Aging in America

LESSON 3.1 Biological Changes Required Readings

Hooyman & Kiyak Text: Chapter three and pp.9-11 (Person-Environment Fit Model).

http://www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/ NOTE: click on red “Universal design principles” in bar on

left of your screen to read more about universal design.

Written Assignment

A number of treatments have been proposed as potentially effective in extending life. Select

ONE of the following to write about: Telomerase, Human Growth Hormone, Calorie

Restriction, Gene Therapy, or Antioxidants. Investigate the literature on this topic using the

library database search techniques learned in Unit 2 of this course. These articles do not need to

be research-based, although those that are will give you the best information.

In a 3-5 page paper:

1. Select one of the theories of aging discussed in this lesson that could explain why the

treatment you are writing about might work.

2. Describe the promised benefits of the treatment.

3. Describe possible or actual side effects or dangers involved in using this treatment.

4. Describe anything else of interest about this treatment you have found—for example,

whether it is experimental, or if it is approved for general use by the Food and Drug

Administration, how long it must be used, convenience, cost, etc.

5. Evaluate the quality of the information you uncovered about this treatment. Would you

feel comfortable believing in it or using it? What specific things did you look for as you

did the reading to prepare this paper that helped you to make this decision?

Please be sure to write this paper in either APA or MLA format, with careful citation of sources

you are using in the body of the paper. Include a complete Reference List or Bibliography at the

end.