jazelevator.com

Understanding Aging: Disease or Natural Process?

Written on

The Ongoing Debate on Aging

The discourse surrounding aging often spirals into a dichotomy: is aging a natural progression of life that sometimes leads to illness, or is it a disease that primarily triggers other health issues? Science writer Sarah Sloat explored this long-standing discussion in an article for Technology Review, interviewing experts on both sides of the argument. Notably, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently contemplated substituting the term "senility" with "old age," suggesting that aging itself is not a sign of cognitive decline—you're simply growing older.

However, some specialists caution that defining aging as a disease could exacerbate ageism. Sloat notes that if aging is classified as a disease, healthcare providers might overlook specific patient needs, attributing health concerns solely to advancing age.

On the contrary, David Sinclair, a Harvard Medical School professor, argues that the best way to challenge ageism is to confront aging directly, advocating for the development of treatments to slow down its progression. He posits, "The current view that aging is acceptable is ageism in itself."

Philosophical Perspectives on Aging

For centuries, philosophers have debated whether aging is a natural phenomenon or a treatable condition. One fact stands out:

Aging as a Natural Process vs. Disease

Image: Pexels/Edu Carvalho

In many cultures, especially in the United States, aging is often perceived as a decline, prompting individuals to spend excessively in an attempt to counteract its effects. Simultaneously, older generations frequently find themselves dismissed as less relevant by the younger population. Interestingly, our self-perception of age tends to shift forward, making us consider ourselves younger than we truly are as the years advance.

The notion that individuals over 50, 60, or even 80 lack contributions to society is misleading. Most realize, upon reaching these ages, that they bring invaluable wisdom and life experience.

The Benefits of Aging

What advantages come with age? A clearer understanding of life's priorities, reduced daily pressures, and, statistically, a greater sense of happiness are just a few.

The Myth of Eternal Youth

Earlier this year, I examined whether aging can be "cured" (it can't; death is inevitable) and if it should be classified as a disease (it shouldn't, as this implies everyone is afflicted, which is nonsensical). In another article, I critiqued the overwhelming barrage of misleading anti-aging narratives that frame growing older as a negative, while billions are spent attempting to "cure" this natural process. Embracing aging, paradoxically, fosters better well-being and longevity.

According to the National Institute on Aging, "Aging is not, in and of itself, a disease. However, aging is the major risk factor for developing many significant chronic diseases. Additionally, numerous diseases seem to accelerate the aging process, leading to functional declines and reduced quality of life."

In Conclusion

Ultimately, the WHO decided against replacing "senility" with "old age," choosing instead the more complex term "aging-associated decline in intrinsic capacity." I can accept that, and I hope to do so for many years to come.

The key takeaway is that while aging is unavoidable, we can manage it effectively, potentially slowing its progression and minimizing the risk of chronic diseases. The solutions are straightforward: maintain a healthy diet, engage in regular physical activity, and ensure adequate sleep. Alternatively, one could neglect these factors and hasten the aging process. Regardless, everyone will face mortality, and, unlike the late Queen of England, it's unlikely that the cause will be merely old age.

Exploring the question, "Is Aging a Disease?" this video delves into the scientific and philosophical perspectives on aging and its classification.

In this TEDx talk, Nir Barzilai discusses the concept of aging as a treatable disease and the implications of such a viewpoint on our understanding of health and longevity.

More Aha! Moments >>>

Thank you for your continued support, which enables my writing and reporting. To enhance your life, check out my book: Make Sleep Your Superpower. If you're a writer, consider subscribing to my Writer's Guide newsletter.