An Overview Of Ageing And Longevity From A Genetic Perspective
Ageing can be defined as a metabolically active deterioration process which leads to a change in an organism over time. Some of the common characteristics seen with ageing are a decrease in reactions, impaired function, a decrease in reproductive capacity and an overall increase in the chance of mortality. The human life span is determined partially by the rate at which ageing occurs. Over the past decade research into ageing, has yielded results which can help unlock factors that underpin human ageing. Model organisms and premature ageing diseases such as progeria and Werner syndrome have also provided clues as to how the process of ageing occurs (Ruse et al, 2001). There are numerous theories that explain the process of ageing and much research has been done on the topic.
