Gerontology

Disciplines of Gerontology

Historically, concern and interest in the aged of society has existed for thousands of years. However, gerontology as a unique and empirically based field of science is a relatively new concept. Methodological scientific inquiry began as early as the late 16th and early 17th centuries, when Sir Francis Bacon studied the relationship between poor hygiene and rapid aging. Later, Ben Franklin contributed to the legitimacy of the study of aging in his research on the uses of lightning and energy to rejuvenate and to retard death.

By the early to mid-20th century, several basic themes had emerged in the study of aging. One was that the problems associated with aging are complex and can be better understood within an interdisciplinary framework. Second, scientists had begun to recognize that there were social consequences of an aging population, and due to this, there was a need for basic information on both normal and abnormal aging processes. Third, there appeared to be an interaction between one's biological predisposition and the environment that affects age.

Biological Gerontology

This aspect of gerontology focuses on physical longevity and causes of death. Research is directed at understanding both normal and abnormal physical changes that can be directly associated with an aging biological system. Factors include age-related hormonal changes, cell mutation, wear on tissue, degenerative influences of physical illness and disease, and related functional incapacitation.

Of important interest to the gerontologist is the ability to understand and differentiate between normal aging and pathological disease processes. Age-related changes of the biological system do occur naturally in the normal population in the absence of illness or trauma. However, it would seem that as we age, we become more vulnerable to disease for a variety of reasons, such as central nervous system (CNS) cell loss, inefficient myocardial functioning, and reduced immunologic response.

Multidisciplinary gerontological research is frequently centered on preventative interventions aimed at extending and improving the quality and span of life. Not surprisingly, findings suggest that exercise and nutrition improve cardiovascular health, increase bone and muscle structure, and reduce weight. Complex genetic manipulation studies have also shown effectiveness toward maintaining and restoring aging biological systems of the human body.

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