ageing

• self-esteem may decline due to being seen as unable to look after themselves/lack independence or seen as old and frail
• self-image may decrease as they may feel that they are no longer a valued member of society or may feel that they are not wanted by their family
• self-esteem may increase as they see themselves as strong as they rise and adapt to new challenges and circumstances
• moving into a care home/sheltered housing / assisted living may give them an opportunity to make friends and take part in new activities which could boost their self-esteem
• 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.
• The brain is capable of producing new brain cells at any age so significant memory loss is not an inevitable result of ageing
• Retirement and lack of physical capabilities may also mean an individual is unable to take part in activities that would enable intellectual stimulation
• 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.
• 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, e.g. play the piano can clearly remember significant life events, e.g. starting school
• Fluid intelligence (short-term memory) may decline can combat this by; joining a book group/playing chess or bridge/writing own life story/doing crosswords, Sudoku or jigsaw puzzles
• positive ways later adulthood may affect a persons social development

  • more time to visit family/friends
  • time to volunteer and spend time in community
  • time for new hobbies and opportunities make new friends
• negative ways which impact later adulthood social development

  • expected to provide childcare
  • failure to adapt
  • relationship problems due to spending too much time together
• professionals that may support later adulthood

  • GP
  • social worker
  • physiotherapist
• Cumming and Henry – Social disengagement theory

  Older people naturally withdraw from social involvement as they get older. Disengagement is a natural part of the ageing process
• Havighurst – Activity theory

  Older people may need to adjust to changes in health/mobility but many people’s needs can be satisfied by taking on new roles following retirement such as charity work or learning a new skill.