AGING AND THE LIFE SPAN

Life Span
 Is defined as the average maximum length of time an organism can be expected to survive or
last
 110-115 years

Life Expectancy
 Average observed years of life from birth or any stated age, and depends on both biological and
environmental influences

Stages of Human Life Span

1. Embryonic development
2. Growth and Maturity
3. Senescence

Senescence vs. Aging

 Senescence is the progressive deterioration of the body and its processes
 Aging can be defined as “the sum of all the changes that normally occur in an organism with the
passage of time.

Five Characteristics of Aging Process in Mammals (Troen. 2003)

1. Increased mortality rate with age after maturation.
2. Changes in biochemical composition in tissues with age.
3. Progressive changes in physiological capacity with age
4. Reduced ability to respond adaptively to environmental stimuli with age
5. Increased susceptibility and vulnerability to disease