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Aging: The beginning of the end?
 Aging
begins the moment an individual is born. A baby grows and matures
toward becoming an adult and at some point in time the aging process
changes toward one of decline. This decline is manifested in reduced
functioning ultimately leading toward death as referred to by many as
aging or "getting old". The technical term for this decline resulting
in reduced functioning ability, ultimately concluding in death is
referred to as senescence.
The aging process
and the resulting changes are becoming much more well-defined by
medical science, which is now
becoming very aware of how and why these
changes occur. However, two "basic mysteries" remain: (1) whether
aging and
dying have a purpose, and (2) what that purpose is. These mysteries have
resulted in people throughout history searching for a "fountain of
youth" that will delay the aging process, and prolong the period of
time available for people to remain vigorous, healthy young adults.
And so it is, that scientific researchers as well as individuals
continue to look for ways to slow or actually reverse the aging
process.
Aging progress:
The science of
aging continues to demonstrate exceptional progress. In the last
century, life expectancy for people in the United States has grown
phenomenally. As a result of this significant increase in life
expectancy, the conceptions that many in our society have of aging and
the elderly has changed dramatically. In actuality, improvements in
life expectancy actually changed in two stages. First, the infant
mortality rate plummeted largely because of improved sanitation and
the increased availability of vaccines and treatments for childhood
diseases, such as the antibiotics being developed. Second, diseases
and disability have been reduced significantly or have been delayed
among the elderly, because of improvements in health care and the
continuing development of an increased emphasis on preventive
medicine. In spite of all of this progress, even the healthiest (and
luckiest) individuals do not usually live beyond the age of 130.
Information
adapted from
The Merck Manual of Health and Aging
Additional
information and web page by
Paul Susic M.A.Licensed Psychologist Ph.D.
Candidate
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