Almar A L Kok, Martijn Huisman, Erik J Giltay, Gabriela Lunansky
{"title":"Adopting a complex systems approach to functional ageing: bridging the gap between gerontological theory and empirical research.","authors":"Almar A L Kok, Martijn Huisman, Erik J Giltay, Gabriela Lunansky","doi":"10.1016/j.lanhl.2024.100673","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Functional ageing, related to but distinct from biological and environmental systems, is defined as the changes in physical, psychological, cognitive, and social functioning, as well as behavioural factors of individuals as they age. In this Personal View, we propose that a complex systems perspective to functional ageing can show how outcomes such as quality of life and longevity, and success in prevention and treatment, emerge from dynamic interactions among these domains, rather than from single causes. We support this view in three ways. First, we explain how three key principles of complex systems science-namely, resilience, non-linearity, and heterogeneity-apply to functional ageing. Second, we show how established gerontological theories and geriatric models align with these principles. Third, we illustrate the use of novel methodological tools available from complex systems science for studying functional ageing. Finally, we offer a glossary of key concepts and recommendations for researchers to adopt this perspective in future studies on functional ageing.</p>","PeriodicalId":34394,"journal":{"name":"Lancet Healthy Longevity","volume":" ","pages":"100673"},"PeriodicalIF":13.4000,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Lancet Healthy Longevity","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanhl.2024.100673","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"GERIATRICS & GERONTOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Functional ageing, related to but distinct from biological and environmental systems, is defined as the changes in physical, psychological, cognitive, and social functioning, as well as behavioural factors of individuals as they age. In this Personal View, we propose that a complex systems perspective to functional ageing can show how outcomes such as quality of life and longevity, and success in prevention and treatment, emerge from dynamic interactions among these domains, rather than from single causes. We support this view in three ways. First, we explain how three key principles of complex systems science-namely, resilience, non-linearity, and heterogeneity-apply to functional ageing. Second, we show how established gerontological theories and geriatric models align with these principles. Third, we illustrate the use of novel methodological tools available from complex systems science for studying functional ageing. Finally, we offer a glossary of key concepts and recommendations for researchers to adopt this perspective in future studies on functional ageing.
期刊介绍:
The Lancet Healthy Longevity, a gold open-access journal, focuses on clinically-relevant longevity and healthy aging research. It covers early-stage clinical research on aging mechanisms, epidemiological studies, and societal research on changing populations. The journal includes clinical trials across disciplines, particularly in gerontology and age-specific clinical guidelines. In line with the Lancet family tradition, it advocates for the rights of all to healthy lives, emphasizing original research likely to impact clinical practice or thinking. Clinical and policy reviews also contribute to shaping the discourse in this rapidly growing discipline.