Human Aging: Biological Perspectives

This text provides comprehensive coverage of biological aspects of human ageing at a level accessible to students with little or no science background. It is aimed at students pursuing a career working with, or for, the elderly. Each system is covered in its own chapter. Individual chapters present the structure and function of each body system, followed by natural age changes, and conclude with abnormal changes or diseased conditions of the elderly. Homeostasis is a unifying theme throughout the text: systems are presented relative to the body's ability to maintain homeostasis and good health is the main theme. Prevention and compensatory techniques, usually diet and exercise, to minimize adverse effects of ageing, abnormal conditions and diseases are emphasized throughout. The author offers a positive perspective on ageing with related psychological, social and economic aspects and many real-life examples.