Age Systems Failure represents the concurrent, cumulative decline in the functional integrity and homeostatic capacity of multiple physiological systems across the lifespan. This concept moves beyond single-organ senescence to describe the critical, interconnected breakdown of key regulatory networks, including the neuroendocrine, immune, and metabolic axes. It signifies a profound loss of resilience, ultimately leading to increased vulnerability to pathology and accelerated biological aging. Clinically, recognizing this systemic decompensation is crucial for implementing targeted longevity interventions.
Origin
The term draws its conceptual origin from gerontology and systems biology, integrating the observed deterioration of biological control mechanisms with advancing chronological age. Its etymological roots combine the universal concept of ‘age’ with the engineering term ‘systems failure,’ emphasizing a catastrophic, interconnected breakdown rather than isolated wear and tear. This framework provides a comprehensive lens through which to view the complexity of human longevity and age-related disease.
Mechanism
The mechanism involves the dysregulation of core cellular processes, such as telomere attrition, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, and chronic low-grade inflammation, often termed inflammaging. Endocrine changes, including declining sex hormone production and altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function, exacerbate this failure by compromising intercellular signaling and repair pathways. Effective intervention necessitates addressing these foundational cellular and hormonal deficits to restore systemic balance.
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