"Aging affects us all and is characterized not only by increasing frailty but by increased susceptibility to conditions such as Alzheimer's, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. We are gaining an increasing understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying aging, however, and uncovering clues to how life may be prolonged. This book examines the biological basis of aging and research into strategies that may extend lifespan"--
Aging is one of the greatest challenges currently facing society. People are living longer than ever, but many of the later years are fraught with frailty and disease, placing enormous burden on health-care systems. Understanding the biological changes that occur during aging and developing strategies to address them are therefore urgently needed.
Written and edited by experts in the field, this collection from Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicineexamines the biological basis of aging, strategies that may extend health span, and the societal implications of delayed aging. Contributors discuss genetic variants that accelerate or protect against aging, biochemical pathways that modulate longevity (e.g., mTOR), biological consequences of aging (e.g., decline in stem cell function), and various animal models used to study aging processes. They emphasize that age-delaying interventions will yield greater health and vitality than disease-specific treatments. Drugs that may promote health span or longevity (e.g., metformin) and efforts to prevent and treat frailty (e.g., through exercise) are explored.
The authors consider the socioeconomic benefits and costs of delayed aging and also outline directions for future research and translational efforts. This volume will serve as a vital reference for all involved in the fields of geroscience and geriatric medicine, as well as anyone wishing to understand physiological processes that generate health and disease, regardless of chronological age.
