• IMMUNE NETWORK
• /
• v.1 no.2
• /
• pp.104-108
• /
• 2001

Aging is a senescence and defined as a normal physiologic and structural alterations in almost all organ systems with age. As Leonard Hayflick, one of the first gerontologists to propose a theory of biologic aging, indicated that a theory of aging or longevity satisfies the changes of above conditions to be universal, progressive, intrinsic and deleterious. Although a number of theories have been proposed, it is now clear that cell aging (cell senescence) is multifactorial. No single mechanism can account for the many varied manifestations of biological aging. Many theories have been proposed in attempt to understand and explain the process of aging. Aging is effected in individual by genetic factors, diet, social conditions, and the occurrence of age-related diseases as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis. It involves an endogenous molecular program of cellular senescence as well as continuous exposure throughout life to adverse exogenous influences, leading to progressive infringement on the cell's survivability so called wear and tear. So we could say the basic mechanism of aging depends on the irreversible and universal processes at cellular and molecular level. The immediate cause of these changes is probably an interference in the function of cell's macromolecules-DNA, RNA, and cell proteins-and in the flow of information between these macromolecules. The crucial questions, unanswered at present, concerns what causes these changes in truth. Common theories of aging are able to classify as followings for the easy comprehension. 1. Biological, 1) molecular theories - a. error theory, b. programmed aging theory, c. somatic mutation theory, d. transcription theory, e. run-out-of program theory, 2) cellular theories - a. wear and tear theory, b. cross-link theory, c. clinker theory, d. free radical theory, e. waste product theory, 3) system level theory-a. immunologic/autoimmune theory, 4) others - a. telomere theory, b. rate of living theory, c. stress theory, etc. Prevention of aging is theoretically depending on the cause or theory of aging. However no single theory is available and no definite method of delaying the aging process is possible by this moment. The most popular action is anti-oxidant therapy using vitamin E and C, melatonin and DHEA, etc. Another proposal for the reverse of life-span is TCP-17 and IL-16 administration from the mouse bone marrow B cell line study for the immunoglobulin VDJ rearrangement with RAG-1 and RAG-2. Recently conclusional suggestion for the extending of maximum life-span thought to be the calory restriction.

• Women's Health Nursing
• /
• v.17 no.4
• /
• pp.378-387
• /
• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore predictors of successful aging in older Korean women based on a recent mid-range nursing theory, the Successful Aging Theory (SAT). Methods: This study utilized a descriptive correlational design. The convenience sample was composed of 174 older women living in the community. Successful aging was measured using the Successful Aging Inventory (SAI). Transcendence was measured using the Self-transcendence Scale (STS). Adaptation was measured using the Coping behavior scale. Stepwise multiple regression was used to identify significant predictors of successful aging. Results: Transcendence, adaptation, and religion were shown to be predictive of successful aging. This regression model explained 56% of the variance in successful aging. The factor with the highest influence was transcendence which explained 52% of the variance. Conclusion: Gerotranscendence-promoting interventions can be an important consideration in caring for older Korean women. Adaptation and spirituality should be included in a holistic aging care.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
• /
• v.29 no.3
• /
• pp.426-440
• /
• 2015

Purpose: This qualitative study aimed to understand older adults' perspectives on successful aging and develop a model of a successful aging process, within the Korean socio-cultural context. Methods: This study used a Grounded Theory approach. Through theoretical sampling, 14 participants were selected from older adults at a public health center and a volunteer institution in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Results: The basic social process identified was "expanding the aging self", which was preceded by three phases, namely, adjusting to the changes, developing the valuable self, and embracing the environment. Participants used 2-3 strategies for successful aging in each phase. For adjusting to the changes, participants used strategies such as "adopting a positive attitude", "accepting the changes", and "being at the center of life". To develop the valuable self, "re-identifying capacities", "having something to do", and "advancing to a healthy lifestyle" were used. Participants embraced their environments with "sharing with others" and "embracing younger generations". The causal condition for expanding the aging self was the changes in participants' physical, mental, or psychosocial situations. Conclusion: These findings suggest a theoretical foundation for the development of potential nursing interventions to promote self-care management and the interpersonal relationship for successful aging among Korean elderly individuals.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.146-156
• /
• 2001

Objectrve : To research the trends of the study related to aging process, and to establish the direction of the study on aging process. Method : We reviewed the journal and essay about the aging process which are published as well in Korea as in foreign country. Results : 1. The study on the Oriental Medicine field can be classfied with the fourth. first, the study of single herb medication's effect on the aging process. second, the study of multiple herb medication's effect on the aging process. third, the study of herb-acupuncture solution's effect on the aging process. fourth, journal review. We find the fact that the study on the Oriental Medicine is concerned with pathology of deficiency syndrome of the kidneys, retention of phlegm and fluid, blood stasis. 2. On the Western Medicine field, mechanism and pathology of aging pracess primarily has been studied. The mechanism of aging process is classified with 'Wear and tear theory' and 'Genome-based theory'. Among the mechanism of aging process, 'Free radical theory' is the most important. Additionally 'Senescence-Accelerated Mouse' has been studied. 3. We review the journal published in foreign country and its subject was the following: first, moxibustion combined with acu-area skin allograft therapy for the aging was effective, second, the traditional chinese medicine bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang in mice have anti-aging effect. third, the overview Preventive geriatrics of Traditional chinese medicine. 4. We researched anti-aging effect study in the journal of the Korean Acupuncture and Moxibustion, and we found a few journal of Herb-acupuncture solution's anti-aging effect. Hereafter, it is necessory that we will study about relationship between acupuncture-moxibustion therpy and anti-aging effect using Senescence-Accelerated Mouse.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.54 no.5
• /
• pp.253-259
• /
• 2021

Aging is characterized by a functional decline in most physiological processes, including alterations in cellular metabolism and defense mechanisms. Increasing evidence suggests that caloric restriction extends longevity and retards age-related diseases at least in part by reducing metabolic rate and oxidative stress in a variety of species, including yeast, worms, flies, and mice. Moreover, recent studies in invertebrates - worms and flies, highlight the intricate interrelation between reproductive longevity and somatic aging (known as disposable soma theory of aging), which appears to be conserved in vertebrates. This review is specifically focused on how the reproductive system modulates somatic aging and vice versa in genetic model systems. Since many signaling pathways governing the aging process are evolutionarily conserved, similar mechanisms may be involved in controlling soma and reproductive aging in vertebrates.

• 한국노년학
• /
• v.30 no.3
• /
• pp.743-757
• /
• 2010

Theory of mind (ToM) is the ability to infer one's own and other people's mental states such as beliefs, desires, and intentions. Although the majority of research in ToM has focused on young children or autistic individuals, several studies have investigated ToM in normal old age and in the demented elderly. This article provides an overview on existent findings of theory of mind in aging populations and suggests future directions for research including applying neuroimaging techniques and real-life tasks. It is still unclear how ToM in aging is associated with other aspects of cognition. However, it is expected that ToM perspective on aging will increase our understanding of aging of cognition and social functioning.

• Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.1-6
• /
• 2013

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) has been known for having strong anti-oxidant, anti-mutagenic, and anti-carcinogenic activities. The free radical theory of aging, also known as the oxidative stress theory of aging, claims that cellular oxidative damage accumulated with time is a major causal factor of aging. In the present study, we investigated the effect of buckwheat extracts on resistance to oxidative stress and aging using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system. Survival under an oxidative-stress condition induced by paraquat increased markedly following 500mg/L buckwheat extracts treatment, suggesting lower cellular oxidative damage by buckwheat extracts. A lifespan assay also revealed that treatment of buckwheat extracts significantly extended both the mean and maximum lifespan in C. elegans. Interestingly, this lifespan-extension by buckwheat extracts was not accompanied by reduced fertility. These findings suggest that buckwheat extracts can confer longevity phenotype to C. elegans through its strong anti-oxidant activity and support the aging theory which emphasizes a pivotal role of oxidative stress during aging.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.52 no.1
• /
• pp.13-23
• /
• 2019

Aging is accompanied by a time-dependent progressive deterioration of multiple factors of the cellular system. The past several decades have witnessed major leaps in our understanding of the biological mechanisms of aging using dietary, genetic, pharmacological, and physical interventions. Metabolic processes, including nutrient sensing pathways and mitochondrial function, have emerged as prominent regulators of aging. Mitochondria have been considered to play a key role largely due to their production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in DNA damage that accumulates over time and ultimately causes cellular failure. This theory, known as the mitochondrial free radical theory of aging (MFRTA), was favored by the aging field, but increasing inconsistent evidence has led to criticism and rejection of this idea. However, MFRTA should not be hastily rejected in its entirety because we now understand that ROS is not simply an undesired toxic metabolic byproduct, but also an important signaling molecule that is vital to cellular fitness. Notably, mitochondrial function, a term traditionally referred to bioenergetics and apoptosis, has since expanded considerably. It encompasses numerous other key biological processes, including the following: (i) complex metabolic processes, (ii) intracellular and endocrine signaling/communication, and (iii) immunity/inflammation. Here, we will discuss shortcomings of previous concepts regarding mitochondria in aging and their emerging roles based on recent advances. We will also discuss how the mitochondrial genome integrates with major theories on the evolution of aging.

• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.65-87
• /
• 2007

The objective of the study was to cast a frame for the integrating concept of successful aging together with for understanding both elderly problems and aging, which was one of the major issues in aging society. For this, the author reviewed the meaning of aging and also made a general survey of both affirmative change such as growth and development and negative change with regard to aging. Particularly, it was observed that wisdom is a key factor for successful aging. The existing theory of successful aging and major study results were reviewed. As a result, the author proposed an integrated conceptualization of successful aging under the general discussion of the limits of existing theory and also explained the characteristics and implications of an integrated conceptualization of successful aging in line with the discussion on the definition of the integrated concept of successful aging.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
• /
• v.46 no.6
• /
• pp.1023-1038
• /
• 2022

In societies emphasizing the importance of youthful appearance, attitudes toward aging are closely related to how individuals perceive their own bodies, which can be a major determinant of psychological well-being among older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between attitudes toward aging, positive body image, and life satisfaction among older Korean adults, based on relative deprivation theory and social identity theory. Employing an online survey questionnaire, data was collected from 408 Korean aged 65 and over. The proposed research model was examined via partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Results revealed that higher levels of psychosocial loss were associated with lower positive body image, while higher levels of physical change and psychological growth - a good example were associated with higher positive body image. Higher levels of positive body image were associated with higher life satisfaction. Overall, positive attitudes toward aging may increase positive body image and life satisfaction among older adults, controlling for subjective financial and health status. The results of this study emphasize that we should not overlook the importance of positive body image in psychological well-being among older adults.