Main description:

This ""Annual Review"" thoroughly examines current longevity issues in the fields of biology, behavioral and social sciences, and contemporary methodology. With a wide range of contributors, the volume takes on a multidisciplinary perspective, accounting for the complex interplay of the varying factors that affect different aspects of longevity.The Biology section analyzes topics such as how genetics and environmental influences factor into the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases.The Behavioral and social science section brings to light data not very well known to the research community concerning individual personality characteristics in old age and to what extent they help to explain optimal adjustment in very late life.The Methodology section incorporates a number of well established studies, and contributors show how these studies can be compared to determine reproducibility, biologic, behavioral, social, and cross ethnic/cultural implications of their findings.

Contents:

Chapter 1; The Trials and Tribulations of Studying the Oldest Old; Leonard W. Poon and Thomas T. Perls; Introduction; Human Life Span and The Oldest Humans; Data Sources; Methodological Pitfalls; Section I: Biomedical:; Chapter 2; Aging: A Genetic Balancing Act; Jan Vijg and Yousin Suh; Aging As A Programmatic Response: Premature Senescence.