CHAPTER 2 REVIEW: BIOLOGIC AGING THEORIES AND LONGEVITY

1-Describe the “zip code effect” and what might account for it

2- Describe the difference between life span and life expectancy. Which one can individuals influence? Explain how the life expectancy of a 65-year-old person is greater than that of a newborn.

3-Define the Blue Zones.

4- Name 5 of the characteristics of Blue Zones.

5-List three reasons why women typically live longer than men.

6-Name five factors that influence longevity. Which influences are under our control?

7-How does race and ethnicity affect life expectancy in the United States?

8-What is the “compression of morbidity” and why is it desirable?

9-Give a brief example about how you might scientifically gather information about longevity.

10-Describe the drawbacks of each of the following types of studies on longevity:

11-How could the “accumulation of errors” influence aging?

12-What is the difference between random aging and programmed aging?

13-What are telomeres and how might they affect the rate at which we age?

14-List the factors in the physical environment which may affect length of life.

15-What are antioxidants and why are they important? How might they affect the aging process?

16-Discuss why those who are married tend to live longer than those who are not. What are some problems in studying this connection?

17-List the possible reasons why obesity increases the risk of premature death.

18-List reasons why people in the middle- and upper-income level live longer than those of low income.

19-Why might race and ethnicity influence life expectancy?

20-What are some reasons why women have a longer life expectancy than men?

21-What is the biological clock theory? What is the evidence for this theory?

22-Discuss how lifestyle factors may interplay with factors at the cellular level to affect longevity.

23-Outline three of the theories about why we might age.

24-Describe at least four of the factors associated with longevity in the blue zones.

25-Discuss at least five factors which affect the length of life.

26-Some believe the quest to prolong life in the laboratory is misplaced. Instead, they say, scientists should work on ways to modify those factors which affect disease onset. Do you agree or disagree? Write an essay to defend your position.

27-Describe and discuss the results of the New England Centenarian Study

28-Describe the genetic and behavioral hypotheses advanced to explain why women live longer than men.

29- Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of animal studies to determine the factors influencing longevity.