Summary Overview

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Summary/ Overview

• (The Big Picture)

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Integrative Models
Lamb (1977) A Qualitative Model 1. Stochastic
damage to cells caused by variety of means 2.
Repair mechanisms maintains functional
integrity 3. Repair becomes less efficient with
time 4. Constant stochastic rate of damage
coupled with declining repair leads to increase
dysfunction 5. Decline in homeostatic balance
leads to decline in synthetic rate/ functional
output of cells 6. Decreased cellular efficiency
causes decline in tissue function 7. Organisms
ability to respond to environmental
changes diminishes, gradually increasing
probability of death.
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Integrative Models
Kowald and Kirkwood (1996) A Quantitative
Model Aging and Longevity the outcome of a
network of maintenance processes controlling
homeostasis Measure processes - make predictions
of outcomes The MARS Network Model mitochondria
aberrant proteins radicals scavengers Key
Element - Free Radical Production/
Destruction Computer Simulations of Processes -
15 variables
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MARS Model
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Results
Immortality can result if 55 of cellular energy
is devoted to repair mechanisms and prevention
of free-radical damage. Model is flexible and
can incorporate interactions we currently dont
know exist
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General Model
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Ultimate vs. ProximateCauses of Aging
Ultimate - evolutionary argument pass genes to
next generation live long enough to
reproduce live long enough for parental
care intrinsic reserve capacity to stumble on
changes in gene expression microarray
analysis Proximate - cellular accumulation of
damage increased dysfunction eventual death
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Societal Consequences
Demographics over 65- fastest growing
segment 4 in 1900 10 in 1980 25 in 2030
(24 million over 85 in 2030)
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Society
Impact Health Care 1 Trillion Financial
Social Security, Medicare Political
Generational War
In 1960, the United States had 5.1 workers per
retiree, in 1998 we had 3.4, and by 2030 we will
have only 2.1 In 1936, the life expectancy at
at 65 was 11 years Today it is nearly 18 years.
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Social Security

• Ida May Fuller
• Brattleboro, Vt.
• Retired 1940
• Paid In 24.75
• Died 1975
• Collected 22,889

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Big Questions

• Why do we age ?
• What is normal aging ?
• Can we prolong life ?
• Should we prolong life ?