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100 experts were unable to agree on whether aging is an illness, or when it begins
(english.elpais.com)
this post was submitted on 21 Mar 2026
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It begins when we're born, strictly speaking. But, I suppose, around age 25, when we stop the development that started when we were born.
If you compressed the physical effects of aging into one year, it would certainly look and feel like a terrible illness.
101 experts disagree
And quite a few more laypeople.
Not at conception? What about aged sperm and eggs? What about epigenetics and genetics? The continuum goes back a lot further in an unbroken fashion. Defining "age" as we do is an artifical conceptual barrier that presents as many problems as it purports to solve.
Begins at conception, technically.
Strictly speaking, we claim an age that starts at birth. But that's not "biological aging".
People don't usually start aging poorly until their 30s to 50s usually(depending on how well we take care of ourselves).
Some call it midlife. I like to call it peak ripeness. Usually happens around 40 if you're in good shape. And then it's downhill from there.
I personally wouldn't consider aging an illness. Life is a musical thing, and ultimately the music eventually stops. The point is not to be sorry it's over but to have danced while the music was playing.
That thing you said about the music? Beautiful :)
That's basically Alan Watts. The South Park guys did an animation to it:
https://youtu.be/VvrfnE7Q-0w
That's the whole collection of animations. Enjoy! 😊
Not an illness? So cancer, dementia and Alzheimers are not illnesses but I guess some beautiful song for you?
The diseases listed are age related diseases, and the person I respond to is glorifying death.
Some people just do not take 5 minutes to think before they post what's largely a "live laugh love" post, as a response against horrible sufferings.
You can do better.
Aging doesn't necessitate illness.
So miss me hard with your first paragraph.
They're certainly associated(related) with age but they're not causally related.
So do better? You're obviously hurting. It's okay to self care.
Well that's what scientists argue about, is aging a disease? No one thought so 20 years ago, today more and more do.
And age related diseases are, diseases created by another disease, aging. Or so I think. So very causually related indeed. IMO!
Cure aging, cure Alzheimers, dementia and (most of) cancer.
Sorry if I came off in an un-nice manner, I'm home sick, apologies.