Why does Man Grow Old?

            Everyone grows older with each passing year. Every man in this world wishes to live long and nobody wants to grow old. But this desire of man is never fulfilled. Growing old is a natural process that begins with birth itself and continues throughout the life.

An Old Man

            As man grows older, biological changes take place in the body. These changes can neither be prevented nor be reversed. Old age is the culminating of these biological changes. Do you know which are the biological changes brought about by old age?

            The biological processes in child’s body are much faster than those taking place in the body of an older person. As the biological processes slow down, the strength and sensitivity of man also diminish. This is because of the fact that the rate production of proteins in the body decreases. Changes in the enzymes are also responsible for aging process. With reduced physical activity man starts losing weight; his eyesight becomes weak ad his hair grays, thins out and he often becomes completely bald. All these are signs of old age.

            In old age, changes occur in all the cells and tissues of the body. The cells of the kidney, liver and intestines become weak. Blood vessels become old and consequently they are not able to carry blood and other nutritionist adequately to all parts of the body. As a result, the process of aging is accelerated. As age advances, the eyes, ears, skin, teeth and digestion, all become weaker. Blood circulation becomes irregular. Various organs start malfunctioning. Finally, life comes to an end.

            The rate of growing old may be different people but old age spares none. This is a definite biological change, which cannot be prevented. However, with the help of nutritious food, clean environment and proper exercises, the deleterious effects of old age can be mitigated to some extent.

What Causes Baldness?

            Over the ages, many theories have been put forward about baldness. Some people say that baldness is the indication of the arrival of old age while some believe that bald men are intelligent. Baldness is also considered as a sign of wealth and prosperity. Many people think that bald men are fools. Whatever may be the truth about baldness, it is generally felt that when a man loses his hair, he is deprived of his natural personality. Curiously, many women feel it adds to man’s charm.

Baldness Before and After

            Baldness or alopecia is categorized into two types- permanent and temporary. The three major factors causing baldness and heredity, age and male sex hormone androgens production. Other causes of permanent baldness are scar producing skin disease, injuries; sever nervous shock, inborn lack of hair development and injury to hair growing centers caused by chemical or physical agents such as fire or acid. Disease of the scalp is one important cause of baldness.

            Temporary baldness may take place due to high fever, typhoid, pneumonia, influenza, chemotherapy, etc. hair can also start falling due to weakness. Baldness caused by disease or weakness can be cured by nutritious diets and tonics. X-rays, ingestion of toxic metals and drugs, malnutrition, skin diseases and hormonal disorders are some other causes of temporary baldness.

            Baldness can be controlled to some extent by making proper care of the hair and having a balanced diet. No successful drug or therapy has yet been developed to treat baldness. Doctors say it is unwise to waste money on advertised patent medicines or so-called cures for baldness!