintenance and Repair Theories of Aging Telomeres and Aging Demographic Theories of Aging
Experimental Evidence Evidence Overview Negligible Senescence Human Mortality Data Animal Life Span Data Animal Altruism	Medical Implications Medical Implications of Aging Theories Anti-Aging Medicine Programmed Aging Medical Research	Programmed Aging Investigators Vladimir Skulachev Joshua Mitteldorf Valter Longo Jeff Bowles Lucy Milewski Giacinto Libertini Harold Katcher Cynthia Kenyon Theodore Goldsmith Google Calico Labs NIH Interventions Testing Program	Resources Additional Resources Multi-Site Search

This web site is dedicated to providing information and resources about theories of biological aging.

There are two main aging concepts as applied to humans and most other mammals. The programmed aging theories, also known as adaptive or active aging theories, propose that mammals purposely deteriorate with age because an internally limited life span provides evolutionary benefits. Non-programmed theories, also known as passive or non-adaptive theories, contend that a limited life span is entirely adverse and that aging is not genetically programmed for the purpose of causing deterioration or death.

Programmed theories provide a better match to observations, but are based on newer concepts regarding evolution mechanisms. Non-programmed theories have difficulty explaining many observations but are more compatible with older evolutionary mechanics concepts.

This issue is important because most people in developed countries now die of age-related diseases. Understanding, preventing, and treating these diseases requires that we understand the aging process.

In addition to introductory and educational material, this site provides extensive descriptions of the various programmed and non-programmed theories and access to full-text or abstracts of many journal articles.

Anti-Aging Medicine: How We Can Extend Lifespan and Live Longer and Healthier Lives 2021 Describes history and current status of evolutionary arguments, research activities, and treatment possibilities. Aging is a treatable condition! eBook or paperback. Free PDF Version

Introduction to Biological Aging Theory 2nd Ed. Rev 2. 2020 Short non-fiction ebook (free PDF) - describes history of aging theories, current theorists and controversies, anti-aging research and researchers, and underlying evolution theory issues. Available for free on Kindle, iBooks, and Nook.

Aging Theories Discussion Blog

Journal for programmed aging: Biochemistry (Moscow) Phenoptosis 2017 2016 2015 2012, 2013, 2014. Free full-text access.