what is ageing?
a progressive, generalised impairment of function resulting in a loss of adaptive response to disease
what causes human ageing?
random molecular damage during cell replication
what are telomeres?
the tips of chromosomes
consist of multiple TTAGGG repeats which form a DNA loop
what is the hayflick limit?
the number of times a normal human cell can divide before division ceases
what happens to the telomeres of a chromosome throughout life?
progressively shortens
eventually becomes too short to sustain cell replicatio
what is frailty?
loss of homeostasis and resilience
leads to increased vulnerability to decompensation after a stressor event
what does frailty increase the risk of?
falls
delirium
disability
death
what can enhance survival in people aged 75 and over?
not smoking
being part of a social network
physical activity
encourage lifestyle changes to meet these factors
