Bouve College of Health Sciences
215 BK Health Science Center
Phone: 617 373-3323
Fax: 617-373-3030

Theories Of Aging

Theories of aging fall into two groups. The programmed theories hold that aging follows a biological timetable, perhaps a continuation of the one that regulates childhood growth and development. The damage or error theories associated with specific system changes like endocrine or immunological, emphasize environmental assaults to our systems that gradually cause things to go wrong. These theories of aging are not mutually exclusive. Specifics on the aging theories and process can be obtained by reading a comprehensive review published by the National Institute of Aging (NIA): Aging under the Microscope.