Use it or lose it – findings of gerontologic research in the fields of psychology, physiology and cognition science

C. Voelcker-Rehage, Bremen

Bremen Ageing is associated with several physical and mental changes which do not only stand for losses but also involve benefits and growth. The long period of old age including individuals of 60 to over 90 years is now looked at in a differentiating way and subdivided into young, medium and very old age.

There are great differences among ageing individuals and among ageing processes of different organs and functions in a person (intraindividual). In many of those fields affected by degeneration due to old age, training or lifestyle interventions may help to strengthen and regain physical and mental faculties or acquire new ones. The physical and social activity of an individual has been found to be quite constant, however: a person active in earlier years also remains to be active at old age, and vice versa.

Keywords: aged, capability, course of ageing, demographic change, gerontological research, MODALIS study, physical activity, psychological geriatric research.

Sie finden den Artikel in deutscher Sprache in Ernährungs Umschau 10/07 ab Seite 574.