Aging as disease

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Philosophy of Medicine
• Biogerontology

Background:

• The classification of ageing is debated, with differing views on whether it constitutes a natural process or a pathological condition.
• Understanding the definition of disease is crucial for classifying ageing.
• Existing arguments against viewing ageing as a disease require re-examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To argue that ageing can be construed as a disease.
• To explore the implications of this classification for medical research and societal attitudes.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the definition of disease, distinguishing between objectivist and subjectivist viewpoints.
• Application of a chosen disease concept to the phenomenon of ageing.
• Discussion and refutation of common counterarguments against ageing as disease.

Main Results:

• Utilizing an objective disease concept, ageing can be classified as a disease.
• Common counterarguments against this classification are not sufficiently robust.
• Viewing ageing as a disease has potential implications for developing treatments and altering societal views.

Conclusions:

• Ageing fits the criteria of an objective disease concept.
• The implications of this view, while complex, do not necessarily lead to negative outcomes.
• This perspective opens avenues for novel research and societal shifts regarding ageing.