Aging Studies Glossary

Stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination against people based on their age, particularly older adults.

A progressive neurodegenerative disease causing memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes, characterized by amyloid plaques and tau tangles.

The sub-field of gerontology focused on the biological processes of aging at the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels.

A dietary intervention reducing caloric intake below typical levels without malnutrition, shown to extend lifespan in multiple model organisms.

A person who has reached the age of 100 years or more. Studied in aging research for insights into exceptional longevity.

The gradual reduction in cognitive abilities such as memory, processing speed, and executive function associated with normal aging or neurodegenerative disease.

The concept that the onset of disability and chronic disease can be postponed to a shorter period before death through preventive health measures.

An acute, fluctuating disturbance in attention and cognition common in hospitalized older adults, often caused by infection, medication, or metabolic imbalance.

A general term for a decline in cognitive function severe enough to interfere with daily life, encompassing conditions like Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.

A demographic measure of the proportion of dependents (aged 0-14 and 65+) to the working-age population (15-64) in a society.

The study of age-related changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the DNA sequence, including DNA methylation patterns used in epigenetic clocks.

A clinical syndrome of decreased physiological reserve and increased vulnerability, marked by weakness, slow gait, weight loss, exhaustion, and low activity.

The branch of medicine specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease in older adults.

The scientific study of aging, including biological, psychological, and social aspects of growing older.

The number of times a normal human cell population will divide before cell division stops, approximately 50-70 divisions.

The period of life spent in good health, free from the chronic diseases and disabilities of aging.

The gradual deterioration of the immune system brought on by natural aging, leading to increased susceptibility to infection and reduced vaccine efficacy.

Chronic, low-grade inflammation that increases with age and contributes to the pathogenesis of age-related diseases.

An approach that examines how early life events, social contexts, and cumulative experiences shape health and well-being in later life.

The length of an individual's life or the average lifespan of a population, influenced by genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors.

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life, which supports learning and recovery from injury even in older age.

The concurrent use of multiple medications (typically five or more), which increases the risk of drug interactions and adverse effects in older adults.

The age-related progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function, contributing to falls, frailty, and loss of independence.

Cells that have permanently stopped dividing and secrete pro-inflammatory factors (the senescence-associated secretory phenotype, or SASP), contributing to tissue dysfunction.

A repetitive nucleotide sequence (TTAGGG) at each end of a chromosome that protects it from deterioration and shortens with each cell division.