Chapter 1

Explain why biogerontological research did not become organ- ized until the 1940s.

Discuss briefly the role played by the Gerontological Society of America and the American Geriatrics Society in establishing organized biogerontological research programs.

Consider the following statement: “No two humans have the same interactions with their environment.” Why is it important for biogerontologists to understand this statement when study- ing aging?

Consider the following definition of aging: “Aging, the process of growing old, is defined as the gradual biological impairment of normal function resulting from changes made to cells and structural components.” What are this definition’s strengths and weaknesses?

Describe why a single definition of aging may not apply to all areas of biogerontology.

Many biogerontologists agree that aging is not disease. What evidence can you give to support this belief?

As a biogerontologist, you wish to study a particular gene’s contribution to life span and whether changing the environ- ment affects the outcome. However, the type of study you perform must be done on a budget that will not support long- term housing for mice. What other species might offer you the best chance of answering your research question? Why?

Discuss why the rhesus macaque may be a good model in which to investigate the etiology of age-related human disease.

Why would one expect a flying species to have a longer life span than a species that moves on the ground?