Physiological changes take place while aging in all organs in the body. The output of the cardiac slows, blood pressure rises, and the development of arteriosclerosis. During this period, the lungs experience impairment in gas exchange, slower rates in expiratory flow, and reduced vital capacity. A decline in the density of bones and size weakens them and makes them more prone to fracture. Endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility deteriorate, compromising bodily coordination, balance, and stability. The environment supports or hinders interpersonal relationships. Their surroundings can influence behavior among people and their drive to act.
There are three major theories of aging that include continuity theory, activity theory, and disengagement theory. They are all concerned with the psyche’s adaptation to changes linked with aging. The activity hypothesis is one of three primary psychosocial theories that explain how individuals age (Raghupathi&Raghupathi, 2018). The disengagement theory contradicts the activity theory, and the continuity theory modifies the activity theory. Before this study, I thought aging was gloomy and made seniors grumpy. However, I have realized that dissatisfied individuals in their earlier years are likely to be miserable in their older years and that it has no relation to aging.
A list of chronic illnesses
- Arthritis – it is typical to wake up with stiff and aching joints, making it challenging to get out of bed and embark on the day. Cooking and cleaning become increasingly difficult as the condition advances.
- Asthma – asthma decreases lifestyle quality by interfering with everyday tasks and lowering activity levels (Stubbs et al., 2019).
- Diabetes -lack of effective control of diabetes leads to a rise blood sugar levels. High levels of blood sugar can harm multiple organs, including the nerves, eyes, kidneys and heart. It also promotes excessive blood pressure and artery hardening.
- Cancer – most people with cancer require support with basic daily tasks such as walking and transportation.
Three acute illnesses
Preventive measures of Asthma attackare:
- adhering to your asthma plan of action
- getting an influenza vaccination
- avoiding triggers of asthma
- keeping breathing under control
- early detection and treatment of asthma attack
- taking medications as directed.
- paying close attention to boosting the usage of quick-relief inhalers.
Heart attack –strokes and heart attacks can be avoided by eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding using tobacco.
Bronchitis – preventive methods include covering the cough, using a face mask, taking a flu vaccination annually, and limiting exposure to secondhand smoke.
Three accidents
- Car accidents – preventive measures include driving far behind vehicles in front and not driving while intoxicated.
- Fall accidents – preventive strategies include staying active since physical exercise aids in fall prevention, wearing appropriate footwear, eliminating potential dangers in the house, and using an assistive device.
- Medical negligence accidents – preventive methods include voicing any concerns, making sure that somebody is in control of your care, and making all health information available to all healthcare workers engaged in your care.
A rise in physical health issues might increase an older person’s likelihood of depression. Life events like retirement, the loss of a family member, and pressure like financial difficulties may impact an elder’s mental health (Ferrini&Ferrini, 2012). Psychotherapy, medication, and participation in a support group are all options for addressing mental illnesses in the elderly. The repercussions of not treating mental illness are overwhelming. Untreated issues with mental health cause unnecessary impairment, substance misuse, homelessness, and early death.
References
Ferrini, A. &Ferrini, R. (2012).Health in the later years. Brown & Benchmark, Madison, Wisc.
Raghupathi, W. &Raghupathi, V. (2018). An empirical study of chronic diseases in the United States: A visual analytics approach. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.15(3):431.
Stubbs, M., Clark, V., &McDonald, V. (2019).Living well with severe asthma.Breathe (Sheff). 15(2):e40-e49.