The Anti Aging Association-Who Are They and What Do They Do?
The American Aging Association, also known as the AGE (so as not to be confused with the automobile association), is a national not-for-profit organization based in the United States. It was founded in by Denham Harman, MD, PhD, who is commonly referred to as the “father” of the “Free-Radical Theory of Aging” in 1970.
What does the AGE do?
The American Aging Association’s intention is to support biomedical aging studies aimed at proliferating the efficient life span of human beings as well as slowing down the process of aging. The AGE also tries to keep the general public informed about new research and studies that can help them lead a better overall lifestyle.
Although everyone will age eventually, and should because over-population of the earth would occur fairly quickly if people didn’t eventually die, the effects that aging can cause can be treatable, according to some people. Things such as degenerative disease and cosmetic conditions can be prevented in a lot of cases.
How did the AGE start?
The American Aging Association was created in 1970 and both common people and scientists that have a similar interest in the aging process are members. It was started at a significant time in the advancement of modern biological research which makes it all the more important. It provides a place for scientists to share information regarding the biology of aging and gives students a place to share ideas that they come up with concerning the aging process as well. Anytime ideas are brought together in this means is constructive because you can never tell when the next big idea will emerge.
How is the AGE different from other organizations?
Quite a few organizations are devoted to the aging process. After all, it is a very lucrative business and most people seem to want to stay young-or at least look young. Every organization appears to have a different slant.
Some want to center on the social problems of the people who are aging, some focus on the psychological facets of aging, and others focus on the medical problems such as the degenerative diseases. You also get organizations that are focused on prevention, some that are centered on interference-type slants to deferring clinical aging and some others will try to find a way to combine these. The American Aging Association is distinctive in this endeavor.
Through its connections, the AGE has offered encouragement to Congress in clarifying the significance of basic biomedical aging exploration. There still aren’t a large number of scientists focusing on this aspect. The American Aging Association has offered its support in this field, however, and continues to do so.
Who can be a member?
Membership is available in three different types: scientific, layperson and student. All members are eligible for a discount registration to the AGE’s annual conference as well as its newsletter, which gives information on up to date scientific aging findings. The scientific members will also get the Journal of the American Aging Association and the subscriptions are obtainable to laymen and students for an extra charge.