4. Discuss the physical and psychological changes associated with normal ageing. How can one minimise pathological ageing?
The process of aging has been around as long as life itself. All living organisms pass through three broad stages from conception to death, which are maturation, maturity and aging. Aging affects everyone because nearly everyone has the potential to grow old and all the societies in which we live have older members (Macdonald, 1997). Gerontology is the use of reason to understand aging. The term was used to refer to the scientific study of aging, but nowadays it includes the study of aging using views from other disciplines such as humanities, social policy and human services. To correctly understand aging,
…show more content…
In order to counter act this one must maintain regular and also suitable exercise. One must take into consideration the exercise tolerance in relation to his/her current age. Change to healthier lifestyle by quitting smoking as this can have a direct relationship and can worsen the breathlessness. It is important to not mix mild shortness of breath that does not affect normal daily activities with shortness of breath at low exercise level and wheezing as these may be symptoms of chronic bronchitis, asthma or heart failure.
Digestive System
A common change related to normal aging is changes that affect the digestive system. The most common one observed in old age is constipation (Macdonald, 1997). In order to minimise constipation it is essential or eat a fibre rich diet with more vegetables and fruit. Also maintaining regular exercise can also reduce the chance of developing constipation. Stools with blood or mucus are not part of normal ageing.
Urination
In normal ageing changes in urination also occurs. It is seen that there is more frequent urination at night (Matteson et al., 1998). In order to minimise this pathological aspect of normal ageing, it is suggested to avoid fluid intake one hour before sleeping. It is important to distinguish between difficulty or pain while passing urine as this may be due to urinary tract infections and for men as well as
Changes due to the aging process also need to be addressed. Calcium reabsorption increases especially in women after the menopause, this decreases bone density. Lean tissue decreases as fat increases with age; there is also a decline in the percentage of body water meaning that body temperature is more difficult to control. Thirst decline and decreased renal function means that older people can become dehydrated (Copeman 1999). The function of the bowel reduces, meaning that the elderly are more susceptible to indigestion and constipation. The risk of constipation is also increased with Parkinson’s disease (Parkinson’s UK 2011). The final consideration is the deterioration of the sensory system. Taste, smell, vison, pain and touch all decline meaning that food may not be as appealing (Copeman 1999).
Unit 4 P5 Explain the physical and psychological changes which may be associated with ageing.
Aging is an inevitable part of the lifecycle. At some point in their lifespan, every person will experience changes that occur during the process of aging. Many changes that occur, such as loss of muscle tone, decrease in vision, decrease in hearing, and decreased bone mass, can be attributed to the natural processes that occur as you age (Robnett, Bolduc, & Murray, 2015). The progression of these changes, however, can be influenced by many factors in an individual’s life. The effects of aging on an individual are not only dependent upon genetics, but also upon their physical and social environments and their cultural, personal, temporal, and virtual contexts (Brossoie & Chop, 2015).
Analysis of the effect of Age and disease on the body structure and functions: Aging is often associated with the structural and functional changes such as altered sensory and motor continence, appetite, hunger, thirst, diminished pulmonary ventilation, reduced bone density, immobilisation, sensory deprivation, short term memory loss and altered mood. These factors can contribute towards more hospitalisation, immobilisation, less social interaction and more dependency on the health and social care staff, nurses, clinicians and health care providers (American College of Physicians, 2004) M3 Aging is a continuous and gradual process that begins in early childhood, adulthood and middle age where the body functions gradually begin to decline
The humanity of aging is a concept sometimes hard to grasp. Understanding why we are
One might say that it is impossible to define successful aging in one word. This is because there are numerous components to an enhanced quality of life that leads to successful aging. Individuals who age successfully are healthy, energetic people who lead active lives. More specifically, by staying healthy, fit, and engaged with life, these people grow old to contribute to society, which enables them to remain socially involved with other people creating a life filled with utmost satisfaction. Unfortunately, when one nears the age of 30, their physical and mental capabilities begin to decline. However, luckily, this process can be detained. In the book “Successful Aging,”
The main discussion of the article focuses on the topic of whether aging is a
JOURNAL A: Why we age and how we age are questions that have been considered in the development of aging. In Chapter 2, Aging and Physical Changes, understanding the process of aging and how our bodies react in the process. The chapter focuses on one factor of aging – primary aging. Bjorklund (2015) explains primary aging as the changes that occur during the aging process such as the changes in outer appearances, physical and mental functions and the immune system. Regarding the context of change in outer appearances reflects on how well we take care of our bodies.
I’ve noticed that as a 90 year my body is starting to have different needs, so certain
Normal aging is a gradual decline in certain processes (Gladyshev, & Gladyshev, 2016). The decline is not static and can be increased or reduced depending on choices made (Gladyshev, & Gladyshev, 2016). Changes commonly attributed to aging include declines in the five senses, most organ systems, appearance and brain function (Tully, 2016). The five senses include reduction in taste buds, smell, ability to hear high frequency sounds and speech discrimination, reduced ability to see in the dark and a reduction in tactile sensory (Tully, 2016). In the organ systems there is a reduction in the hearts response to work, bone mass, skin turgor, vital capacity in the lungs, renal and colon function (Tully, 2016). Most notable is the age-related changes
A resilience framework for understanding cognitive aging implies a search for factors that buffer against existing risk, enabling one to thrive in what might otherwise be adverse circumstances. The cascade of biological processes associated with senescence and a cultural context that does not take into account this biological imperative each
As individuals age changes occur physiologically that are part of normal aging. These changes occur in all organ systems and can impact an individual’s quality of life. The changes related to aging can be attributed to an individual’s genetic make up, lifestyle, physical activity, and dietary lifestyle. Being able to differentiate between normal changes in aging against disease process is important because it can help clinicians develop a plan of care (Boltz, Capezuti, Fulmer, & Zwicker, 2012). Creating an accurate plan of care for older adults will greatly impact their quality of life.
With aging these impulses may be dulled, and as a result the older does not perceive the need to defecate.
There are many theories when it comes to aging, however, there are still questions as to why people age. There are many questions that have been asking for many years when it comes to aging such as why people age, when does the aging process starts, and how old can one gets (Jin, 2010). Some of aging theories that were discussed in this articles are programmed and damage theories. The Programmed theory explains that aging follows a biological process and development from childhood while the damage theory discussed the assaults the body has to endure during the ageing process. (Jin, 2010). The Programmed theory has three sub theories which are Programmed longevity, Endocrine theory, and Immunological theory. The Programmed longevity theory discussed how genes affect the ageing process, while the endocrine theory stated that ageing is as a result of how hormonal is regulated, and the immunological theory talks about the broken down of the immune system and the impact it has on ageing such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, Alzheimer’s disease, and inflammation (Jin, 2010). On the other
This essay will focus on the internal (Intrinsic) and external (Extrinsic) factors that will have an effect on the aging process. Intrinsic ageing is when it is genetic or chronological ageing and extrinsic is environmental or their lifestyle. There is a range of internal effects including hormones and physiological decline, however, this essay will focus on genetics and ethnicity. The external factors that will be discussed are sun exposure and lifestyle.