What is the Origin of Time-Dependent Biological Change?

This term is a core concept in gerontology and the biology of aging, recognizing that the decline in functional capacity is intrinsically linked to the temporal dimension of life. The emphasis on Time-Dependent distinguishes these natural aging processes from pathological changes caused by disease. It provides the essential framework for measuring the difference between chronological age and the more critical metric of biological age.

What is the Mechanism of Time-Dependent Biological Change?

The mechanism is multifaceted, driven by a combination of genetic programming and accumulated molecular damage over time

Time-Dependent Biological Change ∞ Area

Time-Dependent Biological Change

Meaning

Time-Dependent Biological Change refers to the predictable, measurable alterations in physiological function, cellular structure, and biochemical profiles that occur as a direct function of the passage of chronological time, independent of acute disease. These changes include the gradual decline in hormone production, the accumulation of cellular senescence, and the progressive shortening of telomeres. Understanding these changes is foundational to longevity medicine, as they define the intrinsic rate of biological aging.