ABSTRACT
The acceleration of gerontological research in the past few decades has provided a plethora of data and a number of theories, ranging from stochastic to programmed, and engaging molecular, biochemical, physiological and evolutionary levels of analysis and explanation. The field of genetics has been prominently and variously featured in gerontological research. Genetic model had major origins in agricultural application, and in that realm, as well as others, it has demonstrated its general validity and robustness. The characterization of the broad domains of genetic and environmental determinants of individuality in age-related processes can thus be seen as important context-building for the interpretation of diverse gerontological data. This chapter explains some representative research from the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging (SATSA), one of several projects undertaking such characterization. It concerns only with a few phenotypes from the first waves that are particularly relevant to biobehavioral health.
