Theories of Aging Flashcards
What are 2 cells that are not susceptible to Hayflick’s limit?
1) Germ cells
2) Undifferentiated stem cells
How does the concept of entropy relate to theories of aging?
Aging is driven by a stochastic (random) accumulation of damage to vital organs that exceeds maintenance capacity
What is the adaptive evolutionary theory of aging?
Ageing is selected for to stop old and worn out individuals competing for resources, prevents overcrowding
- but little evidence from natural populations
What are 3 non-adaptive evolutionary theories of aging?
1) Disposable soma
- bioeconomics of somatic repair vs germ cell genetic transmission → resources channeled towards germ-lined cells at the expense of somatic cells
2) Mutation accumulation
- force of natural selection negligible after reproductive age (no evolutionary advantage to genes that act in later life)
3) Antagonistic pleiotropy
- genes have different effect at different times in life course
What is the difference between lifespan and healthspan?
Life span is average age of death
Healthspan is average age of onset of morbidity
What is successful aging?
Functioning at the highest level possible in the context of the inevitable limitations that growing old places upon an individual
“getting the best out of what is possible for as long as possible” (physically, mentally, psychologically and socially)
What is the recommendation for activity to optimise physical aging?
1) 30mins moderate intensity daily (must be regular and at least moderately taxing)
2) Structured repetitive movement to maintain/improve physical fitness (150mins/week)
What are 5 common treatable causes of undernutrition?
MEALS ON WHEELS
Medications
Emotional problems
Anorexia, Alcoholism
Late life psychiatric disorders
Swallowing impairment
Oral disease
No money
Wandering (dementia related behaviour)
Hyper/hypothyroidism, hyperglycaemia
Enteric problems
Eating disorders
Low fat, low cholesterol diet
Social problems
What are 4 nutrients that are of particular concern in aging?
1) Calcium
2) Vit. D
3) Vit. B12
4) Folate
- may not be achievable by dietary means
What vaccinations should aging individuals get?
1) influenza
2) pneuomococcal
What 3 ways to maximise brain reserves in an aging person?
1) Anticipating and rehearsing solutions to spatial problems
2) Setting aside plenty of time for complicated tasks. Avoid rushing as haste triggers anxiety which can disrupt attention.
3) Augmenting working memory by working hard, taking plenty of practice
tests and working with others.
4) Avoiding doing 2 things at once.
What are 2 ways to optimise psychological aging?
1) Life long learning
- listening and asking
- media eg. books, TV, maagzine
- enrichment courses (academic, activities eg. dance, cooking)
2) Diversity of experiences
- avocational activites that expand horizons eg. travel
- volunteer work
- church/religious activities
What are 3 ways to optimise social aging?
1) Begin early to reweave social networks
2) Choose quality over quantity
3) Avoid learned dependency.
What are the 3 beyonds of MOH?
1) Beyond hospital to community
2) Beyond quality to value
3) Beyond healthcare to health
