aging with dignity, senior healthcare

Normal Aging

For a long time, people have been intrigued with the causes of aging and how it might be postponed. Most recent theories include a gradual decline in the immune system so that a person becomes more susceptible to opportunistic infections. The error theory suggests that aging is related to a change in the DNA emitted from the cell nucleus so that cell mutations occur. Alternatively, aging of cells, tissue or organs may be influenced by environmental stresses which cause wear, tear and eventual failure. Other theorists claim that aging is hereditary. Whatever the reason for the aging process, the normal physiological, psychological and psychosocial changes that occur presents complex challenges for this population.

The effect of aging on specific organs or tissues is universal and may be adversely affected by increased stressors such as bereavement, surgery or an acute illness or disease exacerbation. A gradual decline in the senses creates further challenges and may impact functional ability and independence. Sensory deficit along with a normal decline in the ability to focus and achieve mental clarity, may easily be confused with a cognitive impairment such as dementia. Although common in people over the age of 85, dementia is not a normal part of aging.

Overall, aging can be described as gradual stiffening and loss. Stiffening of tissues appears as sagging, wrinkled skin and hardening of blood vessels. There is a decrease in bone density, muscle mass, immune, pulmonary and renal function. Muscles take longer to respond to stimulus and there is a slowing in reflex time. A loss in the subcutaneous tissue in the soles of the feet make regular foot care extremely important as the feeling of walking on popcorn impacts gait, activity and balance. Limited physical and mental activity contributes to a physical and mental de conditioning. Later life depression may be related to changes in the brain’s anatomy and the link between nero-endocrine systems. A predisposition to later life depression will quickly lead to despair if an older person is unable to overcome the challenges associated with normal aging. Often, an older person is reluctant to seek appropriate help simply because of the belief that nothing can be done or that these things happen to everyone.

Common disorders of aging include skin lesions, itching and excessive skin dryness, arthritis, high blood pressure or sudden drops in blood pressure causing dizziness or a loss of consciousness. Vascular disease can be coronary, peripheral of cerebral with accompanying symptoms. Urinary incontinence or constipation are NOT a normal part of aging but may be related to other underlying factors, such as a lack of physical activity or a reduced bladder capacity. Changes in the senses include a degeneration of the small bones in the middle ear, a loss of corneal sensitivity, a decrease in the ability to adapt to light and dark.

Other hazards of aging include an inability to regulate the body’s heat, loss of balance and an increased risk of falling, venous or pulmonary thrombosis, a decreased tolerance to either a low oxygen level or one high in carbon dioxide. In addition, a decreased capacity to adapt to unfamiliar environments or multiple stimuli and other challenges associated with decreasing mobility may play a part in the social isolation and poor cognitive performance associated with the elderly. Any of these disorders contribute to a loss of function and control which contributes to late life depression.

Recent developments in the science of aging have dispelled many of the myths previously associated with older individuals. These include the expectations that older people are all alike, cannot learn, have to live in a facility, and should decrease their activity. The process of aging is individual. Many of the symptoms associated with aging can be effectively managed and so that people continue to lead healthy and productive lives. Successful aging can be described as a continued zest for life as indicated by continued involvement in physical and social activities. More and more individuals meet these criteria, are free of chronic illness, and manage to adapt to the changes and challenges of the older body.

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