1. Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

• Describe the biology of aging at the molecular, cellular, systemic, and evolutionary levels

• Distinguish between primary and secondary aging and explain the relevance of each to clinical geriatrics

• Identify selected biomarkers for longevity and describe how they may be used to manipulate life expectancy or lifespan

• Differentiate between clinical preventive services as applied to older adults and their younger counterparts

• Speculate on what accounts for the extreme longevity of the oldest old

2. Readings

• Westendorp RG. What is healthy aging in the 21st century? American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 83(2):404S-409S, 2006 Feb.

• Perls T. Terry D. Understanding the determinants of exceptional longevity. Annals of Internal Medicine. 139(5 Pt 2):445-9, 2003 Sep 2.

3. Additional Resources

• Armbrecht, HJ. The biology of aging. Journal of Laboratory & Clinical Medicine. 138(4):220-225, October 2001

• The Biology of Aging. Merck Manual of Geriatrics