Ageing population

Question 1

Outline some of the societal challenges faced by increasingly elderly population

Answer 1

Stress on the healthcare system

Financial stress on the economy e.g. making more houses, providing more food transportation

Question 2

Provide a detailed overview of the theories of ageing (both programmed and damage)

Answer 2

Programmed theories
Genetic theory
Endocrine theory
Immune system theory

Environmental theories 
Wear and tear
Rate of living(metabolic theory)
Free radical theory
Cross-linking theory
Somatic DNA damage

Question 3

Be able to describe how telomeres may prevent ageing

Answer 3

Older people and people who tend to exercise a lot have longer telomeres. When you have longer telomeres this maintain chromosomes integrity. This indicates that you will longer and not age as quickly as others.

Telomere length shortens with age. Progressive shortening of telomeres leads to senescence, apoptosis, or oncogenic transformation of somatic cells, affecting the health and lifespan of an individual. Shorter telomeres have been associated with increased incidence of diseases and poor survival.

Question 4

Explain how genetics, hormones and immune components can regulate ageing

Answer 4

Essay styled question-Answered in my book

Question 5

Explain how environmental damage can promote ageing

Answer 5

Essay styled question -Answered in my book

Question 6

Name some of the Age-related diseases (e.g. Alzheimers disease, COPD)

Answer 6

Alzheimers
Type 2 diabetes
Heart disease
Cancer 
Cognitive decline 
Kidney disease

Question 7

Name some means of preventing ageing and age-related diseases

Answer 7

Reduce sugar content 
Have a more plant based diet
Eat healthier 
Exercise
Sleep well
Quit smoking 
Reduce alcohol

Question 8

What is geriatrics?

Answer 8

A branch in medicine dealing with the health of the older generation

Question 9

What is Gerontology?

Answer 9

A study in the mind and body that accompany ageing