Reliability theory of aging and longevity: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:43, 28 November 2017

Revision as of 23:57, 28 November 2017

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One of the models suggested in the book is based on an analogy with the reliability theory. The underlying [[hypothesis]] is based on the premise that humans are born in a highly defective state. This is then made worse by environmental and mutational damage; [[Redundancy (engineering)|redundancy]] allows the organism to survive for a while.{{r|ieee}}

The theory attempts to explain two aging phenomena for higher organisms: the [[Gompertz law]] of exponential increase in mortality rates with age and the "late-life mortality plateau" (mortality deceleration compared to the Gompertz law at higher ages).<ref>Gavrilov, Gavrilova (2001).</ref>

The book criticizes a number of hypotheses known at the time, discusses drawbacks of the hypotheses put forth by the authors themselves, and concludes that regardless the suggested mathematical models, the underlying biological mechanisms remain unknown.<ref>"Conclusion" section of the book</ref>