The number of people over 65 years of age (the age most often indicated as the beginning of old age) is increasing worldwide, but currently this is most visible in Europe. Aging particularly affects the countries of the former Eastern bloc, especially Poland; it is estimated that the proportion of elderly people in our country will increase up to 26.7% in 2035, which is an increase of about 7% in relation to 2015 (19.4%) (the Central Statistical Office).

Aging is a progressive process that affects all tissues. Its rate and course depend on genetic (gene variants), environmental and stochastic factors. Up to the ninth decade of life, the course of aging and the length of life depend mostly on environmental factors, while longevity and extreme longevity appear to depend primarily on genetic factors. Age-related decrease of ability to maintain homeostasis increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative disease, cancers and cardiovascular diseases, among others.

The increase in the number of older people and pathophysiological consequences of aging entail both social and economic effects: the number of professionally active persons is rapidly decreasing while the number of people receiving disability benefits/pensions is increasing, the number of people requiring assistance in daily life or full time care is also increasing, costs of medical care are rising and organizational problems related to the increased demand for medical services might worsen. For these reasons, it is essential to take preventive measures aimed at extending the healthy phase of life and the period of independence of the elderly. In addition to the healthy lifestyle, primarily involving a healthy diet, physical and intellectual activity and avoiding stimulants and other adverse environmental factors, pharmacological therapies are an important element of anti-aging actions. Among them, great expectations are associated with hormonal therapies. A synthetic description of changes in the endocrine system in the course of uncomplicated aging is presented in the article entitled „Aging and the endocrine system”. The authors also give updated information on the potential use of various hormones in the framework of balancing shortages caused by aging, devoting particular attention to sex hormones, as there are numerous controversies associated with their use.