This book offers a broad-ranging assessment of current efforts of the molecular, cellular, hormonal, nutritional and lifestyle strategies being tested and applied by biogerontologists in the search for effective means of intervention, prevention and treatment of age-related diseases, and for achieving healthy old age. Employing a semi-academic style, the book presents data from experimental systems, while focusing primarily on their applications to humans in the prevention and treatment of age-related impairments.

Foods and Dietary Supplements in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease in Older Adults focuses on the ways in which food and dietary supplements affect the major health problems of aging adults. Researchers in nutrition, diet, epidemiology, and aging studies, as well as healthcare providers who work with elderly patients will use this comprehensive resource as a tool in their long-term goal of preventing and treating chronic disease within the elderly. This book brings together a broad range of experts working on the different aspects of foods and dietary supplements (vitamins, herbs, plant extracts, etc.) in health promotion and disease prevention. They have contributed chapters which define a range of ways in which foods, nutriceuticals, and dietary supplements prevent disease and promote health in older adults. They begin by reviewing the medicinal role of foods, herbal, and dietary supplements in health promotion in older adults, as well as some of the most commonly used supplements in elder "self-medication." They review the most recent studies of how foods, herbal, and dietary supplements are effective in the prevention and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other obesity associated diseases in older adults. Then they consider alcohol, other drugs, and plant based drugs of abuse which can adversely affect the health of older adults. Lastly, they consider foods and dietary supplements in gene regulation in older adults. Investigates the important nutritional requirements of the aging population in health and in relation to various acute and chronic diseases Explores the nutritional effects of botanical extracts and components that can have important health promotion benefits, and risks, to ensure safe consumption Reviews studies of common diseases within the aging population including cancer, cardiovascular, metabolic, and infectious diseases that can alter the intake of foods, supplements, and/or requirements for various nutrients Investigates the mechanisms of action of components of foods and dietary supplements, in particular gene activation and epigenetics

This book explains how to promote and prolong “healthy ageing,” which constitutes maintaining daily functioning and well-being until the end of life. In this context, the editor of the book and the international team of authors, all of whom are experts on the various aspects of ageing, demonstrate the value of this new approach in clinical practice. The systematic integration of a functional assessment, if not a complete and comprehensive geriatric assessment, is fundamental in daily clinical practice. Identifying risk factors at midlife will help to promote health at any age. Moreover, randomized control trials are making it increasingly clear that interventions could help ageing and elderly adults enjoy their remaining years without disability. Indeed, wellbeing will also increase, allowing elderly adults to stay independent until a very advanced age. The book also shows how considerable societal benefits can be easily forecast when more lifetime is spent without disability, followed by a dignified end of life. This book will be of interest to all medical doctors, general practitioners and organ specialists as well as geriatricians who want to have a complete overview of what healthy ageing means.

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.

The average life expectancy has increased worldwide in the recent decades. This has presented new challenges as old age brings the onset of diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies and research have shown the potential preventive and therapeutic roles of antioxidants in aging and age-related diseases by inhibiting the formation or disrupting the propagation of free radicals and thus increasing healthy longevity, enhancing immune function, and decreasing oxidative stress. This has made an antioxidant rich diet of increasing importance in battling the detrimental effects of the aging process. “The Role of Antioxidants in Longevity and Age-Related Diseases” is the book that compiles research on antioxidants and their biological mechanisms that mediate age-related diseases. This book covers the major issues linked to antioxidants, aging, and age-related diseases, including changes in organ systems over the lifespan, age-related oxidative stress-induced redox imbalance, inflammaging, implications of inflammation in aging and age-related diseases, and the important role of antioxidant-rich foods in their prevention and treatment of various age-related diseases. For researchers seeking a comprehensive single source on antioxidants and their roles in aging and age-related diseases, this novel text provides an up-to-date overview.

This comprehensive volume surveys the molecular, cellular, hormonal, nutritional, medical and lifestyle strategies being tested and applied for the prevention, intervention and treatment of age-related diseases. With authoritative contributions not just from researchers in academic institutions and pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries, but also practicing clinicians of both mainstream and alternative medicine, demographers and bioethicists, this book provides unique scientific, ethical and social perspectives on the discussion of aging intervention. In addition, the latest technologies in development, which will have serious bearings on future aging interventions, are reviewed.Aging Interventions and Therapies is ideal for graduates and undergraduates in universities and medical and nursing colleges, as well as post-graduates researching different aspects of aging and anti-aging. The topics covered are also highly relevant for professionals in the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, nutrition and healthcare industries, and practicing clinicians looking for a reliable and up-to-date resource on aging intervention and therapy.