AGING: UNDER THE MICROSCOPE

Course overview

Course Description: This course is based on an article published by the National Institute of Aging: a division of the National Institute of Health. The publication can also be found on the National Institute of Aging website. The publication describes in detail the aging process covering the what aging is exactly, the difference between life expectancy and life span and reviewing the theories on aging. It goes on to discuss in detail what is currently known about longevity genes, cellular senescence, proliferation genes and telomeres. The publication then reviews biochemistry and aging including oxygen radicals, protein crosslinking and DNA repair and systhesis. It describes normal aging, the immune system and its relationship in the aging process and what is known about the effects of caloric restriction and exercise on the aging process. This is a wonderfully written article. The authors take complex subject material and simplify it with the aid of beautiful visual graphics that serve to aide the reader in understanding the material. This course is an excellent reference for the mental health professional who works with the elderly (or is aging themselves). The course is targeted for beginning, intermediate and advanced practitioners. Course Objcetives: Specifically, a professional will: *Identify the processes involved in aging. *Recognize the role of genetics and biochemistry in aging. *Distinguish the physiologic clues related to aging.