Deck 2: Biologic Aging Theories and Longevity

Question 1

The life span for humans is:

A) 75-85 years
B) 85-95 years
C) 95-105 years
D) 105-115 years
E) 115-120 years

Answer 1

115-120 years

Question 2

Which of these characteristics is common among centenarians?

A) they have elderly family members
B) they have lower rates of diseases
C) they live independently
D) a and b
E) all of the above

Answer 2

all of the above

Question 3

Antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C, are thought to increase longevity by:

A) scavenging free radicals
B) decreasing metabolic rate, thereby lowering body temperature
C) increasing RNA production
D) all of the above
E) a and c

Answer 3

scavenging free radicals

Question 4

Which of the following affects life expectancy?

A) marital status
B) air pollution
C) ethnicity
D) all of the above
E) a and c

Question 5

What factor has the highest influence on longevity?

A) gender
B) ethnicity
C) income
D) educational level
E) b and c equally

Question 6

Which of the following directs the function of the cell?

A) mitosis
B) telomeres
C) nucleus
D) genes
E) neurons

Question 7

Life expectancy

A) varies among cultures
B) is about 115-120 years
C) continues to increase in the U.S.
D) a and c
E) all of the above

Question 8

The most important health habit to increase life expectancy is:

A) not smoke cigarettes
B) exercise regularly
C) eat well
D) all are equally effective
E) b and c

Question 9

Telomeres are the caps at the end of chromosomes like the tips at the end of shoestrings.

Question 10

Each cell is specialized for a specific function, but all cells are nearly identical genetically.

Question 11

Human life expectancy is relatively constant across history and culture at 115-120 years.

Question 12

Most factors associated with longevity are under personal control.

Question 13

Light drinkers live longer than those who abstain from alcohol altogether.

Question 14

It is generally agreed that racial differences in life expectancy are due primarily to genetic factors.

Question 15

Reducing caloric intake without restricting nutrition increases the length of life in laboratory animals.

Question 16

Thus far, there is no evidence that periodic fasting prolongs life in humans.

Question 17

Those who are married live longer than those who are not.

Question 18

Normal cells grown in the laboratory do not age, but divide indefinitely.

Question 19

No life extension therapy has been documented to succeed with human subjects.

Question 20

It is hypothesized that females have a genetic advantage that enables them to live longer than males in almost all animal species.

Question 21

Human growth hormone injections are now known to reverse age-related decline.

Question 22

One theory of aging is that it is caused by an accumulation of damage to cell DNA caused by reactive by-products of cell metabolism.

Question 23

Scientists generally agree that the basic cause of aging is the result of a series of random accidental events that damage body cells.

Question 24

Genes are composed of chromosomes.

Question 25

DHEA is a hormone made by the body that increases with age.

Question 26

Many well designed studies confirm the anti-aging effects of DHEA.

Question 27

Shorter people live longer than taller people.

Question 28

Most cells that become damaged cannot repair themselves.

Question 29

Describe the difference between life span and life expectancy. Which one can individuals influence? Explain how the life expectancy of a 65 year old person is greater than that of a newborn.

Question 30

List three reasons why women typically live longer than men.

Question 31

Name five factors that influence longevity. Which influences are under our control?

Question 32

How does race and ethnicity affect life expectancy in the United States?

Question 33

What is the "compression of morbidity" and why is it desirable?

Question 34

Give a brief example about how you might scientifically gather information about longevity.

Question 35

Describe the drawbacks of each of the following types of studies on longevity:

Question 36

How could the "accumulation of errors" influence aging?

Question 37

What is the difference between random aging and programmed aging?

Question 38

What are telomeres and how might they affect the rate at which we age?

Question 39

List the factors in the physical environment which may affect length of life.

Question 40

What are antioxidants and why are they important? How might they affect the aging process?

Question 41

Discuss why those who are married tend to live longer than those who are not. What are some problems in studying this connection?

Question 42

List the possible reasons why obesity increases the risk of premature death.

Question 43

List reasons why people in the middle and upper income level live longer than those of low income.

Question 44

Why might race and ethnicity influence life expectancy?

Question 45

What is the biological clock theory? What is the evidence for this theory?

Question 46

There are two major theories of why our bodies deteriorate with age: random and programmed. Describe the possible mechanisms of each.

Question 47

Discuss at least five factors which affect the length of life.

Question 48

Some believe the quest to prolong life in the laboratory is misplaced. Instead, they say, scientists should work on ways to modify those factors which affect disease onset. Do you agree or disagree? Write an essay to defend your position.

Question 49

Describe and discuss the results of the New England Centenarian Study

Question 50

Random aging includes several theories: cross-linking, wear and tear, free radical. Argue in support of one of those theories.

Question 51

Describe the genetic and behavioral hypotheses advanced to explain why women live longer than men.

Question 52

Programmed aging may be initiated by immune or hormonal systems. Discuss each of these.

Question 53

Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of animal studies to determine the factors influencing longevity.