Experimental gerontological research in Australia.

Recently there has been recognition in Australia of the importance of experimental gerontological research. To date, the major areas of research into the biology of ageing have been oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Future directions for gerontological research in Australia are likely to place more emphasis on comprehensive studies that integrate basic biological research, with clinical studies and the behavioural and social domains of ageing. Priority will be given to studies incorporating biological markers that are population based and longitudinal. The growing interest in experimental gerontological research complements Australian research strengths in other domains such as disease-based research, social gerontology, population studies and health policy research.