FRHD 4250 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Subcutaneous Tissue, Bone Density, American Heart Association
Document Summary
Changes in the body with age - chapter 3. Aging process is associated with decreased efficiency in the body organs, but vary amongst individuals. Hard to determine if the decline is age itself, or environmental influences; disease, poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking etc. Cross-sectional approach: researchers gather sample of individuals from different age groups & collect data on presence of certain trait. Longitudinal studies: series of measurements taken on same group of individuals over extended period (usually 7 years); ex; mental functions measured at 50, retested at 60, 70, Require long-term commitment, difficult to track & costly: since same individuals are tested over time; it is more likely to be because of age instead of another external factor, however; still hard to rule out all external factors. Hard to know if it could be genetic, or lifestyle over time.