Aging process

Aging is the sum total of changes that occur in an organism. Aging is an irreversible process just like a burning candle. It cannot be stopped either. But can be slowed down using a few methods.

Aging eventually ends in the death of the organism. An organism begins aging at conception and continues to age throughout its life span till its death. Every organism grows stronger from the birth till the early adulthood. However, this period of growth varies from one organism to the other depending on the lifespan of the organism. During this period the organism is less vulnerable to diseases, possesses a high metabolic rate and can reproduce. Aging cannot be stopped or cannot be held on for a while. It is a gradual change and results in death. Aging is spontaneous and is considered vastly due to degeneration of cells by oxidation.
Aging process is a genetic program. Many species show very slow aging. This phenomenon is known as negligible senescence. For instance, whales, rock fish and turtles have been shown to live for more than 200 years showing very slow aging. Whales have been found to live with good health for 200 years. This phenomenon of negligible senescence is a subject of great interest to scientists all over the world in search of immortality or at the least to delay death and is a key to finding a solution to the long lasting desire to last long, in other words, to slow the growth rate and delay death eventually. Aging is also substantially affected by the diet and environmental factors.