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Effects of Aging |
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The effects of aging start becoming apparent as the individual reach the age of 65. The aging process results in aging difficulties both physical and psychological. Hearing impairment in 48 % men and 37 % women over age 75 have been recorded. Problems with reading speed, seeing in dim light and reading small print are other major issues related to aging. Also, slow response time to changes in surroundings can also be seen. 9 % between ages 65 and 69 need personal assistance and 50 % of older Americans over 85 need assistance with everyday activities. Top five causes of death are heart disease, cancer, cerebro vascular disease, pneumonia and flu, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Two-thirds of older adults in community living report healthy again and mention their health to be good, very good, or excellent as compared with others their age. While there are problems in aging, healthy aging is reported in cases like depression where older people tend to do much better than any other age groups.
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The effects of aging results in psychological problems such as dementia and people with dementia often suffer from depression, anxiety, and paranoia. 6 % experience generalized anxiety disorder, in which a person experiences dread, apprehension, and tension for a period of at least 6 months. The highest suicide rate of any age group is in older adults, primarily older Caucasian men who live alone. Sexual dysfunction increases with age and so do sleep problems. 10 to 15 % exhibit hypochondriasis. Alcohol abuse and substance dependence in over 65 is 2 - 5 % percent for men and 1 % percent for women. Drug abuse in older adults is in prescription medication abuse as too many of such medicines are prescribed to them.
Behavior disorders in people over age 65 are in form of motor overactivity (wandering), physical aggression, disruptive verbal outbursts. Common causes of behavioral disorders are also from facts of aging such as dementia, depression, delirium and psychosis. Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive disease that leave some unable to form new memories and is marked by the loss of other mental functions. Effects of aging, one of the primary symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease is the inability to recall newly learned information, such as a change of address, and disorientation. The onset of Alzheimer's is often gradual, occurring over a period of 8 to 20 years. At first, victims suffer memory loss and often get lost, even in their own homes. Eventually, they may fail to recognize other people, including family; show childish emotions; and lose the ability to dress and clean themselves.
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