Programmed Aging and the Intelligent Design Effect

Programmed aging refers to the idea that organisms including humans possess biological mechanisms or programs that purposely limit their internally determined lifespans in order to obtain an evolutionary advantage. To most science-oriented people programmed aging appears to be scientifically ridiculous because it directly conflicts with Darwin’s survival-of-the-fittest concept. Some have compared programmed aging to Intelligent Design or evolution denial, obviously scientifically bogus ideas about evolution. However, as described in this article, most gerontologists now believe in aging theories that are based on post-1950 modifications to Darwin’s concept and multiple modifications support programmed aging. Programmed aging now has strong theoretical support and provides the best match to scientific observations. Programmed aging theories suggest that in addition to the traditional methods dramatically different approaches to prevention and treatment of age-related diseases can be found. Substantially funded medical research efforts based on programmed aging have begun. The existence of Intelligent Design and other pseudoscience concerning evolution has acted against wide distribution of these developments. This has a negative effect on medical research on aging and age-related diseases by inhibiting researchers and public funding.