Ageing

Ageing, also spelled aging, refers to the process of becoming older, which encompasses both the biological and psychological changes that occur in a living organism over time. In biological terms, ageing manifests through a gradual decline in physiological functions, increased vulnerability to disease, and a reduced ability to cope with stress. This process involves various cellular and molecular changes, such as telomere shortening, oxidative stress, and accumulated genetic mutations.

Ageing can be viewed from different perspectives, including chronological age, which is simply the number of years lived, and biological age, which reflects the condition of the body and the effectiveness of its systems. Ageing is a universal phenomenon experienced by all organisms, though the rate and effects can vary widely based on genetics, environment, lifestyle, and healthcare access.

In addition to its biological implications, ageing also has significant social, economic, and psychological aspects, influencing individuals’ roles in society, their health care needs, and their mental well-being. Overall, ageing is a complex and multifaceted process that involves a combination of natural biological change and the impact of various external factors.