What is the Origin of Biological Obsolescence?

The concept borrows from engineering and economic terminology, applying the notion of "obsolescence" to biological systems to describe the loss of utility and function with age. In gerontology and longevity medicine, it is the central problem addressed by interventions aimed at extending healthspan.

What is the Mechanism of Biological Obsolescence?

Biological obsolescence is mechanistically rooted in several hallmarks of aging, including telomere attrition, genomic instability, epigenetic alterations, and cellular senescence. A key hormonal component involves the age-related decline in anabolic hormones, such as testosterone and growth hormone, and an increase in chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation, often termed inflammaging. These molecular and endocrine shifts erode the integrity of cellular machinery, leading to organ system failure over the lifespan.

Biological Obsolescence ∞ Area

Biological Obsolescence

Meaning

The inevitable, progressive decline in the functional capacity of an organism’s tissues, organs, and systems over time, driven by cumulative molecular and cellular damage and reduced homeostatic reserve. This phenomenon represents the physiological aging process, characterized by impaired regenerative potential and increased susceptibility to pathology. From a clinical perspective, it signifies the point where the rate of catabolism consistently exceeds the rate of anabolism, leading to systemic frailty.