Aging: A Chapter Summary

The elderly population is growing rapidly and now makes up greater than thirteen percent of the United States population. (APA, 1994). With such a record growth, there are different aspects to aging that are still being analyzed. Many may think of reaching late life as a rite of passage, but many face this time with a different view. Through the movie "UP', we are granted an opportunity into view the struggles of an elderly widowed man by the name of Mr. Fredrickson and the challenges in which he faces in his later life. The movie, takes one on a journey through his sorrows and his triumphs until he realizes what the true meaning of happiness is.

Suzman, R., Beard, J. R., Boerma, T., & Chatterji, S.Health in an ageing world—what do we know? The Lancet, 385(9967), 484-486. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(14)61597-X

I found the most recent state plan on aging at http://www.dea.ri.gov/documents/RIDEA%20State%20Plan%20on%20Aging%20October%201%202015%20to%20September%2030%202019.pdf. The Older Americans Act requires states to submit this plan every four years and it provides updates on legislation and activities were done over the past time period to support older adults, as well as give updates on what will be worked on in the future. It is sent to the State of Rhode Island to ensure policies are up-to-date and will provide the best care for this population. This is necessary in order for taxpayers to see where their money is going and how the RI DEA is planning to care for the older adult population. Otherwise, without this document, the department

The greater longevity and improved health seen at older ages in many parts of the world represent one of the crowning achievements of the last century, but also present a significant

As we grow older, reflecting on one’s life becomes a natural part of the aging process. This paper is a life review taken from my grandfather, Mr. D.H., who was born in the 1940’s, he is currently 75 years old. He has a birthday coming up soon in November where he will be 76 years old. He currently lives by himself in an apartment in a retirement community designed for older able adults, where this interview took place. Overall for his age, his health is stable only suffering from Type I diabetes and a thyroid condition (didn’t specify), that he was diagnosed with in his late 50s that didn’t allow him to work anymore. Despite his current disorders, he’s still able to do for himself, and continues to smoke cigarettes plus indulge in a beer or two a day.

A growing percentage of elderly people are starting to populate the world. With advances in modern medicine, the life expectancy has risen from

There are many factors that contribute to the vast differences in physical function in the aging adult. One of these factors is related to immunity. As we age our immunity progressively declines putting us at a high risk for disease and illness. While the decline is gradual it has the snowball effect. The elderly population is much more likely to be affected by these diseases and illnesses (Health, 2011). Disease is believed to accelerate aging biologically speaking (Spirduso, 2004).

McCance, K. L., & Huether, S. E. (2010). Pathophysiology: The biologic basis for disease in

The resultant impact is that the body’s natural aptitude to heal and renovate itself is enhanced. Cell therapy also has the talent to thwart skin disorders via this characteristic healing mechanism. Skin would once again return to its youthful radiance. It is a fact of life that as we mature, our skin loses its elasticity and vivacity. We lose our young-looking radiance and our air of freshness and potency. Many of us try countless treatments and invasive techniques to try and turn back clock of ageing, only to face imperfect or no success. Science does not yet comprehend the convolution of the aging process until now. Since the mechanisms of aging are cellular and molecular in nature, naturally the most credible solution for anti-aging has to have a straight impact on these cellular mechanisms. When we are young, our cells naturally and repeatedly replace themselves with fresh, new cells. This continual renewal of cells keeps our skin smooth and wrinkle-free. We feel youthful and have never-ending energy. However, as we grow older, this renewal procedure wavers and our cells are poorly replaced. This degenerative process leads to the new, vigorous cells of our youth being swapped with damaged and under-functioning

In today’s world, the older generations are living longer than ever before. Prior to recent times, seniors were not expected to reach their 70’s or beyond. Now, the 85+-year-old age cohort is becoming the fastest growing cohort in the United States (Transgenerational). Therefore, it is essential for the government, researchers, as well as the individuals in the growing age cohort, to fight the negative stigmas of growing older, as well as preserve their health in order to lead happy and healthy lives.

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

This research was revolved around R. C. Peck’s Theory of Aging. Peck invented a theory about how elders can age successfully. He states that they must adjust psychologically in 3 distinct different ways: Self-differentiation, Body transcendence, and Self-transcendence. Self-differentiation is when people retire from work or when children leave home for good, they must figure out whether or not they still have value in our society. They may ask questions like “If I’m not doing my usual role, how am I contributing to the world?” or “What is worthwhile about me now?” People need to get used to this by coming up with ways they can still have their self-esteem now that they are not fulfilling their usual roles. Body transcendence is when people age, they develop chronic and serious health problems, their bodies cannot move like they used to and their physical appearance becomes worse, which is not always the case if you take care of yourself. The majority of elderly may become disabled. People need to adjust by figuring out how to be happy in life in spite of their physical disabilities and health issues. Self-transcendence describes the stage of approaching death in which people need to focus on how they can help other people, especially their families and friends who will still remain after their departure. People need to adjust by coming up with how to help their loved ones and leave a good legacy. This is not about them adjusting to their approaching death, but much rather

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.

First I will talk about the physical changes in early adulthood. Developmentalists look at adult physical functioning and begin to ask questions about loss or decline of function. There are two types of aging primary aging and social aging. Primary aging is age related physical changes that have biological basis. Social aging is age related changes due to environmental influences, poor health, habits or disease.

Humanity has come a long way as we evolve and adapt to the changing environment. Through the years, we have managed to overcome several limitations, which in the past were nothing more than dreams. We succeeded in landing on the moon and communicating over long distance, yet there are still some boundaries we have yet to cross despite our best effort. Aging is an inevitable process of nature. While we cannot stop the ticking clock in our body, we have made it possible for aging to be delayed and relieved to a great extent through advance technology and modern governance. High-tech equipments and medications are available for the treatments of more illnesses as our understanding of medicine improves and governments nowadays are doing