Aging and the Science

Abstract

Human body evolves continuously from infancy to old age. Life expectancy has been increasing for several decades. Consequently, we now have the largest proportion of the elderly in the population, than at any time before. As in all age categories, some diseases are more common in the elderly. Additionally, normal age related changes may resemble some well-known treatable diseases. Most of the current medical knowledge is based on studies of young/middle aged individuals, some of which is not applicable to the elderly. The response to certain drugs is different in the elderly than in the younger persons. Distinguishing between “normal” aging and disease is therefore important. This article provides an example of Parkinson’s disease in the elderly. As the number of the elderly in the population is increasing there is greater need to provide proper health service for the population. The Father of modern treatment of Parkinson’s disease, Professor Hornykiewicz was making major discoveries at age 90. Age based retirement is being phased out at many institutions. That would help use the valuable skills which the older individuals have acquired in life. Research in the elderly is needed to provide the best services for this growing segment of population.