The ageing process

Abstract

Ageing may be simply defined but is yet to be well understood. Research in this area is considered a priority, with the population growing older and increasing disability, morbidity and mortality predicted. There are many theories and ageing has been described from changes at the molecular level to characteristics of ageing populations. However, distinguishing cause from effect has proved problematic largely because the underlying reasons for ageing have not been understood. Progress has now been made and the central role for repair processes is increasingly accepted. A number of approaches to modifying ageing have been explored but the only reliable method to alter the rate remains diet restriction. Instituted after weaning, diet restriction slows ageing in a number of species and has an opposite effect when started in earlier life. There is now preliminary evidence that poor early growth is associated with increased human ageing and this is an important area for future research.