Antiaging Efforts in Endocrine Aspects

Although there are many definitions of successful aging in gerontology, no single consensus thereon exists. Successful aging is defined not by longevity alone but also by sufficient wellbeing (in multiple domains) to sustain a capacity for functioning adequately in changing circumstances. The determinants of such well-being and functional status are manifold and include the genetic endowment, physical environment, social environment, population and individual responses to challenges, the occurrence of disease, availability and effectiveness of health care, and personal prosperity. Rowe and Kahn defined it as including three main components: low probability of disease and disease-related disability, high cognitive and physical functional capacity, and active engagement with life. Growth hormone and testosterone seem to play a role in the physical decline that occurs during aging. In addition, both serum IGF-I and testosterone concentrations are related to the presence of atherosclerosis. Furthermore, the effect of growth hormone and testosterone replacement on the quality of life has hardly been examined in the elderly population.