Why we age: scientists named the main causes of body changes

The article explains that aging is a set of interconnected biological processes, not the result of a single cause. It examines DNA damage accumulation, hormonal system changes, loss of collagen properties, reduced mitochondrial efficiency, and age-related changes in the gut microbiome. The author also criticizes simplified claims about exact percentages and strictly defined causes of aging.

The article explains that aging is not a single process but a set of interconnected biological changes in the body. It examines several key mechanisms: the accumulation of DNA damage, which occurs constantly due to metabolism and external factors; changes in the hormonal system affecting metabolism, muscle, and bone tissue; the loss of properties of collagen and elastin, leading to reduced tissue elasticity; reduced mitochondrial efficiency involved in energy production; and age-related changes in the gut microbiome. The author criticizes simplified notions of five strictly defined causes of aging and points out that claims about exact percentages (e.g., that mitochondria produce 95% of energy or that 65% of immunity is in the gut) are incorrect simplifications. The article emphasizes that aging affects not only appearance but also internal organs and systems.