The Challenge of Aging*

Orientation in Geriatric Clinical Psychology†

“…It is obvious that gerontols would present no new problems if it were not for the processes termed “aging.” The theories pointing to physiologic changes in the gerontol imply or postulate that they result from growth processes inherent in the germ plasm, that they are irreversible and that they occur after fundamental biologic functions have been fulfilled. On the other hand, Harris (1) recently reported that his germ‐free rats raised in a germ‐free environment for generations do not show the liver changes usually associated with aging, unless germs are introduced into the gastro‐intestinal tract. Theorists, following Harris’ emphasis, argue that the degenerative or involutional processes are caused by infections, toxins and nutritional disturbances which impair the general functional and regenerative capacities of the body cells.…”