aging

• The degeneration of the nervous tissue leading to decreased sensation/balance
• Skin loses elasticity due to reduction in collagen which leads to wrinkles
• Hearing/vision declines leading to difficulties with reading and communication
• Changes in heart components leading to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease – age can increase the risks of cardiovascular disease.
• Self-esteem and confidence may increase with older age as they feel their life is more settled and they may have achieved many of their life goals
• On the other hand, older age can mean a loss of confidence as the physical effects of aging make daily tasks impossible or difficult.
• As we get old the normal brain ageing results in an average decline in some cognitive functions (speed of thinking, working memory)
• later adulthood may bring new opportunities for intellectual development. They may be able to adopt new hobbies e.g. golf or reading leading to improved intellectual capacity
• Crystalised intelligence (long-term memory)=some mental abilities are largely unaffected by normal ageing ability to do the things always done and continue to do often
• Fluid intelligence (short-term memory) may decline can combat this by; joining a book group, playing a musical instrument
• It is important that older people feel supported and included in wider society.
• Some illnesses such as dementia have an impact on cognitive abilities. This will affect all areas of a person’s intellectual ability including memory, use of language, reasoning etc.
• self-esteem may decline due to being seen as unable to look after themselves /lack independence or seen as old and frail.
• Moving into a care home/sheltered housing/assisted living may give them an opportunity to make new friends and take part in new activities
• Poor lifestyle choices, such as being overweight/obese, smoking and lack of exercise, increases the risks of cardiovascular disease and its effects in older age.
• Ageing affects physical appearance - wrinkles, grey hair, loss of muscle tone, decreased bone density, reduced skin elasticity, increased risk of developing cataracts.