Age-Related Functional Erosion is the gradual, systemic deterioration of physiological reserve and homeostatic capacity across multiple organ systems, leading to a diminished ability to respond to stress and maintain optimal health. This erosion manifests clinically as a progressive reduction in muscle mass, bone density, cardiovascular efficiency, and endocrine gland output. It represents a quantifiable decline in the body’s overall operating efficiency, making an individual increasingly susceptible to illness and injury. The clinical goal is to slow or reverse this erosion by addressing its underlying hormonal and cellular causes.
Origin
This term is a conceptual model used in longevity medicine to describe the observable physical and biological changes associated with chronological aging, using the metaphor of “erosion” to emphasize the cumulative, destructive nature of time on biological systems. In endocrinology, the concept is directly tied to the somatopause, andropause, and menopause, where the sustained decline in growth hormone, testosterone, and estrogen levels directly correlates with the erosion of musculoskeletal and metabolic function.
Mechanism
The core mechanism involves a cascade of cellular events, prominently featuring mitochondrial dysfunction and increased cellular senescence, which is exacerbated by a shifting hormonal milieu. Specifically, the age-related reduction in anabolic hormones and growth factors impairs protein synthesis and tissue repair, accelerating sarcopenia and osteopenia. Furthermore, chronic activation of the stress axis can contribute to catabolism, functionally eroding the integrity of tissues and reducing the overall resilience of the organism.
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