Sex and Longevity: Sexuality, Gender, Reproduction, Parenthood

Sex and Longevity: Sexuality, Gender, Reproduction, Parenthood
Author: J.-M. Robine
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 146
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 3642595588

A central concept in the evolutionary theory of senescence is the idea that ageing results from life-history trade-offs. In particular, the disposable soma theory suggests that longevity is determined through the setting of longevity assurance mechanisms so as to provide an optimal compromise between investments in somatic maintenance (including stress resistance) and in reproduction. Comparative studies among mammalian species confirm that cells from long-lived species appear to have a greater intrinsic capacity to withstand stresses than cells from short-lived species. Childbearing at older ages has become increasingly common in modern societies because of demographic changes, medical progress and personal choice. While the detrimental effects of late reproduction on infant mortality and genetic diseases have been well documented, little is known about the possible postponed detrimental effects of late parenting.

Health Expectations for Older Women

Health Expectations for Older Women
Author: Sarah B. Laditka
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 198
Release: 2014-06-11
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1317956001

Explore international trends in health and longevity--with a special focus on older women! This essential book examines the latest research on life expectancy and “active life expectancy”--the number of years that women can expect to live free from major disability--in developed and developing countries around the world. It also explores the policy implications of the contributors’ findings. Here you'll find a global study using data from the World Health Organization, a European study using data from OECD countries, and studies of women in the United Kingdom, Fiji, The Netherlands, Japan, Canada, and the United States. With contributions from demographers, economists, epidemiologists, gerontologists, medical statisticians, policy analysts, physicians, public health directors, and sociologists, International Perspectives on Health Expectancies for Older Women compares mortality and morbidity trends in various populations. In addition to reviewing the current literature on active life expectancy, this informative book looks at: the distribution of total, unimpaired, and impaired life for several groups of older women defined by race, education, and marital history gender differences in health profiles in The Netherlands gender differences in life with and without six major diseases, including both morbid and mortal conditions in the United States how mortality and morbidity patterns differ for Canadian women and men 45 years of age and older, focusing on risk factors and chronic conditions such as low income, low education, abnormal body mass index, lack of physical activity, smoking, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis patterns of healthy life expectancy for older women around the globe a comparison of the development and progression of physical disability in Japanese men and women and more!

Homo Novus - A Human Without Illusions

Homo Novus - A Human Without Illusions
Author: Ulrich J. Frey
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 289
Release: 2010-08-24
Genre: Science
ISBN: 364212142X

Converging evidence from disciplines including sociobiology, evolutionary psychology and human biology forces us to adopt a new idea of what it means to be a human. As cherished concepts such as free will, naïve realism, humans as creation's crowning glory fall and our moral roots in ape group dynamics become clearer, we have to take leave of many concepts that have been central to defining our humanness. What emerges is a new human, the homo novus, a human being without illusions. Leading authors from many different fields explore these issues by addressing a range of illusions and providing evidence for the need, despite considerable reluctance, to relinquish some of our most cherished ideas about ourselves.

Oxford Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology

Oxford Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology
Author: Robin Ian MacDonald Dunbar
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Total Pages: 722
Release: 2007
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0198568304

With contributions from over 50 experts in the field, this book provides an overview of the latest developments in evolutionary psychology. In addition to well studied areas of investigation, it also includes chapters on the philosophical underpinnings of evolutionary psychology, comparative perspectives from other species, and more.

Grandmotherhood

Grandmotherhood
Author: Eckart Voland
Publisher: Rutgers University Press
Total Pages: 366
Release: 2005
Genre: Family & Relationships
ISBN: 9780813536095

Darwinian theory holds that a successful life is measured in terms of reproduction. Bringing together work in anthropology, psychology, ethnography and the social sciences, this study explores the evolutionary purpose and possibilities of female post-generative life.

Modulating Aging and Longevity

Modulating Aging and Longevity
Author: S.I. Rattan
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 354
Release: 2003-09-30
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9781402013690

After decades of systematic collection of data describing age-related changes in organisms, organs, tissues, cells and macromolecules, biogerontologists are now in a position to construct general principles of ageing and explore various possibilities of intervention using rational approaches. While not giving serious consideration to the claims made by charlatans, it cannot be ignored that several researchers are making genuine attempts to test and develop various means of intervention for the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases, for regaining the functional abilities and for prolonging the lifespan of experimental organisms. This book provides the most up-to-date information and a critical evaluation of a variety of approaches being tried for modulating aging and longevity, including dietary supplementation with antioxidants, vitamins and hormones, genetic engineering, life-style alterations, and hormesis through mild stress. The goal of research on ageing is not to increase human longevity regardless of the consequences, but to increase active longevity free from disability and functional dependence.

Handbook of Psychology, Developmental Psychology

Handbook of Psychology, Developmental Psychology
Author: Richard M. Lerner
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 690
Release: 2003-03-04
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 0471264474

Includes established theories and cutting-edge developments. Presents the work of an international group of experts. Presents the nature, origin, implications, an future course of major unresolved issues in the area.

Brain and Longevity

Brain and Longevity
Author: Caleb E. Finch
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 185
Release: 2013-12-21
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 3642593569

In this third volume on longevity Fondation Ipsen has again collected the most recent results in research on genes and diet in the evolution of human longevity, educational level and longevity, cognitive impairment and survival at older age and other contributions. The preponderance of relatively short - compared to long-lived organisms suggests that morphogenesis is easier to accomplish than is maintenace of soma, whereas the broad range of longevities of organisms demonstrates that maintaining soma for extended periods of time is possible. The underlying assumption of "disposable soma" theory of aging is that the expense of maintaining somatic cells depends on their contribution to the welfare of the germ cells.

Searching for Longevity Determinants:

Searching for Longevity Determinants:
Author: Luisa Salaris
Publisher: Presses univ. de Louvain
Total Pages: 200
Release: 2009
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9782874631450

The scientific debate on longevity and its determinants is lively and involves researchers from different some people live longer than others is not an easy task. Variables that are shown to be significant for longer survival in certain populations are not always relevant to individuals of other populations. Recently, researchers have identified in Sardinia the Blue Zone (BZ), thus denominated due to the significant number of cases of centenarians recorded as well as a low sex ratio value. A village located in this area was selected for the carrying out of a more detailed analysis at individual level and socio-demographic determinants of longevity were examined. A family reconstructed database was created using a multi-source approach. Historical data was therefore used to study today's population, establishing a unique bridge between historical demography and the current level of longevity. The study focused on survival of newborns in the selected village during a period of 50 years – from 1866 to 1915 – and also took into consideration information on related family members. Each individual included in the database was followed from birth to death, as he/she went through marriage and family formation. Complete survival of all newborns was observed until the present. Based on careful review of the existing literature, the empirical model considered factors such as sex differential, the contribution of familial transmission both in terms of genes, biological, and shared environment, and the role played by environment operationalised considering early-life conditions. Concepts were organized into a life-course approach for survival analysis. The analysis of the data enabled to the estimation of mortality trajectories, which in turn confirmed the exceptional longevity of the population understudy and in particular of males. The investigation of differential survival among members of the same community brought to light the relevance of certain familial variables on survival, which are not exclusively genetic. The results achieved open the way to further studies.

Handbook of the Biology of Aging

Handbook of the Biology of Aging
Author: Edward J. Masoro
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 681
Release: 2011-04-28
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0080491405

The Handbook of the Biology of Aging, Sixth Edition, provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research findings in the biology of aging. Intended as a summary for researchers, it is also adopted as a high level textbook for graduate and upper level undergraduate courses. The Sixth Edition is 20% larger than the Fifth Edition, with 21 chapters summarizing the latest findings in research on the biology of aging. The content of the work is virtually 100% new. Though a selected few topics are similar to the Fifth Edition, these chapters are authored by new contributors with new information. The majority of the chapters are completely new in both content and authorship. The Sixth Edition places greater emphasis and coverage on competing and complementary theories of aging, broadening the discussion of conceptual issues. Greater coverage of techniques used to study biological issues of aging include computer modeling, gene profiling, and demographic analyses. Coverage of research on Drosophilia is expanded from one chapter to four. New chapters on mammalian models discuss aging in relation to skeletal muscles, body fat and carbohydrate metabolism, growth hormone, and the human female reproductive system. Additional new chapters summarize exciting research on stem cells and cancer, dietary restriction, and whether age related diseases are an integral part of aging. The Handbook of the Biology of Aging, Sixth Edition is part of the Handbooks on Aging series, including Handbook of the Psychology of Aging and Handbook of Aging and the Social Sciences, also in their 6th editions.