After decades of systematic collection of data describing age-related changes in organisms, organs, tissues, cells and macromolecules, biogerontologists are now in a position to construct general principles of ageing and explore various possibilities of intervention using rational approaches. While not giving serious consideration to the claims made by charlatans, it cannot be ignored that several researchers are making genuine attempts to test and develop various means of intervention for the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases, for regaining the functional abilities and for prolonging the lifespan of experimental organisms. This book provides the most up-to-date information and a critical evaluation of a variety of approaches being tried for modulating aging and longevity, including dietary supplementation with antioxidants, vitamins and hormones, genetic engineering, life-style alterations, and hormesis through mild stress. The goal of research on ageing is not to increase human longevity regardless of the consequences, but to increase active longevity free from disability and functional dependence.

For the last 40 years, biogerontology--the study of the biological basis of aging--has progressed tremendously, and it has now become an independent and respected field of study and research. This volume brings together contributions by biogerontologists, bioethicists, biodemographers, researchers, students, clinicians, and dieticians.

The main areas of discussion and presentation of new research results include (1) biological and non-biological factors affecting lifespan and the quality of life; (2) ethical and social issues related to lifespan and health-span extension; (3) physiological, cellular, and molecular aspects of aging; (4) new technologies to understand and modulate aging; (5) the latest successful approaches in the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases, and (6) aging intervention, prevention, and modulation by genes, natural and synthetic molecules, and lifestyle modifications.

Accordingly, the main sections of the volume focus on the following topics: defining aging, longevity, and the diseases of aging; selected aging organs; cellular aging; molecular aging; ethics of aging intervention; genetics of aging and longevity; and aging interventions.

"NOTE: Annals volumes are available for sale as individual books or as a journal. For information on institutional journal subscriptions, please visit www.blackwellpublishing.com/nyas. "

"ACADEMY MEMBERS: Please contact the New York Academy of Sciences directly to place your order (www.nyas.org). Members of the New York Academy of Science receive full-text access to the Annals online and discounts on print volumes. Please visit ""www.nyas.org/membership/main.asp"" for more information aboutbecoming a member."

Biological aging and interventionary strategies are investigated with the eventual goal of extending healthy human lifespan and minimizing the incidence of diseases associated with aging.

Biogerontologists, evolutionary biologists, biodemographers, scientists in related basic research, clinicians, and dieticians came together in Istanbul, Turkey, to share their research and discuss the latest developments in this rapidly advancing field.

This volume presents chapters representative of the highlights of the meeting, including contributions in the following areas: (1) biological and nonbiological factors affecting lifespan and the quality of life; (2) ethical and social issues related to lifespan and health-span extension; (3) novel areas of understanding aging -- physiological, cellular, and molecular aspects; (4) new technologies to understand and modulate aging; (5) the latest successful approaches in the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases; and (6) aging intervention, prevention, and modulation by genes, natural and synthetic molecules, and lifestyle modifications.

"NOTE: Annals volumes are available for sale as individual books or as a journal. For information on institutional journal subscriptions, please visit ""www.blackwellpublishing.com/nyas,"" "

"ACADEMY MEMBERS: Please contact the New York Academy of Sciences directly to place your order (""www.nyas.org""). Members of the New York Academy of Science receive full-text access to the Annals online and discounts on print volumes. Please visit ""www.nyas.org/membership/main.asp"" for more information about becoming a member.
"