The Evolution of Aging [Paperback]

Theodore C. Goldsmith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2006

Why do we age? Scientists have been baffled by this question for centuries and disagree regarding even the general nature of aging. Is aging the result of fundamental limitations that apply to all living things, or are organisms designed by nature to age because a limited life span conveys some advantage? All of the theories either fail to fully explain observed animal characteristics or conflict with generally accepted evolution theory. This issue has potentially enormous implications for medicine. If aging is the result of fundamental and unalterable forces of nature, then anti-aging medicine is impossible and anti-aging research is futile and foolish. If aging is imposed by an evolved life span regulation system, then research will likely reveal means for altering the operation of the aging mechanism and thereby improve the treatment of many age-related diseases and conditions. This book provides a historical review of biological aging theories including underlying evolution and genetics issues and describes exciting recent discoveries and new theories that are causing renewed interest in aging-by-design. The author discusses Darwin's theory of evolution as well as more recent proposed modifications such as the selfish gene theory, evolvability theory, and group selection in connection with their effects on aging theory. A chapter is devoted to describing the aspects of modern genetics that have implications for evolution theory including the application of digital information theory to genetics.

Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Azinet LLC (October 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0978870905
• ISBN-13: 978-0978870904
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,074,178 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Theodore C. Goldsmith graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and lives with his wife in Annapolis Maryland. His books about theories of biological aging include Aging by Design (2011), An Introduction to Biological Aging Theory (2011), and The Evolution of Aging 2nd Ed. (2006).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fascinating, evenhanded dissection and summary of the oldest legends about aging, April 13, 2007

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Evolution of Aging (Paperback)

Now in an updated second edition The Evolution of Aging: How New Theories Will Change the Future of Medicine is a thoughtful historical review of biological theories that seek to answer the question, "Why do we age?" Written by former NASA engineer Theodore C. Goldsmith, The Evolution of Aging covers evolution theory, historic and traditional theories of aging, digital genetics and evolution theory, discoveries affecting aging theory, new theories of evolution and aging, anti-aging research, flaws in the theories discussed, and much more. Accessible to readers of all backgrounds, The Evolution of Aging is a fascinating, evenhanded dissection and summary of the oldest legends about aging, the latest cutting-edge research, and everything in between.