Advance RI-CTR Translational Research Seminar Series; Complexity Perplexity: Simplifying Clinical Aging Research.”

The human body is a remarkably complex interplay of systems; each necessary to support the function of the other systems. The complexity builds as systems adapt to maintain function during stress. While often measured chronologically, time is only a small component of aging. Conceptualizing aging as a reduced resilience – a progressive decline in our ability to respond to stressors – creates a model that allows the genetic, cellular, physiological, clinical, cognitive, and psychological stress responses to be measured and advance our understanding. Like most models, the resilience model struggles with complexity, especially with the unmeasured stressors that have accumulated with time. The result is that we know more than ever before, but we really know very little. Thus, aging represents the ideal opportunity to help build our knowledge and make a difference through research discoveries big and small. There are plenty of seats at the table.

Introductory

Free