Average life expectancy has grown dramatically in the last century leading to an increase in age-related degenerative diseases. While the accumulation of molecular damage is thought to be the cause of biological aging, the capacity of repair and regeneration seems to be the basis of longevity. Stress is known to influence both. It is still unclear if stress per se or what kind of stress is harmful or beneficial. Gerontologists from all fields should work together to understand the importance of stress in biological ageing and age-related diseases. Translational research will be of major interest in the future.

The purpose of this meeting is

• to make the general public more aware of the problems of stress as a modifier of the ageing process
• to promote greater communication among the worldwide community of individuals engaged in ageing research
• to invite young students to join this field of research

The congress will be the 6th international meeting on ageing in Halle (Saale) and thereby hopefully develop to a focus on ageing research in Germany. It will comprise invited talks and poster sessions (participants). There will be no concurrent sessions.