Literature Review Reflection

The main definition of “aging successful” is said to be, “successful gaining includes three main components: low probability of disease and disease-related disability, high cognitive and physical functional capacity, and active engagement with life” (Rowe & Kahn, 433). The first component of low probability of disease-related disability does not only refer to the physical disease itself being present in the persons body, but also the severity of the risk of the factors of such disease(s). High cognitive and physical functional capacity depicts what the individual can do and not just what they do. Finally active engagement with life deals with how the individual interacts with others (interpersonal relations) and creating societal value without any return (productive activity) (Rowe & Kahn, 433). We are going to look into the lives of Roger Gentilehomme and Earl Blassingame and analyze if they are considered to be “aging well” based on variety of articles as well as personal opinion.

As a person ages, theirs body cannot perform the way it used to. This will cause many elderly people to loose their job or choose to go into retirement. Both of these options cause a loss in health care as well and a reduced or exterminated income. Here alone lies a reason that the elderly population is challenged. The elderly population also has a tendency to develop a chronic illness that can be life threatening if not treated or controlled properly. This means that need for health care treatments also increases. At least 40% of those over age 65 will have nutrition-related health problems requiring treatment or management (Gigante, 2012). It is important to realize that 10% of people over the age of 65 and will develop Alzheimer’s disease and 50% of those over the age of 85 will develop this disease (Gigante, 2012). More elderly African American men and women use government aid than white men and women. Therefore, this population will be vulnerable because of the lack of funding, proper health care and insurance.

Discuss the implications for aging individuals and aging societies of (1) increasing life expectancy, and (2) increasing numbers of older persons living with chronic conditions such as diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

With the advances in medical care, better health practices, improved nutrition, and other factors help people live longer. As long as older adults are following the correct measures, they can help counter the effects of aging because this stage here most people retire, they need to stay active and keep eating healthy foods. By not living actively can lead to his or her body shutting down, and may also lead to an early death. Many programs are available that older adults can join to

For example, the Alzheimer’s disease, which is expected to triple by 2050, from 5 million to potentially 14 million. The increase of health issues of the aged is a major problem that the United States needs to prioritize as the health issues lead towards many elderly struggling to be properly cared for. The health of the elderly is important as unhealthiness causes burdens on the active citizens of the United States as they must then focus on the care of the elderly, the risks for increased poverty as illnesses can lead to the inability to provide or obtain proper care for oneself, the overall happiness of the nation, and even possibly the spread of disease as elderly and sick common weak immune systems make fertile bodies for inhabitation of diseases and illnesses that are more likely to spread with the increased availability of weak immune bodies. These stated health issues that are prominent in the elderly are just a few problems that accompany old age that can also very likely result in negative effects on the United States healthcare spending as a

1. David Sinclair had valid points in his presentation. It is a fact, that aging is the root cause of many chronic diseases. David’s research indicates that keeping all the body parts working together especially the brain is the key to longevity. David’s presentation was revealing and eye opening. I agree aging is an illness that deserves to be treated, however there is much controversy concerning this subject. Many people believe aging is not a disease so scientists should not engage in researching this subject. Is it morally acceptable or should we uphold the natural human lifecycle? Slowing down aging can improve the quality of life; people may be healthier, more active, and can lead a fuller life. Preserving health and extending life

Being that this is only my second semester in college, I can rest assure that high school and college are two completely different scenarios. College possesses a whole new level of independence and for some, like myself, it takes a whole school year of getting used to. Not only does college course work differ from high school, but online college courses are a whole new ball game. While wanting to work as well as go to school, I felt as though the flexibility and convenience of online school was just my cup of tea. Well, I sure did receive a nice whiff of the morning coffee instead! Throughout this course, I’ve noticed that I have made rather poor choices that hindered my full potential in the long run such as poor planning and procrastination which are like oil and water. The two don’t mix!

The beginning of the 21st century has been the most remarkable time in the history of human life with respect to life expectancy. Individuals on a planetary scale are living longer than was previously envisaged. More than 36 million people in some of the world’s largest economies, along with a number of European countries, are above the age of 60. Better living conditions, improved health standards and proper medical care are key determinants of longevity of life. Individuals who are 40 years old can prepare to age well if they understand certain aspects that can aid them to age gracefully. Ageing well is dependent on the extent to which individuals are able to remain conscious of the social, psychological, and physical challenges of the aged.

Lifestyle interventions are first line of treatment for healthy aging. It has been evident that lifestyle related interventions (e.g. on cognitive training, physical activity, social engagement, and nutrition) show positive results in optimizing healthy aging and reduce cognitive decline1. Research has shown that education, leisure pursuits, intellectual engagement, and expertise are associated with successfully maintenance of cognitive abilities2. Various evidence programs among elderly proved successful in reducing various disorders such as arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, falls prevention3. Various studies have shown that gratitude towards God proved effective in reducing stress, improving both physical and

As I leave this class, there are many tools for success I will take with me. Academic writing has always been a challenge for me. I am more of a storyteller and would prefer to create some kind of story than write with the intention of submitting it to a teacher. Tools for success such as looking at writing styles, applying rhetorical strategies such as kairos, pathos, ethos and logos, peer review, adding evidence for credibility and writing to call on a specific audience are all skills I’ve learned and exercised within this class to greatly improve my writing. In my blog I wrote that “peer review is one of my favorite parts of this Writing 100 class” and that still reigns true as class concludes. Peer review was not a regular exercise done

Today, with the aging population and lack of funds, society is looking for ways to keep elderly persons healthy and productive into there eighties, if not longer. The Duke study on Aging aimed to identify predictors of longevity. A follow-up study was done in 1981. When the data was analyzed they found that there were a variety of predictors of longevity like; physical function, non-smoking, alcohol and tobacco abuse to life satisfaction and health. This research has influenced the use of physical interventions like decreased smoking, drinking and increased exercise, which helps improve the health of older people. The methodology was clearly identified. The researchers used the observational research method and the participants went through a series of physical, social and laboratory tests. The study was initiated between 1955 and 1959 and followed 270 volunteers from

The article also ends on an optimistic note by suggesting that one day there may be a cure or solution to this problem. This allows the reader to continue thinking about ways to fix this ageing problem long after reading the article because it is a thought provoking statement.

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

In Forty-five years, the activity theory, filial responsibility, wisdom, and retirement will play a major role in the success of my aging process. These factors contribute to my central source of meaning which is healthy aging. Furthermore, improving various areas of my life as well as maintaining many aspects of my current personality is key to prolonging my status as an active person in society. Consequently, my plans require goal setting and reflections pertaining to my daily habits.

Out of the many informative chapters in Paul Irving’s book, The Upside of Aging: How Long Life Is Changing the World of Health, Work, Innovation, Policy and Purpose, I choose to write my summary on chapter 3: The Bold new world of healthy aging. In this chapter Irving speaks of his experiences in working to “unlock the secrets to a long life” (Irving, 2014). Living a longer life is beneficial in all aspects of aging. Especially, in redefining the negative stereotypes of aging. Over time we begin to direct more attention to our healthy habits throughout our daily lives. Because of this the life expectancy has increased. Scientific studies only help to prove that life expectancy has and will continue to increase. However, the same studies also go to show that, through higher life expectancy comes many more issues such as population, competition, and quality of life.