Aging

Aging refers to the process of becoming older, which involves the gradual decline of physiological functions and the accumulation of cellular and molecular damage over time. It is a biological phenomenon characterized by changes in physical appearance, increased susceptibility to diseases, and altered physical and mental capacities. Aging encompasses various dimensions, including chronological aging, which is measured by the passage of time, and biological aging, which indicates the state of an organism’s physical and functional health. The study of aging includes understanding the biological mechanisms that drive this process, such as telomere shortening, oxidative stress, and hormonal changes, as well as the social, psychological, and economic implications of an aging population. Aging is a universal experience for all living organisms and raises questions about health care, quality of life, and longevity.