The aging process is largely determined by genetic factors but also influenced by a wide range of environmental factors such as diet, exercise, exposure to micro-organisms, pollutants, and ionizing radiation. It has long been established that periods of immobility such as prolonged hospital bedrest, or reduced periods of mobility, can induce physiological changes that in many cases mirror those seen in normal aging. With the average lifespan of the UK population increasing, it is essential that the knowledge base examining the effects of normal aging and immobility be developed and expanded.

Researchers are invited to submit original research articles as well as review articles. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Aging of major organ systems
• Aging of muscle and skin
• Immobility and sarcopaenia
• Physiological effects of prolonged bedrest or immobility
• Physiological changes associated with negative gravity/spaceflight
• Use of model organisms to determine effects of immobility
• Use of model organisms to determine effects of aging

Articles published in this special issue will not be subject to the journal's Article Processing Charges.

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jar/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: