Arcus senilis -- An indicator of age.

The findings suggestive of advancing age in adults include fusion of skull sutures, sternum, pubic symphysis, arcus senilis, elasticity of skin in sun protected areas, evidence of osteoarthritis, gingival shrinkage, greying and thinning of hair, cataracts, kyphosis, etc. In this study, the frequency and size of arcus senilis were found to be positively associated with age, but provided no useful guide to the determination of age. Age should be estimated through physical examination; life history, matching local or national events with personal milestones; and existing nonformal documents. Individual ageing features have a poor positive predictive value for age, but in combination, are suggestive of advancing age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]