Aging happens over time but not through a fixed plan

Aging clocks may reflect the accumulation of molecular errors rather than an intrinsic biological program.

• Debate exists over the causes of aging, with recent aging clocks suggesting a biological program.
• The decline of natural selection post-reproduction may lead to cellular deterioration without a specific program.
• Aging is associated with the stochastic accumulation of damage due to inadequate maintenance and repair.
• Cross-species comparisons show that better DNA repair capacity correlates with greater longevity in mammals.
• Understanding the randomness in aging could provide insights for developing interventions to promote healthy aging.

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