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Challenges in Late Adulthood

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THE CHANGES IN LATER ADULTHOOD
VIRGIE BALL
WEEK 4 Late adulthood can bring on many changes in your loved one’s life. These changes can range from retirement, physical and mental issues and/or loss of a spouse, children1 or close friend; however, these changes can be very terrifying. Later adulthood can be divided into two groups, the young old which are the ages of 65-74 and many of them still work, travel and have regular social lifestyles. Old old ages 75+ and many struggle with keeping their independence, loss of social interaction, activities and all the medical issues that have arose in their life. These changes can also open the door for many psychological changes, but not all bad. The good changes can lead one to feel free to finally really live their lives and do some of the things they’ve only dreamed of, some call it a bucket list. Others suffer from these changes with worrying, depression and fear which can cause other medical issues such as heart attacks and high blood pressure. Physically, an older adult’s activity level can slowly decrease. Walking can become difficult, eye sight, hear and intellectual functions can change leaving them to lose their presence in society.

Older adults can continue to live in their own homes with very little incidents or worries. Others, due to severe medical and/or physical issues will need 24 hour care and assistance. This kind of care and help can either be impossible to provide in the home or very expensive. In a continuing life facility, your loved one can obtain the medical and physical attention needed to continue living a healthy life. There are daily activities to participate in and interact with others of the same peer group. Some older adults struggle with the adjustment of retirement and their life changing, whereas their normal rising at 5am to prepare for a work day or working in their

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