DEFINING AND MEASURING AGING PARAMETERS

In the present work we describe an original image measurement method f or quantifying facial changes due to aging. The first challenge was to define adequate aging parameters and how they could be measured. The analysis of these data is not trivial, since the magnitude of each par ameter is defined by personal size. The scope of this study is to find a pattern of change for the aging parameters. The process of aging is related to substantial numbers of internal and external factors; ther efore, this research was restricted to middle class. not too exposed t o the sun, white females. We suppose that, if it were possible to find and analyze the parameters in this universe, further studies could be made for other groups. The reason for choosing: this sample was the f acility to find front and profile pattern photographs at different age s at the clinic. The choice. number, and size of the aging parameters were quantified through a sample of 50 females, with ages ranging from 25 to 65. A strong correlation was found between age and behavior of the parameters. The evolution of the parameters was nonlinear and coul d be best represented by second-order polynomial equations, although s ome parameters showed an inflection point at a certain age.