85366 - Biology of Longevity and Healthy Lifestyles

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student knows: - the biochemical pathways underpinning the process of aging; - lifestyles capable of postponing aging and preventing the main age-related diseases.

Course contents

- What is the meaning of aging, senescence and longevity? Why we age? Does everything age? What is truly immortal? Do immortal organisms exist? Aging theories: primary hallmarks and antagonistic and integrative hallmarks. Comparative biology of longevity.

- A new science: quantifying life style impact on life span

- How much should we weigh for a long and healthy life span? Basic research on caloric restriction versus epidemiological data on body mass index. Role of correct nutrition for a healthy life span

- Role of physical activity and cognitive functions for a healthy life span. A look at the future: will humans become immortal?

Readings/Bibliography

- Biology of Aging, Roger B. McDonald, Second edition, 2019 CRC Press

ISBN 9780815345671

- Articles and other materials provided in the classroom

Teaching methods

Frontal and online tuitions

Assessment methods

Student learning in the Integrated Course “Aging and Healthy Longevity C.I.” will be assessed in two oral exams, both evaluated in thirtieths.

It is recommend to take the exam of the "Biology of Longevity and Healthy Lifestyles" course first and then the exam on the "Physiology of Aging and Longevity" course, but it is not mandatory to take them in this sequence.

Each exam is passed if the mark is equal to or higher than 18/30; the final mark of the Integrated Course is the arithmetic average of the marks reported in the two exams.

 

Teaching tools

Projector

Office hours

See the website of Antonello Lorenzini