Aging and the Aged Health Article

The aging process

It used to be thought that as people aged, their bodies became "worn out" over time and then they died. As the body deteriorates, a person may experience signs of aging, resulting in the need for dentures or the presence of a chronic disease. Although methods of prolonging life are well-known, opinions vary about why people age.

A range of factors is thought to contribute to aging, either alone or in combination. For example, a healthy person whose parents led long lives could expect to live many years. The probability of a long life would be increased if the population receives adequate health care, and modifies unhealthy lifestyle behaviors.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE AGING PROCESS. Factors that affect the aging process include:

• Heredity. A person whose parents and grandparents lived to an advanced age could expect to live longer. On the other hand, a person could inherit the susceptibility to a disease that shortens life. In addition, stress affects health, and the ability to cope with stress is also believed to be inherited.
• Senescence. Theories about aging focus on the reason cells stop dividing and age. Some scientists believe that cells begin to age when a person is fully grown. Others theorize that excess DNA accumulates and obstructs cell activity. Another theory is based on the effect of chemical compounds called free radicals on the system. The compounds located in the body and the environment can accelerate conditions such as heart attacks and diabetes.
• Physiology. The collective functioning of the body's components affects how long a person lives.
• Biology. Traditionally, women live longer than men. Scientists believe this is due to the female sex hormones.
• Lifestyle. The choices a person makes when younger can affect health later in life. A person who smoked cigarettes, took drugs, did not eat nutritionally, or failed to get enough exercise or sleep may suffer poor health years later. For example, smoking is attributed to numerous conditions ranging from cancer to gum diseases.
• Psychological factors. Feelings of self-confidence are linked to a longer life. Conversely, low self-esteem and negative attitudes about being old may impair health. This can lead to feelings of depression and loneliness.

PHYSICAL SIGNS OF AGING. How a person ages varies, however, the aging process includes some general characteristics such as:

• Lowering of the basal metabolism (the rate of energy production in the body cells). People may tire more easily and be more sensitive to changes in the weather.
• Reduction of strength, endurance, and ability.
• Change in eyesight. People who wear glasses may experience presbyopia, a form of farsightedness. Bifocals or reading glasses allow the person to read print that appears too small. Other aging people who never needed corrective lenses may need to wear eyeglasses. Some older people may be diagnosed with eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.
• Change in hearing. Generally, older people have more difficulty hearing high tones but can hear low tones. A hearing aid may be prescribed.
• Dental changes. Gums may recede, and this can lead to tooth decay. Lack of proper oral hygiene earlier in life may result in the removal of all or some of the natural teeth. Dentures may be required.
• Osteoporosis (a condition characterized by reduced bone density and brittle bones). This condition, more common in women, can lead to bone fractures.
• Muscle strength and body tone may diminish.
• Organ function may slow down.
• As skin ages, cells hold less water, and there is less fat tissue. Skin becomes dry and wrinkled.
• Hair loses its pigment (color) and turns white or gray.
• Sexual desire and ability may decrease. Drugs such as Viagra allow men to perform, and products such as lubricants can help women.
• Reproduction. Aging men can still father children. After menopause, women are usually unable to bear children.
• The senses of taste, touch, and smell may diminish over time.

MENTAL SIGNS OF AGING. Generally, age has little effect on the mind. While it is true that older people do not learn as quickly, once something is learned, the information is retained more accurately. However, the brain like the body, must be exercised. That exercise can take the form of learning something new. However, most adults, not just the aging, may experience anxiety about returning to classes. People who teach adults effectively make their students feel welcome. They also realize that adults remember more of what is relevant to them.

As people advance in age, they may experience memory loss. This is frequently treatable. In addition, a stimulated mind is thought to help avoid the memory loss that has been associated with aging. Emotional health can affect physical health, with conditions such stress, loneliness, and depression leading to illness in people of all ages.

DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE. One-third or more people age 85 and older have moderate or severe memory impairment. Memory loss can be a symptom of Alzheimer's disease, a progressive condition that is not reversible. Before more was known about Alzheimer's, the disease was thought to be a natural symptom of aging. It is still not easy to diagnose and can be mistaken for dementia. Although many of those diagnosed with Alzheimer's are older than 65, the disease also affects people in their 40s and 50s. There was no known cure as of the spring of 2001.

AGE-RELATED HEALTH CONDITIONS. Advanced age doesn't cause disease in itself, but the possibility that some chronic conditions will develop increases as a person ages. These conditions include arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders that could affect mobility.

However, the prevalence of arthritis and other chronic diseases like hypertension, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and stroke varies by ethnicity in the United States. Furthermore, an ongoing healthy lifestyle can help prevent illness and disease later in life. For an older adult, that lifestyle should include exercise, a proper diet to avoid malnutrition, and vaccinations such as flu shots.