Postarzenie

Postarzenie is a Polish term that refers to the process of aging or the state of being older. It is used in various contexts to describe how living beings or populations become older over time, and it is commonly found in biology, medicine, and demography.

In biological and medical usage, postarzenie describes the gradual decline in physiological function that accompanies aging. It involves genetic, metabolic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that influence how individuals age. Researchers differentiate between chronological age (time since birth) and biological age (the functioning of bodily systems). Cellular aging, or cellular senescence, is a key area of study, as is the impact of aging on organ systems, susceptibility to disease, and overall resilience.

In demography, postarzenie refers to population aging, a shift in the age structure toward older ages. This trend is driven by increased life expectancy and, in many places, declining birth rates. Population aging has wide-ranging social and economic implications, including higher demand for healthcare and elder care, adjustments in pension systems, and changes in the labor market and consumer patterns.

Etymology follows standard Polish formation, with postarzenie derived from the verb starzeć się (to age) with a prefix indicating the process. The term is often used in technical and policy discussions, complementing the more general term starzenie (aging) to emphasize the process as a phenomenon affecting individuals or populations.