The question of whether aging is a natural part of life or a disease to be cured has been debated for centuries. Recent scientific advancements have reignited this discussion, focusing on understanding the causes of age-related conditions. While science seeks to unravel the mysteries of aging, the discourse is filled with both scientific disagreements and hopes for extending life, alongside ethical considerations.
This article explores the differing views on aging, examining arguments from those who see it as a primary cause of disease and those who view it as a natural process. By understanding the arguments, we can better approach the challenges and opportunities that come with aging.
The Argument for Aging as a Disease
The Healthy Life Extension Society, led by Sven Bulterijs, argues that biological aging is the root cause of many diseases. They advocate for attacking aging to prevent these illnesses. This perspective views aging as a ‘universal human tragedy’ that needs to be addressed through scientific solutions.
Bulterijs and colleagues argued in a 2015 Cell article that aging, like a disease, leads to harmful physical decline and has specific signs and symptoms. This view has led to some changes in disease classification.
In 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) added ‘aging-related diseases’ to its classification system, defining them as conditions caused by biological processes leading to loss of adaptation in older ages. Examples include cataracts, atherosclerosis, and dementia. However, the WHO stopped short of classifying aging as a disease itself.
Treating aging as a disease could shift the fatalistic view of it being ‘natural’ towards proactive efforts to adopt healthy habits and develop medicines to slow the aging process. This could also lead to increased funding for aging research and drug development, similar to efforts against cancer and other chronic diseases.
The Perspective of Aging as a Natural Process
Sharona Hoffman, a professor of law and bioethics at Case Western Reserve University, believes aging is a natural part of life for those who live long and should not be considered a disease.
The National Institute on Aging supports a nuanced view, emphasizing the complex relationship between aging and illness: ‘Aging is not, in and of itself, a disease. However, aging is the major risk factor for developing many major chronic diseases. Furthermore, many diseases appear to accelerate the aging process.’
Scientists sometimes define disease simply as an unwanted or harmful deviation from the norm. Meanwhile, the list of conditions considered diseases changes, highlighting the challenges to medical wisdom. For example, osteoporosis is now classified as a disease, while homosexuality is not.
The Ambiguity of Defining Disease
One of the challenges in this debate is the lack of a universal medical definition for ‘disease’. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines ‘health’ as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of disease. Disease is often defined as the opposite of health or as an illness with specific signs and symptoms.
Potential Downsides of Classifying Aging as a Disease
Calling aging a disease could imply it is curable, potentially leading to unrealistic expectations of immortality. It may also suggest that life as we know it is flawed and needs fixing.
Most experts agree that aging is normal, not a deviation. Claims of extending lifespan to extreme lengths are viewed as improbable. Labeling aging a disease could also increase stigma and discrimination against older adults, even though many remain competent and contribute significantly to society.
It could also normalize decline and foster complacency, ignoring lifestyle choices that impact aging, such as physical activity, diet, and social interaction. An unhealthy mindset could emerge: ‘I’m old, so I’m sick, just as expected. After all, aging is a disease!’
The Enduring Scientific Mysteries of Aging
Scientists are still trying to understand why and how our bodies age, despite natural selection favoring survival. Theories involve:
- Cell divisions causing genetic mutations.
- Shortening of telomeres with each cell division.
- Buildup of damaging molecules during energy creation.
These changes are not linear and are loosely associated with age. The rate at which we age is influenced by biological, environmental, and social factors.
Research and the Push for Change in Aging
Regardless of its classification, studying the relationship between aging and disease is crucial. Ming Guo, a neurologist at UCLA, emphasizes that ‘If we could pause, delay, or even reverse aging, we would make a significant impact against numerous diseases.’
Guo views aging as a natural process but sees room for improvement in research. More funding could allow for identifying and treating premature aging in specific tissues. The Targeting Aging with Metformin (TAME) project aims to treat aging as an ‘indication’ rather than a disease, testing metformin’s effectiveness on aging.
The Overlooked Positive Effects of Aging
The debate often ignores the positive aspects of aging, such as increased satisfaction, resilience, well-being, and wisdom. Some psychiatric illnesses also become less prevalent with age.
Older people are often happier than middle-aged individuals, which may be a perspective worth looking forward to.
Conclusion
The question of whether aging is a disease or a natural process remains complex. There are valid arguments on both sides, and the answer likely lies in understanding the intricate relationship between aging and disease. Whether aging is classified as a disease or not, continued research into the biology of aging is crucial for improving health and quality of life for all.
Ultimately, the debate highlights the need for a balanced perspective. While scientific advancements offer the potential to slow down the aging process and prevent age-related diseases, it’s also important to recognize and appreciate the positive aspects of aging, such as increased wisdom and overall well-being. By embracing a holistic view of aging, we can develop strategies that promote not only longer lives but also healthier and more fulfilling ones.