Issues Affecting the Elderly
Issues Affecting the Elderly BSHS/342 University of Phoenix November 6, 2008
As we grow in to adulthood, there are many things that start to change in our life and like the physical characteristics, mental capability, along with other things. The aging process does not proceed at a uniform rate all over the body. As we age, the various functions and physiological reactions of our body gradually slow down. These changes are not apparent until perhaps 50 years of age as they are not perceptible. We will not all age at the same rate, but the aging process is impossible to escape even though it may be postponed. Some changes can be forestalled by frequent medical checkups to make these years more comfortable and satisfying. This paper will discuss the biological changes, decline in memory, language processing, problem solving abilities, methods of coping with death and the grieving process of the elderly.
Biological Changes: As we grow into later adulthood, we do not pay enough attention to our diet, nor do we pay enough attention to our health. When this happens people start to become malnourished. We tend to eat the wrong foods which in turn we will suffer from deficiency in our diet. The teeth in an older person may be defective and they may resort to eating softer foods and the digestion will become impaired as the body will be deficient in minerals and vitamins. Diets high in calcium promote better digestion; better vitality and better growth thus delaying the onset of old age. People tend to exercise less as they age and their metabolism becomes slower. Proper weight control is very necessary for a person as they start to age. Rest is as important as proper nutrition and exercise even at frequent intervals. Tobacco and alcohol ingested can interfere with the health of a person as they age. A cheerful attitude in life helps to keep the body healthy especially the heart and blood vessels (D. Starnes, 2002). Decline in
As we grow in to adulthood, there are many things that start to change in our life and like the physical characteristics, mental capability, along with other things. The aging process does not proceed at a uniform rate all over the body. As we age, the various functions and physiological reactions of our body gradually slow down. These changes are not apparent until perhaps 50 years of age as they are not perceptible. We will not all age at the same rate, but the aging process is impossible to escape even though it may be postponed. Some changes can be forestalled by frequent medical checkups to make these years more comfortable and satisfying. This paper will discuss the biological changes, decline in memory, language processing, problem solving abilities, methods of coping with death and the grieving process of the elderly.
Biological Changes: As we grow into later adulthood, we do not pay enough attention to our diet, nor do we pay enough attention to our health. When this happens people start to become malnourished. We tend to eat the wrong foods which in turn we will suffer from deficiency in our diet. The teeth in an older person may be defective and they may resort to eating softer foods and the digestion will become impaired as the body will be deficient in minerals and vitamins. Diets high in calcium promote better digestion; better vitality and better growth thus delaying the onset of old age. People tend to exercise less as they age and their metabolism becomes slower. Proper weight control is very necessary for a person as they start to age. Rest is as important as proper nutrition and exercise even at frequent intervals. Tobacco and alcohol ingested can interfere with the health of a person as they age. A cheerful attitude in life helps to keep the body healthy especially the heart and blood vessels (D. Starnes, 2002). Decline in
References: Eldercare On-Line Understanding Geriatric Depression (2008). SeniorResouce.com. Retrieved November 6, 2008, from http://www.econline.net/Knowledge/SB/SBdepressionoverview.html Berk, L. E. (2004). Development through the lifespan (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon.