Cognitive impairment is a consequence of the normal aging process that effects many species, including humans and rodent models. Decline in hippocampal memory function is especially prominent with age and often reduce...Cognitive impairment is a consequence of the normal aging process that effects many species, including humans and rodent models. Decline in hippocampal memory function is especially prominent with age and often reduces quality of life. As the aging population expands, the need for interventional strategies to prevent cognitive decline has become more pressing. Fortunately, several major lifestyle factors have proven effective at combating hippocampal aging, the most well-known of which are environmental enrichment and exercise. While the evidence supporting the beneficial nature of these factors is substantial, a less well-understood factor may also contribute to healthy cognitive aging: social engagement. We review the evidence supporting the role of social engagement in preserving hippocampal function in old age. In elderly humans, high levels of social engagement correlate with better hippocampal function, yet there is a dearth of work to indicate a causative role. Existing rodent literature is also limited but has begun to provide causative evidence and establish candidate mechanisms. Summed together, while many unanswered questions remain, it is clear that social engagement is a viable lifestyle factor for preserving cognitive function in old age. Social integration across the lifespan warrants more investigation and more appreciation when designing living circumstances for the elderly.展开更多
The process of urbanization and industrialization in China, has been instrumental in depriving villagers of land and their way of life. This has led to a series of conflicts between government and villagers over the l...The process of urbanization and industrialization in China, has been instrumental in depriving villagers of land and their way of life. This has led to a series of conflicts between government and villagers over the land. This issue has become the core of the conflict. The present from-top-to-bottom rural planning does not meet villagers＇ needs. Within the rural area, there are close social and organizational relationships, the villagers strongly demand autonomy. This has led to conflict between the state and villagers rights of autonomy. The conflict is ongoing, it has never stopped. For the purpose of this paper, the rural area of Zhejiang Province was investigated. The method of the empirical study was employed in order to comprehensively analyze the developmental stage of urban-rural relations, planning systems, the conflict process, and difficulties in the process of urbanization. The study discovered that the conflict was led by different value orientations between the two stakeholders--the government and the villagers. This resulted in a series of conflicts over land and natural resources and added to the breakdown of relationships on both sides, this was an external manifestation of value orientation on both sides. In conclusion, the paper recommends conflict resolution proposals and measures to be employed at every stage of urbanization.展开更多
基金partially supported by a R00 Pathway to Independence Award from NIH/NINDS(R00NS089938)(to EDK)
文摘Cognitive impairment is a consequence of the normal aging process that effects many species, including humans and rodent models. Decline in hippocampal memory function is especially prominent with age and often reduces quality of life. As the aging population expands, the need for interventional strategies to prevent cognitive decline has become more pressing. Fortunately, several major lifestyle factors have proven effective at combating hippocampal aging, the most well-known of which are environmental enrichment and exercise. While the evidence supporting the beneficial nature of these factors is substantial, a less well-understood factor may also contribute to healthy cognitive aging: social engagement. We review the evidence supporting the role of social engagement in preserving hippocampal function in old age. In elderly humans, high levels of social engagement correlate with better hippocampal function, yet there is a dearth of work to indicate a causative role. Existing rodent literature is also limited but has begun to provide causative evidence and establish candidate mechanisms. Summed together, while many unanswered questions remain, it is clear that social engagement is a viable lifestyle factor for preserving cognitive function in old age. Social integration across the lifespan warrants more investigation and more appreciation when designing living circumstances for the elderly.
文摘The process of urbanization and industrialization in China, has been instrumental in depriving villagers of land and their way of life. This has led to a series of conflicts between government and villagers over the land. This issue has become the core of the conflict. The present from-top-to-bottom rural planning does not meet villagers＇ needs. Within the rural area, there are close social and organizational relationships, the villagers strongly demand autonomy. This has led to conflict between the state and villagers rights of autonomy. The conflict is ongoing, it has never stopped. For the purpose of this paper, the rural area of Zhejiang Province was investigated. The method of the empirical study was employed in order to comprehensively analyze the developmental stage of urban-rural relations, planning systems, the conflict process, and difficulties in the process of urbanization. The study discovered that the conflict was led by different value orientations between the two stakeholders--the government and the villagers. This resulted in a series of conflicts over land and natural resources and added to the breakdown of relationships on both sides, this was an external manifestation of value orientation on both sides. In conclusion, the paper recommends conflict resolution proposals and measures to be employed at every stage of urbanization.
