| Abstract: | Summary Starting from the social problem of increasing average age, the aims and methods of modern research on ageing are discussed. They are based on experiment and observation of the ageing processes over the whole span of life from birth to death, corresponding to the shifting of the steady state characterising the living. Here, the energy economy of the organism, the maintenance of the biopotentials and the biotone are of special importance. The energy requirement is measured by means of the basal metabolism, this depending on the size of the organism. In this connection, the hypothesis ofRubner concerning the constancy of the amount of energy convertible per individual is discussed. Further considerations are given to the course of the ageing processes, whether of single organs or of a population of organisms. The survival statistics of the latter may be interpreted according toPütter as the result of the combat between damage and resistance. The connection between the change of adaptive and regenerative capacity and the diseases of old age is mentioned. Finally, the psychological and mental aspects are emphasised. In addition to statistical studies on senescence, prolonged observation on single individuals is afforded and suitable tests to follow the ageing processes have to be elaborated.
Einführendes Referat anlässlich des Symposiums der Schweizerischen Gesellschaft für Gerontologie vom 11. Dezember 1954 in Basel (Vorsitz Prof.Verzár). Referate der Vorträge siehe Schweiz. med. Wschr.85, 686 (1955). |
