The physiology of ageing

Abstract

All cultures throughout the centuries have shown a fascination with the mysteries of the processes of ageing, some welcoming, some fearing (and anxious to retard!) their onset, depending on the view of the role and the relevance of the aged in the contemporary society. While the physical manifestations of ageing have always been apparent to the observer, however, any scientific study of the processes and the problems inherent within them has only been undertaken during the last half century. Gerontology is a multi-disciplinary subject, encompassing the study of the biological, psychological, sociological and economic aspects of later life.