...In this world today it seems to be very hard to see old age as a positive transition. People these days see old age as the depressing side of life, the down word spiral, and the end of days of their life. These statements and beliefs are completely false. With the constrictions that society places on the elderly, such as forced retirement, they still strive to have positive and fulfilling lives as they grow old. The way people adapt to these challenges is crucial to the quality of life experienced. As people grow older each individual is faced with different situations, circumstances and difficulties. As a society how do we help older people adapt and have a successful ageing life and process? The ageing process and adjusting to change isn’t always simple. Chronic and debilitating medical disorders, loss of friends and loved ones, the inability to take part in activities that once had incredible meaning can all take a toll on an older person’s mental and emotional state. The loss of control over one’s life often causes negative emotions such as anxiety, loneliness, and sadness and lowered self-esteem, which can lead to depression (Better health channel 2015). The process of aging begins at birth and continues throughout life. Change is an inevitable part of the aging process. Sensation is the physical and mental process that allows us to receive information from our surrounding environment through the ears, skin, tongue, nostrils, eyes and other specialized sense organs...
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...Using Item B and elsewhere, assess the view that an ageing population creates problems for society There are many different problems that an ageing population creates for society. There are many reasons why there is an increase in the ageing population, as Item B states “In common with many western societies, the United Kingdom has an ageing population. Rising life expectancy and a relatively low birth rate have meant that the average age of the population is rising”. Also the decline in fertility has led to an increased amount of people who are over the age of 65 and this poses many different issues within society. First of all, older people consume a larger proportion of public services. For example, they require more health and social care than other age groups. This is truer when it involves the old old’. The old old’ are usually seen as the 75 years old and older as many people see them as needing more medical and care attention. However, some people will argue with this as many people of ‘old’ age still seem to be in relatively good health. It is not just health services that the elderly generation needs more of, in addition to this, the ageing population may require changes to policies, provision of housing, transport and many other services. The number of pensioners also living alone, had led to an increase in one-person pensioner households (they now account for 14% of households). Most of them are female. This is because females generally live longer than males and...
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...The Ageing Process “How Our Bodies and Minds Change” Aging is a process that concerns us all. The increasing armamentarium provided by molecular biology and other techniques has allowed greater understanding of some of the processes involved. Numerous definitions of aging exist; an acceptable and commonly used definition is that aging is the total of all changes an organism undergoes from its conception to its death, including development, maturation and adulthood. There are many theories about how our bodies and minds change as we age, but no matter how much research or theories have been formed, one thing remains true is that our bodies and minds does, and will, change with age and one thing can be agree upon is that the end results in all these studies is that the body and minds does go through many changes during our life time. Since the life span varies between and within species and human longevity is partially hereditary, it is clear that genetic factors, the biology of the brain, and our culture effect the function of the brain and influence the aging process ( Johnson 1993, Schacter et al. 1993, Vijg et al. 1995). Twin studies show that genetic differences account for about a quarter of the variance in adult human lifespan. While a great deal of research has focused on diseases of aging, there are only a few informative studies on the molecular biology of the aging brain. Many molecular changes are due in part to a reduction in the size of the brain, as well as loss...
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...Unit 4: development through life stages Task 1 P4: Explain two theories of ageing Social Disengagement Theory The social disengagement theory is a theory that was discovered in 1961 by William Henry and Elaine Cumming and it claims the beliefs that as people get older and become more fragile (elderly), they would naturally tend to withdraw themselves from social involvement, being less active and restricting themselves from interacting with others. http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-the-disengagement-theory.htm (Pearson education limited, 2010, pg170). However this is not the case for all ageing individuals as reasons for their disengagement may not be the result of the theory. For example, ill health of an individual may be the reason they become less sociable as it may prevent/restrict them from doing things and interacting with people how they would’ve before. In the case study we learn of Martha and Catherine, two elderly individuals of 80 who out of choice live in sheltered housing due to physical disabilities and as looking after their own home is too stressful, who have taken to the theory in different ways. The social disengagement theory hasn’t yet affected Martha fully or her look on life as she enjoys interacting with others in the home she lives – ‘there are always people to talk to and sometimes we get together to play cards’. Martha says ‘I like to get out and walk in the park as much as possible in order to stay fit’, while however she said she ‘couldn’t cope...
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...M2. Discuss two major theories of ageing in relation to the development of the individual In this assignment I will explaining the two major theories of ageing which are disengagement activity theory according to my chosen celebrity and discuss if she might have any changes as she gets older Disengagement is the theory where the elderly naturally withdraw from all social engagement with others they saw their restraint possibilities. My chosen celebrity is Marilyn Monroe and probably remain socially active for a long time since her career is acting and she will not stop performing until she reaches retirement, so it would still be active and not withdraw from the social activity, however Monroe did not live past the age of 33 and this could not have been certain. She could have stop at any point her career and become a person withdraw from social life. Marilyn Monroe being in an acting career would stay socially active for a long while. As Monroe would be acting she would not have stopped until departure, this would mean Monroe would still be active and less withdrawn from society, however because Monroe did not live past the age of 33 this could not have been certain. Monroe may have stopped her career and became socially withdrawn faster than what was prophesied. Activity theory is a major theory that demonstrates that the elderly need to disengage but at the same time they should remain active to prevent the disengagement of going too far or become uncontrollable. Otherwise...
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...P4- Explain two theories of ageing. M2- Discuss two major theories of ageing in relation to the development of an individual. D2- Evaluate the influence of two major theories of ageing on health and social care provision. In this assignment I will be talking about two different theories of ageing. The two different theories of ageing I will be talking about are, disengagement theory and the activity theory. I will also be talking about the impact that one of these theories have had on my individual, (Muhammad Ali). Also I will be talking about the different services that are available to help overcome these theories. P4: Explain two theories of ageing Disengagement Theory: Disengagement theory states that in every society, the elderly undergo a process of adjustment in which they leave important public roles and narrow their social world to family and friends. This process benefits societies by avoiding the potential disruption of its key members dying suddenly. It also enables individuals to die without the stress and strain of fuller participation in social life. http://sociology.about.com/od/D_Index/g/Disengagement-Theory.htm According to Stretch and Whitehouse (2010), the definition of disengagement theory is, a theory that older people will need to withdraw from social contact with others, older people will disengage because of reduced physical health and loss of social opportunities. The disengagement theory was developed by Cummings and Henry in the...
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...Two Theories Of Ageing Activity Theory: “The activity theory of aging proposes that older adults are happiest when they stay active and maintain social interactions. The theory was developed by Robert J. Havighurst as a response to the disengagement theory of aging” (www.boundless.com/) This theory indicates that regular exercise be it of the mind or physical exercise, keeps the older adult healthy and stimulated. Therefore it could potentially ward off diseases, viruses and infections whilst allowing the older adult to preserve relationships. Continuity Theory: “The continuity theory is one of three major psychosocial theories which describe how people develop in old age. The other two psychosocial theories are the disengagement theory, with which the continuity theory comes to odds, and the activity theory upon which the continuity theory modifies and elaborates.” (www.boundless.com/) The continuity theory is exactly how it sounds, studies have shown that as adults mature they try and hang on to things that they find familiar. Things from the past can be very helpful in comforting and elderly adult such as a familiar face, or a familiar song. They can ease people and reassure them that everything is going to be okay. Whilst some things can hazardous such as a lady could be used to going dancing every Saturday night but as she grows older her bones become brittle therefore endangering her. The physical and Psychological changes with ageing As we become...
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...It is a generally well-known fact that the world, overall, has an ageing population. This is especially true when looking at the population of India. From 1950 to 2010, India’s population aged 60 and older has risen from 5% to 7.5% (Bloom, Mahal, Rosenberg, and Sevilla, 2010, p. 60). Considering India’s life expectancy for both men and women in 2014 was less than 70 years (Saharan, 2014, p. 261), the fact that the population aged 60 and over has increased by 2.5% in 60 years is extremely influential to the economy. There is little governmental support for these elderly citizens, which leaves the burden of supporting them financially to their younger family members. In many cases, elderly citizens no longer live with their families, or their families do not earn enough to financially support the elderly person’s needs, and therefore the elderly citizens, and often their families as well, slip into poverty. In order for India’s economy to continue growing, policies in India must be changed to account for the increasing life expectancy and the increased number of elderly citizens. Before we can examine the economy and the required policy changes, we must look at the population of India. In India, there is currently a falling fertility rate and an increasing life expectancy (Bloom et al., 2010, p. 61). This means that less children are being born, but people can expect to live longer. Looking at Figure 1, we can see that in 2010, the population was largest in the 0-14 age range...
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...Ageing is a life course that comprises the later part of life, the period of deterioration and the end of the human life cycle. The social roles: retirement, social relationships: widowhood, personal goals, financial and functional independence are changing that render human beings progressively more likely to die (Medawar, 1952). “aging is a broad concept that includes physical changes in our bodies over adult life; psychological changes in our minds and mental capacities, social psychological changes in what we think and believe, and social changes in how we are viewed, what we can expect, and what is expected of us” (Acthley & Barusch, 2004:4). Therefore, elders have a lot of thoughts about death and dying. This needs to be recognized and...
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...Social disengagement This theoryargues that, elderly people begin to disengage from their previous social roles as they realize that they will die in the near future. The disengagement theory of aging states that "aging is an inevitable, mutual withdrawal or disengagement, resulting in decreased interaction between the aging person and others in the social system he belongs to."(Boundless, 2015) Disengagement theory was one of the first theories of aging developed by social scientists. The theory was developed by Elaine Cumming and Warren Earl Henry in their 1961 book "Growing Old.” Subsequently, the theory has been largely disproven. The disengagement theory of aging claims that elderly people begin to systematically disengage from their previous social roles as they realize the inevitability of death in the near future. The theory further suggests that society responds to the elder's disengagement with a sort of mutual recognition that the elder will soon pass and society must prepare to function in their absence. As such, the theory argues that it is natural and acceptable for older adults to withdraw from society.When the disengagement theory was popular, some people believed that it explained how people are prepared for their death. They slowly start letting go of society, older adults were supposedly getting ready to let go of life as well. Researchers have said that disengagement from society was also beneficial to society, as people moved through different roles in life...
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...1.3 The impact associated with ageing older people- Physical- physically the individual could feel like they can still do things they did 20 years ago, but changes to their physical body like energy levels drop, fatigue, health problems etc can limit them doing things and trying to remain active. They can fall more frequently and may need to use aids to assist with this. Physically changing can cause the individual to get depressed, lack confidence, have anxiety issues and become fearful as they cannot do the things they used to. Emotional – The individual can become depressed, fearful, low self esteem, suffer anxiety problems, have low confidence because as they age their body, Lifestyle, social life and health changes and this can limit them from having a life...
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...The effects of physical and psychological changes associated with ageing referring to Marilyn Monroe. Physical changes during the ageing process occurs at all stages during the human life, body is constantly changing with age. Marilyn Monroe unfortunately died before she reached old age where the more significant ageing process takes place. However in her adulthood she did show significant signs of ageing before her death even though she only died at the age of 38. Stress and anxiety are a factors of speeding up the ageing process which is probably the reason why Marilyn started show physical changes so early in her life. Mostly the changes where in her face which was made obvious to the public because being a model and also actress her face was everywhere. When you start to age the face loses elasticity so it no longer look plump and youthful it beings to get fine lines and wrinkles. Accusations about Marilyn having Botox and other facial plastic surgery to slow down the process so she could keep that youthful look she was so ironically famous for. If Marilyn had lived for a longer length of time it would have been more noticeable the ageing process because her hair would have started to turn grey and maybe even thin out, however now with hair dye a lot of older people do tend to find the grey to give off the appearance of being younger. Another physical sign of ageing would have been her organs slowly decreasing in rate of which they function, such as the liver won’t...
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...INTRODUCTION It is obvious that we are faced with an aging population. Within three decades individuals aged 65 years or older are expected to make up 23% of the Australian population (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2013). This is a stable increase from 13% in 2007, emphasising Australia as an aging country (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2013). This is evident not only within the demographic regions of metropolitan and rural cities and towns of Australia but also among other countries in the world. It is with this discrepancy that presents such a large challenge within the population and from a health perspective. This essay will explore the social, cultural and psychological health related issues linked with growth in the aging population and will focus on the baby boomer generation and the co-morbidities that are notably prevalent in the elderly. This essay will also consider the future role of the nurse and how their profession will be impacted in response to these trends. WHY DO WE FACE AN AGING CRISIS? As fertility rates decline and longevity increases we are coming to face a shift in population distribution with a greater proportion of older adults (Anderson and Hussey, 2013). It is important to note that this increase is due particularly to the Baby Boomer generation growing older and associated aging co-morbidities on the rise. The Baby Boomer generation consists of those born from the years 1945-1964 (Berman et al., 2012). As this generation grows older...
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...The country I have studied is the UK which is an MEDC in Northern Europe. An ageing population is where the country has an increasing average age of the population together with an increasing proportion of people over the age of 65. In 2014, for the first time in the UK, there are more people aged over 65 than 16 and with the rising life expectancy this creates many challenges for the UK economy and society. Firstly, with the rising life expectancy which is currently at 81, there have been implications on health as in 2002 it was said that males spend 15 years of their life with a disability and females spend 17.5 years which is an increase in years compared to 1981. This is causing strain on the NHS as for them to cope with the increasing years of disabilities and increasing heart disease, cancers and diabetes. Social services also have extra strain and pressure which has to be coped with. It is proven that the elderly visit their doctor more often and have more home visits. They also occupy hospital beds for longer and the government of a country has to find money to pay for this care. However, by having an ageing population, businesses such as BUPA who provide private healthcare insurance are striving as the elderly are regarded as good business and an opportunity for firms to grow. Therefore, they are helping enhance the economy. Another benefit for the UK is that many UK seniors still do part or full time work as a way to keep themselves active and to supplement their...
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...Discuss the ways in which Yeats presents his ideas about ageing in ‘Among School Children’ The theme of ageing is central in the poem ‘Among School Children’ as surrounded by youthful children during his visit to a convent school in Waterford, Yeats reviews his own deteriorating state and contemplates whether old age is a state where people can express their true selves. In 1926, Senator Yeats visited St Otterans, which inspired him to write ‘Among School Children’. The poem shows an external persona, Yeats as the ‘smiling public man’ but blurs this with Yeats tormented inner persona where he writes about his true emotions towards ageing and his disgust of his and his desired lover, Maud Gonne’s physical state in old age. Firstly, Yeats presents his negative attitude towards ageing by idealising youth in his old age. As he looks upon a youthful Maud Gonne, he describes ‘and thereupon my heart was driven wild’. The lexical choice ‘wild’ emphasises Yeats’s uncontrollable and obsessional love towards Maud Gonne and how he feels that it has held him back in his old age. Yeats is left feeling bitter towards ageing as he reminisces about the memories of unrequited love in his old age. The hypnotising ABABACC rhyme scheme emphasises the hypnotic effect of Maud Gonne’s face and how Yeats is being drawn back into his youthful memories. This line mirrors the line ‘imagination and heart were driven so wild’ in the ‘Cold Heaven’, a similar poem where Yeats expresses the desire to...
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