Tag: Gerontology

According to the ICD-10-CM, millions of adults experience some level of natural cognitive change as they age. The diagnosis code R41 81 specifically identifies this "age-related cognitive decline," a distinction used by healthcare providers to document and track a mild, non-pathological reduction in thinking skills.

The longest verified human lifespan belongs to Jeanne Calment, who died in 1997 at the age of 122. Given that remarkable feat, many wonder: can someone live until 200 years? We explore the complex biological limits and emerging scientific possibilities regarding extreme human longevity.

Research indicates that physiological function declines by about 1% per year after the age of 30, highlighting the universal nature of the aging process. Understanding the meaning of human deterioration helps us navigate and mitigate the complex biological, psychological, and social decline that impacts every individual.

Fact: The body's metabolism can start its slow decline as early as age 20. This reveals that for the question, **at what point does your body start deteriorating**, there is no single answer. Rather, aging is a continuous and multi-faceted process, with different organ systems undergoing changes at various stages of life, influenced by a blend of genetics and lifestyle.

While the term 'chronological disease' is not a recognized medical diagnosis, research shows that nearly two-thirds of global deaths are related to age-associated conditions. This phenomenon highlights a key distinction between a person's actual age in years and the biological processes that influence health over time. Understanding this is vital for promoting healthy aging and separating medical myth from reality.

According to research published in the *Journal of Investigative Dermatology*, a natural compound called 2-nonenal is a primary cause of the distinctive body odor often associated with getting older, addressing the question: **What is the smell associated with aging**?

As of mid-2025, former President Joe Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that had metastasized to the bone. This significant diagnosis joins a documented history of several other medical conditions, continuing to fuel widespread public discussion about his health and fitness for public life.