Final answer:
Programmed theories of aging suggest that aging is biologically pre-determined and follows a specific timeline, contrasting with theories that attribute aging to accumulated cellular damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Programmed theories of aging propose that aging follows a biologically driven timeline. These theories suggest that biological factors, such as genetic programming and systemic bodily functions, play a significant role in the aging process. The idea is that our DNA contains a sort of built-in clock that regulates the growth and aging of cells through mechanisms like telomere shortening and changes in cellular metabolism. On the contrary, damage-related theories of aging, such as the Free Radical Theory, suggest that aging occurs due to accumulated cellular damage from oxidative stress, leading to physiological and anatomical effects of aging. Ultimately, while there is debate and ongoing research about the exact causes of aging, these theories strive to explain the complex phenomenon that every living organism eventually experiences.