Senescence

In biology, senescence is the state or process of aging. For the social, cultural, and economic aspects see aging. The word senescence is derived from the Latin word senex, meaning "old man" or "old age."

Related Topics:
Biology - Aging

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Cellular senescence is a phenomenon where isolated cells demonstrate a limited ability to divide in a culture dish. Organismal senescence is the aging of organisms. It does not refer to apoptosis.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Organismal aging is generally characterized by the declining ability to respond to stress, increasing homeostatic imbalance and increased risk of disease. Because of this, death is the ultimate consequence of aging.

Related Topics:
Stress - Homeostatic - Disease - Death

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Some researchers in gerontology (specifically biogerontologists) are regarding aging itself as a "disease" that may be curable, although this view is controversial.

Related Topics:
Gerontology - Biogerontologists - Disease

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Genetic and environmental interventions are known to affect the life span of model organisms. This gives many hope that human aging can be slowed, halted, or reversed. Dietary calorie restriction, by 30 percent for example, extends the life span of yeast, worms, flies, mice, and monkeys. Several genes are known to be necessary for this extension, and modification of these genes is also sufficient to produce the same effect as diet. Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in red wine, has been shown to extend the lifespan of yeast, worms, and flies.

Related Topics:
Genetic - Environmental - Model organisms - Dietary calorie restriction - Resveratrol - Polyphenol - Red wine

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~