Biological Effects of Aging Paper

The Biological Effects of Aging

Graying and thinning hair, sagging skin, and wrinkles might be obvious signs of aging. Yet, what else is happening behind these changes? For starters, biological functions such as those in the immune system become altered as cells approach the end of their lifespan. Consider how these changes might impact the immune system’s inflammatory response. As mentioned in previous weeks, unhealthy behaviors and poor lifestyle choices can contribute to impaired immune function. How might these same choices and psychosocial factors influence the body’s aging process? Further, how might cognitive/behavioral interventions improve immune function and affect the process of aging?

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For this Discussion, review this week’s Learning Resources, including Chapter 4 of the Contrada text from Week 2. Think about the influence that psychosocial factors might have on the immunity of aging populations. Then, consider how inflammation and immunity are involved in the biological aging process. Finally, select three cognitive/behavioral interventions that might affect immunity and the aging process based on your search of the Walden Library.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 a brief explanation of the influence that psychosocial factors might have on immunity in aging populations. Then, explain how inflammation and immunity are involved in the biological aging process. Finally, describe the three cognitive/behavioral interventions you selected and explain how they might affect immunity and the aging process. Be specific.

Be sure to support your posts and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

READINGS

Contrada, R. J. (2011). The handbook of stress science: Biology, psychology, and health New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company, LLC.
- Review Chapter 4, “Effects of Stress on Immune Function: Implications for Immunoprotection and Immunopathology” (pp. 47–63)
- Chapter 20, “Stress, Coping, and Adult Development” (pp. 267–271)
Glaser, R., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (2005). Science and society: Stress-induced immune dysfunction: Implications for health. Nature Reviews Immunology, 5(3), 243–51.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Gouin, J.P., Hantsoo, L., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (2008). Immune dysregulation and chronic stress among older adults. Neuroimmunomodulation, 15 (4–6), 251–259.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Graham, J. E., Christian, L. M., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (2006). Stress, age, and immune function: Toward a lifespan approach. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 29(4), 389–400.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Littrell, J. (2008). The mind-body connection: Not just a theory anymore. Social Work in Health Care, 46(4), 17–37.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Smith, E. M. (2005). Antioxidants: A fountain of youth for the brain? Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 19(6), 510–511.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Solowiej, K. (2010). Take it easy: How the cycle of stress and pain associated with wound care affects recovery. Nursing & Residential Care, 12(9), 443–446.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Vedhara, K., Miles, J. N., Wetherell, M. A., Dawe, K., Searle, A., Tallon, D., …Campbell, R. (2010). Coping style and depression influence the healing of diabetic foot ulcers: Observational and mechanistic evidence. Diabetologia, 53(8), 1590–1598.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2012). Health aging. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/aging/
Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (n. d.). World population ageing: 1950–2050. Retrieved from http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/worldageing19502050/
National Academy on an Aging Society. (2007). The state of aging and health in America. Retrieved from http://www.agingsociety.org/agingsociety/publications/state/index.html