This is a tough question, and it's one that the reading couldn't even answer. I'm not sure that I can either. The reading was able to say that death played into the survival of the fittest theory, but it didn't give a logical reason for the deterioration of the body. I think that aging occurs because of a deterioration of the body and the body's systems. This still doesn't answer what purpose aging has, though.
I did have a thought though. Maybe age and the term "old" is all relative. I remember when I was 10 and 12 and thought that 20 year olds were soooo old. Well, now I'm 21, and I think I'm young, but I look at older generations and consider them "old." And I'm sure when I'm 50 and 60 I'll still feel young, but those who are 70 or 80 will be old. I guess my point is that age and what is old is always changing. It's never concrete.
Just a thought...
Here's an interesting link about a girl who was featured on a TLC show. She is a 16 year old who is the size of a two year old. She looks about two as well, it's as if she hasn't aged...
Doctor's think she might hold the key to immortality, and they want to research her DNA makeup to see what gene(s) might be causing her lack of physical maturity.
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/Health/story?id=7880954&page=2
Heidi-
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link! You have some very interesting thoughts in regards to why we age. In looking at the link to the girl who "doesn't age"- I don't think I would want to be in her shoe.
I really enjoyed reading your point about what we think is "old" will probably be considered "young" later on in life. Do you ever think about how "old" 21 year olds seemed when you were 10. If you had the choice, would you want to be 5 or 10 years younger than you are now? Personally, going back to the age I was in junior high (and sometimes high school) is not something that I would want.
I wonder if we think everyone but ourselves as old? Your thought reminds me of the anecdote we read in class last week. Sweet link!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting link. I find it astounding at the progress we've made in medical care and treatment, and how there is still so much that can't be explained. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI thought your comment about aging and thinking of 'old' as being relative was very interesting because I agree with that! Great link!
ReplyDeleteThat link was very interesting! I found a video if you want to watch to see the girl http://www.mahalo.com/child-frozen-in-time/ . It is amazing that she is a teenager, yet a baby.
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