The aging population - Is there a role for endocrine interventions?

The expected increase in the aging population will have a significant impact on society and the health system in the coming years and decades. Enhancing healthspan, healthy aging. and thus extending the time that the elderly are able to function independently is a significant task and is imperative. Age-dependent changes such as weight loss, sarcopenia and anorexia, which contribute to the development of frailty in the elderly are discussed. The role of the age-dependent decrease in growth hormone secretion in this process and the potential benefits and risks of hormonal interventions to delay, prevent or reverse frailty in the elderly are reviewed. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.