Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026

Getting to Compliance in Forced Exercise in Rodents: A Critical Standard to Evaluate Exercise Impact in Aging-related Disorders and Disease
Published on: August 22, 2014
Genetic and environmental influences on decline in biobehavioral markers of aging
Deborah Finkel1, Nancy L Pedersen, Chandra A Reynolds
1School of Social Sciences, Indiana University Southeast, New Albany, IN, USA. dfinkel@ius.edu
Abstract:
Latent growth models were applied to longitudinal twin data on markers of aging to investigate genetic and environmental influences on the processes of change with age. The sample included 1957 participants aged 50 to 96 years. Five markers were assessed: forced expiratory volume, mean arterial pressure, grip strength, motor functioning, and well-being. Data were gathered at up to three follow-up occasions at intervals of 3 years. Results indicated monotonic changes with age for all but two variables. Performance on motor functioning and well-being was stable until age 65 or 70, followed by significant decline. Genetic influences on the level of performance were indicated for all five markers of aging. Genetic influences on the slope were found for only three of the variables: motor functioning, mean arterial pressure, and forced expiratory volume. Investigations of the aging process will differ depending on whether the focus is on static performance or change.
Related Concept Videos
Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences
Aging
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Gene-Environment Interactions
Pharmacodynamics in Geriatric Patients: Effects of Age
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...