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What changes does gerontology study?
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human aging
Overview of why skin ages.
Gerontology is the comprehensive, multidisciplinary scientific study of the aging process and the challenges faced by older adults. It examines the progressive changes that occur in cells, tissues, organ systems, and total organisms from the attainment of maturity until death.123
Research in gerontology is generally categorized into four primary areas:
- Physiological bases of aging: This includes the study of biological changes, such as the decline in organ efficiency, loss of bone mass, and cellular aging, as well as pathological deviations and disease processes.413
- Social and economic factors: This involves examining the impact of an aging population on society, including retirement, social security programs, and the changing status of the elderly within different cultural and economic structures.15
- Psychological aspects: This area focuses on intellectual performance, personal adjustment, and the mental health of older individuals.15
- General biological aspects: This covers the study of aging across all animal species to identify universal factors that influence the life span.1
The ultimate goal of gerontology is to understand these phenomena to minimize the disabilities and handicaps associated with old age.13