aging

Question 1

define ageing

Answer 1

the biological process of growing old, with associated changes in physiology and increased susceptibility to disease and increased likelihood of dying

Question 2

define life expectancy

Answer 2

statistical measure of the number of years a person can expect to live

Question 3

define health

Answer 3

the state of being free from illness or injury

Question 4

define disability

Answer 4

a physical or mental condition which limits a persons movements, activities or senses

Question 5

what are the main theories for why we age

Answer 5

damage/error theories - accumulation of damage to DNA, cells and tissues due to external/environmental factors

programmed ageing theories - genetic, hormonal and immunological changes are programmed to occur

ageing is probably a mix of both

Question 6

define frailty

Answer 6

the loss of functional reserve among older people which causes cumulative decline and impairment of their ability to manage every-day activities