The Biological Basis of Human Aging

Abstract

Human aging is a complex biological process involving gradual changes at molecular, cellular, tissue, and organismal levels. Aging is associated with genomic instability, telomere changes, cellular senescence, mitochondrial dysfunction, altered protein homeostasis, chronic inflammation, and changes in stem-cell function. Genetic, environmental, metabolic, and lifestyle factors can influence the rate and characteristics of aging. This paper examines nine major dimensions of biological aging, including cellular senescence, genomic stability, telomeres, mitochondria, proteostasis, inflammation, stem cells, oxidative stress, and healthy aging.