The Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller TV and radio presenter Kate Garraway has a lot on her mind. She's turned 50, and suddenly seems to have MANY questions about EVERYTHING. Should she get plastic surgery? Will the menopause ruin her life? What's the secret to making love last? Can anyone really deal with the idea of death? And why, oh why, did nobody tell her how important big knickers would be?! As she tries to find what's useful amongst the deluge of advice we are bombarded with, Kate discovers a lesson on why women in their midlife and beyond should be loved and celebrated, especially by themselves...

The book offers a comprehensive review of current research regarding the influences of environmental factors involved in human health and ageing. Many environmental compounds promote excessive oxidative stress, which is the primary cause of accelerated ageing and which also contributes to the development of human diseases. The basic concepts of ageing theories are discussed, as is the promotion of oxidative stress which has been identified as one of the most important mechanisms responsible for the toxic effects of the majority of environmental pollutants. Antioxidants play an important role in the defence against pollutant-induced toxicity.

For most Americans, staying "mentally sharp" as they age is a very high priority. Declines in memory and decision-making abilities may trigger fears of Alzheimer's disease or other neurodegenerative diseases. However, cognitive aging is a natural process that can have both positive and negative effects on cognitive function in older adults - effects that vary widely among individuals. At this point in time, when the older population is rapidly growing in the United States and across the globe, it is important to examine what is known about cognitive aging and to identify and promote actions that individuals, organizations, communities, and society can take to help older adults maintain and improve their cognitive health. Cognitive Aging assesses the public health dimensions of cognitive aging with an emphasis on definitions and terminology, epidemiology and surveillance, prevention and intervention, education of health professionals, and public awareness and education. This report makes specific recommendations for individuals to reduce the risks of cognitive decline with aging. Aging is inevitable, but there are actions that can be taken by individuals, families, communities, and society that may help to prevent or ameliorate the impact of aging on the brain, understand more about its impact, and help older adults live more fully and independent lives. Cognitive aging is not just an individual or a family or a health care system challenge. It is an issue that affects the fabric of society and requires actions by many and varied stakeholders. Cognitive Aging offers clear steps that individuals, families, communities, health care providers and systems, financial organizations, community groups, public health agencies, and others can take to promote cognitive health and to help older adults live fuller and more independent lives. Ultimately, this report calls for a societal commitment to cognitive aging as a public health issue that requires prompt action across many sectors. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 Characterizing and Assessing Cognitive Aging 3 Population-Based Information About Cognitive Aging 4A Risk and Protective Factors and Interventions: Lifestyle and Physical Environment 4B Risk and Protective Factors and Interventions: Health and Medical Factors 4C Risk and Protective Factors and Interventions: General Cognitive Aging Interventions and Next Steps 5 Health Care Response to Cognitive Aging 6 Community Action: Health, Financial Management, Driving, Technology, and Consumer Decisions 7 Public Education and Key Messages 8 Opportunities for Action Appendix A: Meeting Agendas Appendix B: U.S. Surveys and Studies That Include One or More Items to Measure Cognition Appendix C: Committee Biographies

This book describes mechanisms of skin damage generation and examines the potential impact of free radicals, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative damage on the skin ageing process. It also evaluates methods to decrease skin oxidative stress, oxidative damage, and skin ageing. The identification of free radical reactions as promoters of the skin ageing process implies that interventions aimed at limiting or inhibiting free radical reactions should be able to reduce the rate of formation of ageing-related changes with a consequent reduction of the ageing rate. This book highlights how ageing of the skin happens, as well as what are the causes and the best ways to prevent and treat it.

During the last decades as the population has become older, the demand for acute hospital care for elderly people has increased and gerontologically adjusted services have become the norm for the highest standard of care. Compared with younger adults, elderly patients have more severe illnesses, including worsened functional impairment and more frequent and longer hospitalisations. Additionally, diagnosis is often challenging because clinical presentations of common disorders may often be atypical in the elderly. When prescribing medications, physicians have to take into account the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes observed with ageing. This book fills the gap in the literature available on acute geriatric care.

This book reviews research on presently known theories and mechanisms responsible for the rate of ageing and maximum longevity of different animals including birds, mammals and humans (to explain how" do we age and the velocity of the ageing process). In addition, this book deals with the historical evolutionary explanations of ageing and longevity ("why" do we age). The mechanisms discussed include mitochondria and oxygen free radicals, the presence of macromolecules constitutively highly resistant to deleterious modification in the tissues of long-lived animals, insulin/IGF-1 like signalling, telomere shortening, dietary restrictions, and other proposed molecular mechanisms.

Personalisation in British social care is linked to both the principle and process that every adult who receives support, whether provided by statutory services or funded by them, will have choice and control over the shape of that support in all care settings. This adult social care policy agenda is firmly focused on the development of personalisation of support. The overall aim is for social care service users to have control over how money allocated to their care is spent. This book examines the social welfare system in Britain, with a particular focus on personal budgets and the quality of care received.

The U.S. population aged 65 and older, grew steadily through most of the last century. U.S. Census Bureau population projections to 2030 indicate that further and more dramatic growth is still to come. This increase is, in part, due to longer life expectancies and the ageing of the baby boom generation. This book explores the older population as it increases in size and proportion, and as individuals continue to live longer post-retirement. Topics discussed include the changes in where older Americans live, or the "geographic distribution" of the older population; older workers employment and retirement trends; income of Americans 65 or older; poverty among older Americans; and obesity among older Americans.

The idea of assessment in the fields of physical exercise and health refers to a process of attributing values or concepts. This attribution is certainly key for the prescription of physical exercise but it is not its most important role. This book presents and discusses research which shows physical exercise and health professionals the importance of a program of measurement and assessment which enables to safely prescribe physical exercise to elderly people, since this prescription must be supported by a scientific basis in order to be considered a credible and responsible piece of work.

For some elderly people, the body weakens while the mind stays alert. Others remain physically strong, and cognitive losses take a huge toll. But for everyone, death is inevitable, and each loss is personally felt by those close to the one who has died. End-of-life care is the term used to describe the support and medical care given during the time surrounding death. An older person is often living, and dying, with one or more chronic illnesses and needs a lot of care for days, weeks, and sometimes even months. This book explores helping with comfort and care at the end-of-life and hopes to make the unfamiliar territory of death slightly more comfortable for everyone involved. Discussions on hospice, end-of-life services, costs, ethics, and quality of care are contained herein.

This book reviews research on presently known theories and mechanisms responsible for the rate of ageing and maximum longevity of different animals including birds, mammals and humans (to explain "how" do we age and the velocity of the ageing process). In addition, this book deals with the historical evolutionary explanations of ageing and longevity ("why" do we age). The mechanisms discussed include mitochondria and oxygen free radicals, the presence of macromolecules constitutively highly resistant to deleterious modification in the tissues of long-lived animals, insulin/IGF-1 like signalling, telomere shortening, dietary restrictions, and other proposed molecular mechanisms.

A delicious way to hack your DNA and prevent early aging While some enjoy extremely active and healthy lives as they age, others spend years of their life burdened by heart disease, dementia, and other age-related diseases. Until recently, this was often chalked up to luck or "good genes." But fascinating new research suggests that telomeres, the protective caps on your chromosomes, are actually directly linked to aging. Telomeres, when protected, can lead to a longer, happier life. Fortunately, one of the key components to protecting your telomeres is a balanced diet. The Telomere Diet and Cookbook is the first book to offer an easy-to-read, targeted overview of telomeres and nutrition. Including detailed meal plans and shopping lists, this book offers a simple step-by-step starter program and over 75 delicious recipes.

Ageing is any change in an organism over time. Ageing refers to a multidimensional process of physical, psychological, and social change. Some dimensions of ageing grow and expand over time, while others decline. Reaction time, for example, may slow with age, while knowledge of world events and wisdom may expand. Research shows that even late in life potential exists for physical, mental, and social growth and development. Ageing is an important part of all human societies reflecting the biological changes that occur, but also reflecting cultural and societal conventions.

The ageing process changes body composition and thus nutritional status changes as one gets older. At the same time the body becomes more susceptible to diseases and diet becomes an even more significant or at least visibly significant than in earlier years. Moreover, there is frequently socio-economic downward drifting in this age group making nutritious foods more difficult to afford. This book presents the latest research in this vital field.

This book presents a comprehensive review of the morphology and function of chromosomes in elderly people. The wide range of topics includes cyclical chromosome properties, mutations, repair, progressive chromosome heterochromatinisation with increasing age, roles of nucleolar organiser regions, sister chromatid exchanges, homologue relationships, heterochromatin regions and other chromosomal features in very old age. This ground-breaking book focuses on heterochromatinisation as a key determinant of the genetic apparatus function during senescence and an area to seek life-prolonging interventions. The book illustrates and updates progress in the field of cytogenetics of ageing.

The progressive ageing of the general population and the consequent increase of the number of old people has made the typical medical problems of aged people more frequently observed, and particularly the problems related to the ageing brain. This new book is an updated overview of relevant aspects of cognitive decline associated with ageing. Within the wide landscape of brain ageing the authors reconsider the role of the main predisposing factors and risk factors on the development of various form of mental decline, from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. The strength of this book is the large, updated overview of the most recent data of scientific literature regarding the role of genetic, metabolic and environmental factors on the predisposition and onset of cognitive decline. Particular attention is paid to the dietary micro- and macronutrients and to their possible role in the pathogenesis of the various form of dementigen disorders.

This book focuses on four of the hallmarks of aging: aspartic acid racemization, advanced glycation end products, telomere shortening and mitochondrial mutations; describing their role in aging and diseases; and their application to age-at-death estimation in forensic sciences in greater depth, displaying the interconnecting pathways among these processes. An additional chapter related to Epigenetics and its role in aging, diseases, and forensic age estimation is also included. This book is aimed at a broad audience: from students being introduced to aging, diseases, and forensic science research to scientists in biomedicine and forensics complementing their knowledge in their respective fields while also increasing their knowledge in other disciplines.

The conceptualization of dementia has changed dramatically in recent years with the claim that, through early detection and by controlling several risk factors, a prevention of dementia is possible. Although encouraging and providing hope against this feared condition, this claim is open to scrutiny. This volume looks at how this new conceptualization ignores many of the factors which influence a dementia sufferers’ prognosis, including their history with education, food and exercise as well as their living in different epistemic cultures. The central aim is to question the concept of prevention and analyze its impact on aging people and aging societies.

The graying of the U.S. population draws increasing focus to historically unattended segments of society, including sexual and gender minorities. In this first comprehensive volume to address the challenges of aging in the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex populations, this text presents what is currently known about aging GLBT individuals and what services are needed to support them.

The editors first provide an introductory overview comparing caregiving in GLBT and normative aging communities. In chapters devoted to the issues of each alternative sexuality and gender identity community, top experts in the field discuss biomedical, psychological, social/sexual, spiritual, socioeconomic, and service topics related to that community's aging needs.

GLBT populations face unique challenges as they age. Despite the often severe difficulties they encounter, many live out their final years with the dignity and grace that all of us deserve. With a combination of the latest biological and social science research, moving case studies and first-person accounts, practical advice for health professionals, and research literature citations, this book represents a major step forward in addressing concerns of aging GLBT populations.

Integrating research, practice, and policy, this text is for students and professionals in gerontology, medicine, social work, psychology, nursing, public health, and related fields who wish to learn more about the life experiences and concerns of sexual- and gender-minority-identified older patients.

Focusing on the contemporary period, this book brings together critical age studies and contemporary science fiction to establish the centrality of age and ageing in dystopian, speculative and science-fiction imaginaries. Analysing texts from Europe, North America and South Asia, as well as television programmes and films, the contributions range from essays which establish genre-based trends in the representation of age and ageing, to very focused studies of particular texts and concerns. As a whole, the volume probes the relationship between speculative/science fiction and our understanding of what it is to be a human in time: the time of our own lives and the times of both the past and the future.

As life expectancy continues to increase, so does the need to understand the factors that increase health and vitality. "Physiology of Exercise and Healthy Aging" applies the science of exercise physiology to an analysis of the aging process and identifies the positive effects that regular exercise and physical activity have not only on longevity but also on delaying specific diseases, decreasing morbidity, and increasing quality of life. It presents theories on aging, the aging process, the structural and functional changes that characterize advancing age, exercise programming concerns for the aged, drug use and abuse by seniors, and the benefits of exercise and physical activity.

This text offers a more expansive discussion of the particulars of exercise physiology of aging persons than is found in other texts on the subject. With "Physiology of Exercise and Healthy Aging," readers will gain a thorough understanding of the role of physical activity on the aging process, the principles of exercise and assessment considerations for elderly adults, and training for special needs of older adults. Information is presented in the context of three groups found in the aging and health spectrum: average aging individuals, frail elderly, and master athletes. This information is organized within a three-part structure:

-Part I explores age-related changes in the major physiological systems. The effects of physical activity on these systems, as well as necessary adaptations for those with impaired abilities in each system, are also discussed.

-Part II deals with the interactive roles of nutrition; age-related diseases, such as diabetes and osteoporosis; and physical activity.

-Part III presents the physiologic adaptability that may be expected with training and physical activity of older adults. It also addresses the practical issues that must be considered when working with this population, including training for aerobic, anerobic, and muscular fitness; exercise adherence and safety measures; and potential substance abuse of commonly used medications.In addition to the presentation of foundational concepts of physiology as they relate to the process of aging, chapters of" Physiology of Exercise and Healthy Aging" contain exercise regimens related to the chapter topic, other forms of physical activity that have proven beneficial to the aging population, and contraindicated exercises. Physiological responses to acute and chronic exercise perturbations are examined, including studies of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle metabolism and strength, neurophysiology and the senses, and the effects of exercise on older adults with the diseases of aging, including type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease. Chapter-opening quotes provide the insights of selected thinkers, scientists, and fitness professionals on the topic discussed.

Practitioners who work with older adults will find programming recommendations in each chapter to help translate the science into practice. An appendix offers easy access to forms and assessments, including a Three-Day Nutritional Assessment form and a Client History form. The language used throughout the text embraces the science of exercise physiology but also welcomes practitioners to apply the information presented.

For student readers, "Physiology of Exercise and Healthy Aging" incorporates these helpful features to assist learning and retention:

-Chapter-opening outlines offer quick reference to topics.

-Chapter-ending Questions to Consider provide tools for self-study and reflection.

-Numerous tables and figures reinforce chapter concepts and add visual or statistical information related to the process of aging, fall prevention, international demographics, and theories of aging.

-References provide additional opportunities for reading and research with selected books, articles, and Web sites.

-Appendixes contain information on specific Web sites and numerous tests and forms that may be photocopied for use with clients or patients or for course projects."Physiology of Exercise and Healthy Aging "contains a thorough discussion of the unique effects of aging on the human body and illustrates the power of exercise as a preventive tool to reduce or offset the deleterious effects of aging in order to increase the quality of life enjoyed by our aging population. With this text, both students and professionals will grasp the advantages of appropriate physical activity for the elderly and how to safely administer exercise programs that contribute to the increased health and quality of life for older adults.

Research results indicate that older adults have a higher rate of fatality and injury in motor vehicle crashes than any other age group except for teenagers. With the ageing of the American population, concern arises regarding potential increases in rates of crash involvement and injury. This book examines the association of the impairing effects of multiple medication use, drug/drug interactions and drug/disease interactions on motor vehicle crashes in individuals age fifty years and greater.

This book shows readers how they can personally direct and monitor their own health and become proactive in optimizing their quality of life. Thanks to the latest advances in genetic science, one no longer has to be a victim of genetic inheritance.

In Slavic studies, aging and old age have thus far been only marginal concerns. This volume brings together the scattered research that has been done up to now on aging as represented and narrated in Slavic literatures. The essays investigate Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, Polish, Russian, Slovak, Slovene and Ukrainian representations of age/aging in various literary genres and epochs and analyze age as a powerful marker of difference and as constitutive of social relations and personal identity.