THE CONCEPT OF AGE IN SYSTEMS ANALYSIS

ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This paper discusses the mathematical concept of ageing. It is shown that while in most cases a probabilistic definition of age is sufficient, in some cases a calendaric definition must be added in order to preserve the relationship between time and age. AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie artikel bespreek die wiskundige betekenis van veroudering. Daar word getoon dat alhoewel 'n waarskynlikheidsgebaseerde definisie van ouderdom meestal voldoende is, daar in sommige gevalle 'n tydgebaseerde definisie nodig is om die verwantskap tussen tyd en ouderdom te behou.