Understanding Aging: Health, Mechanisms, and Evolution

This chapter explores the intricate nature of aging, discussing its connection to diseases and the potential for genetic insights from centenarians. It highlights the biological and evolutionary mechanisms behind aging, including cell senescence and the role of stem cells, while posing critical questions about the implications of an aging global population. The discussion includes concepts like mutation accumulation and antagonistic pleiotropy, emphasizing the balance between reproduction and self-repair in the life cycle.