Dietary restriction uniquely and robustly increases maximum lifespan and greatly reduces age-related diseases in many species, including yeast, flies, nematodes, and mammals. To study mechanisms mediating the protective effects of dietary restriction, the National Institute of Aging convened a program involving several leading gerontological laboratories. Results from many of these, as well as from other leading research institutions in the field, are presented in this book. The first three papers address general molecular mechanisms, derived in part from recent DNA microarray studies, that may mediate protective effects of dietary restriction. The subsequent articles examine specific model systems, including flies, nematodes and non-human primates, that have provided exciting new information about these mechanisms. Finally, mechanisms of dietary restriction mediating protective effects against cancer and neurological diseases are discussed. In addition to gerontologists and geriatricians, many other medical and nonmedical professionals in the field will find a great wealth of information on possible interventions that may ameliorate age-related diseases.

For many years, it has been known that when rats and mice are given a reduced amount of food, their life span is increased and they remain healthy and vigorous at advanced ages. What is the reason for this change in the usual pattern of aging? The evidence is overwhelming that the life extension results from a slowing of aging processes. And the factor responsible is the decrease in caloric intake. The obvious question: How does this factor work? A good question - and the reason that research on the anti-aging action of caloric restriction is today one of the most studied research areas in biological gerontology. For it is felt that if the biological mechanisms of the anti-aging action of caloric restriction can be uncovered, we would gain an understanding of the basic nature of aging processes, which would, in turn, yield possible interventions in human aging. This book aims to provide the growing number of researchers in this field (faculty, postdoctoral trainees, and graduate students) with a detailed knowledge of what is known about caloric restriction within the frame of gerontology, as well as insights on future of this field.

Dietary restriction uniquely and robustly increases maximum lifespan and greatly reduces age-related diseases in many species, including yeast, flies, nematodes, and mammals. To study mechanisms mediating the protective effects of dietary restriction, the

Food or calorie restriction has been shown in many short-lived animals and the rhesus monkey to prolong life-span. Life-long nutrition studies are not possible in humans because of their long survival. Studies over two to six years in healthy adult humans have, however, shown that a 20% reduction in food or calorie intake slows many indices of normal and disease-related aging. Thus, it is widely believed that long-term reduction in calorie or food intake will delay the onset of age-related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer, and so prolong life. Over the last 20 or more years there has been a progressive rise in food intake in many countries of the world, accompanied by a rising incidence of obesity. Thus our increasing food and calorie intake has been linked to the rising incidence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in early adult life. It is accepted that overeating, accompanied by reduced physical exercise, will lead to more age-related diseases and shortening of life-span. The answer is to reduce our calorie intake, improve our diet, and exercise more. But calorie restriction is extremely difficult to maintain for long periods. How then can we solve this problem? Edited by a team of highly distinguished academics, this book provides the latest information on the beneficial effects of calorie restriction on health and life-span. This book brings us closer to an understanding at the molecular, cellular and whole organism level of the way forward.

Does a longer life mean a healthier life? The number of adults over 65 in the United States is growing, but many may not be aware that they are at greater risk from foodborne diseases and their nutritional needs change as they age. The IOM's Food Forum held a workshop October 29-30, 2009, to discuss food safety and nutrition concerns for older adults.