Stanford Center on Longevity which was set up some years ago was made possible thanks to Richard Rainwater commitment to invest $10 million to progress in the field of research on human aging.
The aging process isn’t definitely a random process or a programmed genes process. It is more clearly a result of actions, achievements, planning and ‘cultures’. When referring to culture, it is more than the basic assumptions or artefacts such as language and attitude. Technology as well as science is an imparted element of culture. Like all particular birth of research fields, they are triggered when people start to perceive a particular importance to the subject.
Recently, rising belief considered that human aging and the understanding of this aging culture can be addressed. At Stanford, a variety of research is being carried out on happy and healthy longevity. Some approaches that are being prioritized are health-care system, lifestyles, personal behaviour as well as contribution of having an aging population in society. The challenges for the future are predicted but unanticipated.
Stanford Center on Longevity covers the topic of longevity on a broad perspective by going beyond linear focus on aging to laboratory studies on human lifespan. The idea is not to only alleviate aging problem post to the age of 50 years but rather for every age generation.
Many Stanford faculty members are affiliated to the Center. Extraordinary progress has been discovered in the field of stem cell research, nano-science and nutritional habits are proving to have many diverse healing processes. The institution has also a holistic aim to act in order to enhance life of people all over the world. This is why health care programmes must be made accessible and affordable to everyone.
Casting an eye on the actual phenomenon, life expectancy has doubled in the recent 100 years. Yet, this trend doesn’t seem to have an imminent halt. It is necessary to understand the reasons for this rise and how to handle it in the near future.
Medical scrutiny in the field of DNA, genes among other biological aspects are gradually shedding lights on aging opportunities for the future.
Reference:
Laura L. Carstensen, PhD, Director, Stanford Center on Longevity
Sun, Dec 27, 2009
Gerontology, Health And Aging, Lifestyle, Longevity