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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 March 2009
Aging is generally regarded as a reduction of physical, psychological, and social resources. This reduction is due to two processes that operate simultaneously during the life of an individual. One of these processes is the basic biological changes which take place within the individual and are probably programmed by genetic factors. The other is change due to environmental factors, such as air pollution, noise, poor working conditions, and eating habits, social and psychological factors such as attitudes and norms, and technological factors which can enhance adaptation or cause a decline in social or psychological resources. According to present knowledge, biological age changes are irreversible. However, it should be possible to reverse the environmental changes either through short-term interventions among individuals and the community, or by long-term interventions in the society.