Defining and measuring aging parameters

摘要

In the present work we describe an original image measurement method for 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 parameter 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; therefore, this research was restricted to middle class, not too exposed to 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 facility to find front and profile pattern photographs at different ages 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 could be best represented by second-order polynomial equations, although some parameters showed an inflection point at a certain age.