Optimal Aging in Late Adulthood



Optimal Aging in Late Adulthood

Introduction

Human aging, as well as the aging of other organisms, is a biological process of gradual degradation of the parts and systems of a body. While the physiology of the aging process is similar to other mammalian aging, some aspects of the process, for example, the loss of mental abilities, are more important for a person. In addition, considerable importance attaches to the psychological, social and economic effects. For human aging has always had a peculiar meaning. For centuries, philosophers have discussed the causes of aging, alchemists searched for the elixir of youth, and the aging of many religions gave sacred significance. Today, the success of medicine and improvement in the living standards has greatly increased life expectancy (although changing the maximum life span insignificant). In the large majority of countries, this process has led to an aging population, where, with increasing numbers of elderly people who have different needs than the normal population in recent years, a number of social and economic issues associated with aging have surfaced. The study of the aging process is gerontology science, which not only deals with the physiological changes, but also the socio-psychological and economical aspects of an elderly in a society. The purpose of gerontology research is to overcome the possible disadvantages associated with aging (AARP Public Policy Institute, 2005).

Discussion

Physiology of Aging

The physiological changes that occur in the body with age are predominantly expressed in the reduction of the biological functions and the ability to adapt to metabolic stress. These physiological changes are usually accompanied by psychological and behavioral changes. Actually biological aspects of aging include not only changes due to aging, but also the deterioration of general health. People in later life are characterized by greater vulnerability to diseases, many of which are associated with a decrease in the effectiveness of the immune system in the elderly. The so-called old-age diseases are a combination of the symptoms of aging and the diseases against which the body is no longer able to fight. For example, a young person can quickly recover from pneumonia while for older people it can easily become fatal (Park Nicollet Institute, 2004). The effectiveness of various organs (heart, kidneys, brain, lungs) reduces. This decrease is caused because of loss of the cells of these organs which reduces the possibility of recovery in the event of an ...