This book presents a comprehensive review of the morphology and function of chromosomes in elderly people. The wide range of topics includes cyclical chromosome properties, mutations, repair, progressive chromosome heterochromatinization with increasing age, roles of nucleolar organiser regions, sister chromatid exchanges, homologue relationships, heterochromatin regions and other chromosomal features in very old age. This ground-breaking book focuses on heterochromatinisation as a key determinant of the genetic apparatus function during senescence and an area to seek life-prolonging interventions. The book illustrates and updates progress in the field of cytogenetics of ageing. The book contains 16 tables and 25 figures.