Research in Aging: Its Scope and Objectives

Abstract

Any consideration of the vast research in aging which in its entirety constitutes the field of Gerontology must recognize that it depends primarily on the evaluation of accumulated data based on experiences in the field and in the laboratory of many differently trained investigators. The research of necessity involves observations in biology, psychology and sociology in their broadest implication with their respective manifold ramifications. The science of aging and the study of the aged, Gerontology, has been with us in some form or other as a matter of record as early as the 15th century. Ponce de Leon's quest for the Fountain of Youth is but one of the historical milestones marking man's desire to live longer-younger. However, this specialized field of study, the Science of Gerontology, as we now know it, is in itself a young science. The Journal of Gerontology, the official publication of the Gerontological Society Incorporated, is in its eleventh (11th) volume, only in its early teens, not even mature as measured in the life-span of man. A span which has almost doubled in the last fifty years. According to the latest reports (Dublin) the twenty year old living in 1975 can look forward to living 54 additional years. A gain of four years over the current expectancy of 70 years as reported in the Statistical Bulletin of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. What are the factors concerned in this longevity of man? What has been done to bring it about? What is being done to maintain it? What can be done to improve it? And most important, what should be done to create the best atmosphere for this aging society? Public attention is now focused on the increasing number of older people in our population with the result that government, industry, education as represented by Colleges, Universities, and Research Foundations, have instituted Committees, Symposia, courses of study and councils on aging. All of this is with the objective of understanding the myriad factors concerned with the complex picture of how our older citizens are best to maintain their bodily health, their mental vigor and longer continue to be useful and remain as an asset to the community. We are being assured that within our society are the basic ingredients to create a more wholesome atmosphere for older people (Kutner et al). Professional activities have become sharply focused on this problem. The biologist is more concerned now with analyzing the nature of aged cells, organs, organ systems, as well as changes in metabolism,