Genetic, spontaneous, environmental and nutritional factors as well as mechanisms such as oxidative stress, damage of DNA including mitochondrial DNA, alterations in apoptosis, altered gene expression, gene polymorphisms just as telomere erosion have been discussed concerning their coherence with ageing and diseases. Recently, scientific interest is also focused on epigenetic mechanisms, i.e., methylation of CpG-islands, histone modification or silencing by small RNAs, since they may regulate epigenetic reprogramming of age-dependent cell expression and specific regulation of genes including telomerase.

Due to the regular ageing process, elderly persons even when in good condition may experience increased health risks caused by environmental pollutants. As we age, our bodies become more susceptible to hazards from the environment, and, thus, harmful influences may be enhanced. During their life-time, the elderly, moreover, accumulate environmental contaminants in their bodies.

Exposure to air pollution can constitute a relevant risk to elderly people, especially when affected with lung diseases. Particle pollution may aggravate lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma and may be responsible for serious health effects including hospitalization or premature death. Ozone, too, can deteriorate lung diseases. Indoor air pollutants that exist within homes and buildings (e.g. caused by asbestos) are also considered harmful to persons with COPD or asthma. Many elderly persons spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, often at home. Common indoor environmental hazards that may trigger COPD and asthma attacks include tobacco smoke, animal dander, dust mites and cockroaches, mold, dust and pollen, combustion products of oil, gas, kerosene and coal, building materials and furnishings made of pressed wood products or asbestos, pesticides and household cleansers.


For further information visit the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Aging Initiative Website


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Olinski R. et al. Oxidative damage to DNA and antioxidant status in aging and age-related diseases. Acta Biochim Pol. 2007

Shames DS et al. DNA methylation in health, disease, and cancer. Curr Mol Med. 2007 Feb;7(1):85-102.

Lee CK et al. Gene expression profile of aging and its retardation by caloric restriction. Science. 1999;285:1390-3.

Anderson RM and Weindruch R. Metabolic reprogramming in dietary restriction. Interdiscip Top Gerontol. 2007;35:18-38. Review.

Lai SR et al. Epigenetic control of telomerase and modes of telomere maintenance in aging and abnormal systems. Front Biosci. 2005 May 1;10:1779-96. Review.