Why We Age

I thought the reading brought up a really interesting idea about the cause of aging.  As we have been defining aging in class we have mentioned that everyone is continually aging, and that it looks different for each individual.  However, as we have reviewed several characteristics of aging we haven't really uncovered the reason behind aging.  The author mentioned "the good-of-the-species theory" which some people feel is the cause of aging.  This theory is utilized frequently in research, take fruit flies for example.  They have a short life span and reproduce many offspring quickly, enabling them to adapt to their environment quickly.  These aspects of their life cycle are beneficial in creating a well adapted species to their environment in a relatively quick time frame.  In the wild it is beneficial for the aging population to die in order to enable the younger generation to utilize the available resources.  Although their life cycle may promote quick generations times and adaptation, this does not describe the reason we age, it describes why it is beneficial.  I would have to agree with the author that "the good-of-the-species theory" does not address the question of why we age.  After contemplating this idea I am not sure there is a  black and white answer of why we age.  In my opinion it is similar to the question why do humans exist.  Although these are intriguing questions, I am not confident a concrete answer can be found.