Lifespan does not measure ageing.
The Gompertz equation, which describes the increase of mortality over time, is often used to measure the rate of the ageing process. However, a recent article argued that it is incorrect to use the function for this purpose and that its use should therefore be discouraged (Driver 2001). I believe that this conclusion is based on misunderstandings and that the Gompertz function (if used appropriately) is actually well suited to measure the ageing rate. Here I will solve the 'paradox' posed by the author and argue that it is actually lifespan that is inadequate to measure ageing and not the Gompertz function.
Kowald
Axel
A
Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Ihnestrasse 73, 14195 Berlin, Germany. kowald@molgen.mpg.de
D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008136:Longevity / Q000502:physiology*; D008432:Mathematical Computing; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests