Chapter
Aspects of Aging
If someone tells you a condition is "just old age," be cautious. –Author
Introduction
Aging occurs when cells in the body undergo change. There are different theories to explain these changes. Some theories suggest a built in genetic code process linked to aging. Others claim that aging happens when damage occurs during everyday life, and the body has to struggle against earth’s gravity. Gravity has a direct impact on the spine, organs, flexibility, circulation, and other aspects of the body. It is easy to understand how both genetics and the environment can come into play on aspects of aging. NASA and the National Institute on Aging came together to support research aboard the International Space Station. This type of research may advance medical care and quality of life for all humans. To learn more visit the NASA website. During the aging process, change occurs in the sense organs; and the rate of that change is different for each person. Taste bud numbers decrease, visual acuity lessens, skin can become less or more sensitive, hearing is not as keen, and information is not processed as rapidly in the brain. Awareness of these biological issues can lead to a better understanding of health problems and how to manage them. Caregivers and the elderly alike need to recognize signs and symptoms of normal aging. Failure to do so can generate exaggerated fears of natural changes. Lack of knowledge can result in a missed diagnosis of a medical problem. This can happen when a treatable medical problem is erroneously attributed to aging and goes untreated. You may find it helpful to keep notes of changes that occur with yourself and the person for whom you provide care. …show more content…
Did the change happen after taking medication or forgetting to take medication, eating specific foods, or drinking alcohol? How is your health being impacted by caregiving? How often are you getting respite time? Sharing your notes and answers to such questions will be helpful when speaking with medical professionals and other caregivers.
If someone tells you a condition is "just old age," be cautious. Do not accept that explanation without further investigation. The current thinking among today 's gerontological professionals is that it is rare that any medical problem should be ignored or disregarded based on just aging. If what you are hearing makes you uncomfortable, it is advisable to seek a second opinion. The following information is summarized from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. To learn more visit Medline Plus website.
Eyesight and Hearing: How Do They Change with Age?
As we age, our eyesight needs correction due to changes in the pupil, cornea, lens, and iris. Cataracts cause clouding of vision. Color perception lessens. Lenses of the eyes lose elasticity, which makes focusing more difficult. Other age related changes in eyesight are:
1. Seeing objects near to the eye
2. Glare increases 3. Depth perception when driving at night 4. Color perception decreases 5. Need more light to see 6. Ability to see clearly decreases As a person ages, the eyes produce less tears leading to dry eyes. Left untreated, infection and inflammation can harm the cornea. Common eye disorders include cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and hypertensive retinopathy. Annual eye exams can be a real preventive measure. Hearing Nerve and bone changes occur, making hearing more difficult. Hearing problems
Aspects of Aging
If someone tells you a condition is "just old age," be cautious. –Author
Introduction
Aging occurs when cells in the body undergo change. There are different theories to explain these changes. Some theories suggest a built in genetic code process linked to aging. Others claim that aging happens when damage occurs during everyday life, and the body has to struggle against earth’s gravity. Gravity has a direct impact on the spine, organs, flexibility, circulation, and other aspects of the body. It is easy to understand how both genetics and the environment can come into play on aspects of aging. NASA and the National Institute on Aging came together to support research aboard the International Space Station. This type of research may advance medical care and quality of life for all humans. To learn more visit the NASA website. During the aging process, change occurs in the sense organs; and the rate of that change is different for each person. Taste bud numbers decrease, visual acuity lessens, skin can become less or more sensitive, hearing is not as keen, and information is not processed as rapidly in the brain. Awareness of these biological issues can lead to a better understanding of health problems and how to manage them. Caregivers and the elderly alike need to recognize signs and symptoms of normal aging. Failure to do so can generate exaggerated fears of natural changes. Lack of knowledge can result in a missed diagnosis of a medical problem. This can happen when a treatable medical problem is erroneously attributed to aging and goes untreated. You may find it helpful to keep notes of changes that occur with yourself and the person for whom you provide care. …show more content…
Did the change happen after taking medication or forgetting to take medication, eating specific foods, or drinking alcohol? How is your health being impacted by caregiving? How often are you getting respite time? Sharing your notes and answers to such questions will be helpful when speaking with medical professionals and other caregivers.
If someone tells you a condition is "just old age," be cautious. Do not accept that explanation without further investigation. The current thinking among today 's gerontological professionals is that it is rare that any medical problem should be ignored or disregarded based on just aging. If what you are hearing makes you uncomfortable, it is advisable to seek a second opinion. The following information is summarized from the U.S. National Library of Medicine. To learn more visit Medline Plus website.
Eyesight and Hearing: How Do They Change with Age?
As we age, our eyesight needs correction due to changes in the pupil, cornea, lens, and iris. Cataracts cause clouding of vision. Color perception lessens. Lenses of the eyes lose elasticity, which makes focusing more difficult. Other age related changes in eyesight are:
1. Seeing objects near to the eye
2. Glare increases 3. Depth perception when driving at night 4. Color perception decreases 5. Need more light to see 6. Ability to see clearly decreases As a person ages, the eyes produce less tears leading to dry eyes. Left untreated, infection and inflammation can harm the cornea. Common eye disorders include cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and hypertensive retinopathy. Annual eye exams can be a real preventive measure. Hearing Nerve and bone changes occur, making hearing more difficult. Hearing problems