| Nonlinear Dynamics, Psychology, and Life Sciences, Vol. 11, Iss. 2, Apr, 2007, pp. 219-234 @2007 Society for Chaos Theory in Psychology & Life Sciences The Dynamics of Structural and Functional Complexity across the Lifespan Abstract: The paper addresses the process of human physiological
development and aging from the perspective complexity at the
structural level and functional levels. The goal is to
present a view of the human lifespan as a continuous increase
in structural complexity of the human system, resulting in
increased independence of the physiological subsystems. This
brings about an increase in functional complexity early in the
lifespan and an eventual loss of complexity during human aging
(Lipsitz & Goldberger, 1995). Different nonlinear dynamics
concepts are presented as a means of providing support for this
theory of human aging and development. Keywords: complexity, aging, entropy, development |