Supercentenarian Ann Pouder (8 April 1807 – 10 July 1917) photographed on her 110th birthday. A heavily lined face is common in human senescence.
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Premature aging

In biology, senescence is the combination of processes of deterioration which follow the period of development of an organism. For the science of the care of the elderly, see gerontology; for experimental gerontology, see life extension. more...

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The word senescence is derived from the Latin word senex, meaning "old man" or "old age."

Cellular senescence is the phenomenon where cells lose the ability to divide. In response to DNA damage (including shortened telomeres) cells either senesce or self-destruct (apoptosis) if the damage cannot be repaired. Organismal senescence is the aging of whole organisms. The term aging has become so commonly equated with senescence that the terms will be used interchangeably in this article.

Aging is generally characterized by the declining ability to respond to stress, increasing homeostatic imbalance and increased risk of disease. Because of this, death is the ultimate consequence of aging. Differences in maximum life span between species correspond to different "rates of aging". For example,Genetics make a mouse elderly at 3 years and a human elderly at 90 years. These genetic differences relate to the efficiency of DNA repair, antioxidant enzymes, rates of free radical production, etc.

Some researchers in gerontology (specifically biogerontologists) regard aging itself as a "disease" that may be curable, although this view is controversial. To those who accept the view, aging is an accumulation of damage to macromolecules, cells, tissues and organs. Advanced biochemical and molecular repair technologies may be able to fix the damage we call aging (thereby curing the disease and greatly extending maximum lifespan). People who hope to wish to extend human maximum life span through science are called life extensionists.

Genetic and environmental interventions are known to affect the life span of model organisms. This gives many hope that human aging can be slowed, halted, or reversed. Dietary calorie restriction, by 30 percent for example, extends the life span of yeast, worms, flies, mice, and monkeys. Several genes are known to be necessary for this extension, and modification of these genes is also sufficient to produce the same effect as diet. Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in the skin of red grapes, has been shown to extend the lifespan of yeast, worms, and flies.

Theories of aging

The process of senescence is complex, and may derive from a variety of different mechanisms and exist for a variety of different reasons. However, senescence is not universal, and scientific evidence suggests that cellular senescence evolved in certain species as a mechanism to prevent the onset of cancer. In a few simple species, senescence is negligible and cannot be detected. All such species have no "post-mitotic" cells; they reduce the effect of damaging free radicals by cell division and dilution. Such species are not immortal, however, as they will eventually fall prey to trauma or disease. Moreover, average lifespans can vary greatly within and between species. This suggests that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to aging.

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Look younger: new anti-aging products can really help make a difference by lifting, firming and toning your skin
From Shape, 1/1/06 by Liz Koppelman

Chanel Precision Ultra Correction Lip Restructuring Anti-Wrinkle Lip Contour ($50; chanel.com) has Centella Saiatica, a plant extract that helps restore lip contours.

Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate ($55; kiehls.com) bottles the highest percentage of effective vitamin C available to help make skin visibly smoother.

Biotherm Biofirm Lift Skin Lifting and Firming Treatment ($45; biothermusa.com) packs Bio-Elastide to lift sagging areas.

La Prairie Anti-Aging Complex ($195; at Saks Fifth Avenue stores) uses vitamin K and retinol to help stimulate production of the skin-firming tissue collagen.

Olay Regenerist Targeted Tone Enhancer ($19; at drugstores) includes Pro-Retinol, a form of vitamin A, to help reduce the appearance of age spots.

Prevage Anti-Aging Treatment ($150; at department stores) contains ldebenone, a potent antioxidant that protects skin against sun damage and premature aging.

Nivea Visage Multiple Results Eye Creme ($15; at drugstores) contains creatine, an amino acid that may help prevent the early signs of aging.

RELATED ARTICLE: how to turn back time

* ASSESS YOUR LIFE. Diet, lifestyle and even stress can affect how quickly your skin shows the signs of age. Skin-care habits are another component; pair them with a healthy overall way of living to really lift sagging skin.

* KNOW YOUR SKIN. Understand your needs and long-term goals before you buy anything. If you only want to minimize fine lines, you don't need a product for lifting or firming skin.

* DON'T OVERDOSE! If you want to use more than one product, do it sensibly: Exfoliate first, then apply a serum or gel, and finally slather on a rich moisturizer (aging skin is drier than a youthful complexion).

* GIVE IT A REST. Don't expect to see a difference overnight; it takes at least two weeks for an anti-aging product to have a visible effect on your skin.

* DON'T FORGET SPF! Sun exposure ages your skin by breaking down collagen and elastin fibers. Apply protection diligently every day via a traditional sunscreen or a moisturizer or foundation with SPF.

this month's must-have

L'Oreal Paris Wrinkle De-Crease Collagen Filler ($20; at drugstores) boasts the botanical boswellia, collagen and manganese.

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