Defining aging in cyborgs: a bio-techno-social definition of aging
- PMID:25456627
- DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2014.09.003
Defining aging in cyborgs: a bio-techno-social definition of aging
Abstract
Initially the aim of this article was to discuss and define aging at the intersection point between biology and sociology. However, recent biomedical and technological advances are changing the discourse on aging, and against this background the author of this article argues that current definitions of aging should be improved. The author emphasizes that there is a need to update current definitions of aging, or to formulate new multidisciplinary ones. The author suggests that (besides biology, psychology and sociology) the technological discipline should be included in the integrative gerontology model. Finally, in this article a new definition of aging is put forward. According to the author of this article, human bio-techno-social aging is characterized by: (a) a time-bound process of change including, (b) both reversible and irreversible biological processes, (c) social processes forming an irreversible chain of events, and (d) an increasing use of technological artifacts whose purpose is to support or replace damaged biological functions; and/or an increasing use of technological artifacts whose purpose is to facilitate or enable interaction.
Keywords: Aging; Biology; Biomedicine; Cyborgs; Gerontology; Sociology; Technology.
Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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