Verjüngung

Verjüngung is a term used to describe processes that renew, restore, or rejuvenate biological systems, returning them to a younger or more vigorous state. In biology and medicine the concept covers regeneration at cellular or tissue levels, as well as broader changes in an organism or population that increase regenerative capacity or vitality.

In medicine, rejuvenation can refer to cosmetic procedures aimed at reducing signs of aging, and to regenerative therapies that seek to restore function after injury or disease. Experimental approaches include stem cell therapies and gene-based strategies, while ethical and safety considerations limit clinical use to established practices.

In botany and horticulture, Verjüngung describes the renewal of plants through pruning, coppicing, or other techniques that stimulate new growth from buds or roots. Rejuvenation pruning helps maintain flowering shrubs and evergreen hedges, while coppicing produces a cycle of shoots that can be harvested without killing the plant.

In forestry and ecology, Verjüngung refers to the regeneration of a forest stand after disturbance, through natural regeneration or planting. Management practices such as thinning, coppice, or selective cutting aim to maintain stand structure and biodiversity by promoting the development of young trees and competitive regeneration.

In population science, the term can denote processes that shift age structure toward younger cohorts, for example through higher birth rates or migration. Rejuvenation of a population affects labor markets, dependency ratios, and social planning, and is often contrasted with aging or senescence trends.

See also: Regeneration, Aging, Population dynamics, Coppicing, Rejuvenation.