Gravitational fields and aging

Alteration of the ambient gravitational field and aging are both accompanied by a variety of physiological changes, but at present it is not possible to estimate how aging and alteration of gravitational fields would interact. The time will undoubtedly come when it will be advantageous to expose individuals of older ages to the altered gravitational fields. Consequently it is timely to know in advance the limitations and special maintenance requirements, if any, that may apply. The importance of such studies has been recognized by Comfort (3) in a chapter entitled "A special application: Aerospace Gerontology." Initially there should be a series of experiments in which animals of increasing ages are exposed to the weightlessness of spaceflight, and to increased fields provided by centrifugation. Also of interest would be the study of the effects of long-term exposure to moderately increased acceleration fields (1/2-1 G) to determine the gravitational effects on the aging process. In addition to its application toward improving the maintenance of aging astronauts/cosmonauts, such information also should contribute to the general understanding of gravitational physiology. Conversely, the effects exposure to the unconventional stress of altered gravitational fields, and the nature of any counter-measure developed, would be valuable contributions to the understanding of aging and the management of the elderly. It appears only logical that at least as much attention be given to gravitational fields and aging, as is given to gravitational fields and development.