Issues Affecting the Aged

The process of aging consists of both positive and negative aspects. Within one's development pertaining to aging, one will face biological changes and an overall decline of memory, language processing, and problem solving abilities. During this time, one will also reap benefits of practical knowledge and life experience. The aging adult will be affected by factors that influence his or her ability to cope with dying. Grieving the loss of loved ones is influenced by several factors found in the realms of individual elements and circumstantial components.

There are several biological changes that take place in late adulthood. Although biological changes vary from person to person, one can count on gradual physical decline. Because neurons begin to die and spaces become larger within the brain, auditory, visual, and motor areas decline (Berk, 2004). If one stays active, both physically and socially, he or she has a greater chance of longevity and happiness.

A biological change that can be positively affected by exercise and healthy eating habits is the gradual aging of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems (Berk, 2004). One's heart becomes more rigid with age, and one is more likely to feel out of breath with physical exertion (Berk, 2004).

Alzheimer's disease (AD), "the most common form of dementia", is responsible for chemical and structural deterioration of the brain (Berk, 2004). Heredity and certain environmental factors, such as a great deal of dietary fat or "vitamin-mineral deficiencies", can cause AD. Being well educated and physically active seems to help stave off the disease. Since exposure to aluminum, electric lightening, and mercury can be environmental factors which increase the likelihood of getting AD, limiting exposure to these elements can help prevent it (Howenstine, J.A., 2010).

Aging brings about an overall decline of memory, language processing, and problem solving abilities. One who relies more on "biologically based information-processing skills" is more likely to see an earlier decline (Berk, 2004). One who possesses crystallized intelligence declines slower cognitively than one who relies on fluid intelligence (Berk, 2004). Grasping opportunities that will boost cognitive skill helps to support crystallized intelligence (Berk, 2004). Making positive lifestyle choices can also help maintain healthy cognitive abilities over time.

One knows that part of life is death. How one copes with death can be determined by cultural, social, psychological, and biological factors. Culturally, one's religious views can determine how one copes with death. Spirituality, "life's meaning", can affect how one views death (Berk, 2004). Some rituals in religious ceremony can help a follower come to grips with his or her own death due to beliefs about the afterlife.

In a social sense, a younger person may see death as far off, while one in late adulthood may think of death more often. In one's current society in the United States, one may grow up rather protected from death outcomes since morticians and funeral directors care for the dead (Berk, 2004). A clear explanation can be given to a child or adolescent to help give a realistic view of death.

One's psychological wellness can determine how he or she will view death. If one is psychologically healthy, he or she may view death in a logical, realistic sense. If one is ill psychologically, he or she may have a great deal of disillusionment about death and be fearful and unable to accept the reality. In contrast, one who is psychologically unwell may not fear death at all and take part in dangerous behaviors.

If one is biologically unstable, he or she may view death as the inevitable, but relieving, aspect of life. If one is suffering with cancer or another serious disease, death can be a welcoming experience. Death can be more difficult for one who is young and thought to be healthy. One who has young children may have more difficulty dying at that particular time in his or her life.

Grieving the loss of a loved one is likely to be a difficult time. As much as one can understand death's inevitability in a logical sense, grieving takes on a whole new aspect when one tries to cope with resulting emotions from losing the treasured loved one. The individual's emotional stability and current personal stressors can affect how he or she will cope. Sometimes "grief reminds us to savor the pleasures in life" (Hirsch, 2007). Often common in society in the United States is offering help to loved ones left behind by sending flowers or a card, "delivering a meal", helping with laundry, shopping, or household chores, or visiting for support after loss (Hirsch, 2007).

Religious belief can influence how one copes with the loss of a loved one. How old the loved one is at the time of death can influence how one copes. If one loses a child, he or she may have greater difficulty in grieving than if he or she lost an elderly aunt. Since a man and a woman differ in his and her "emotional makeup", a couple may experience "misunderstandings and heightened tensions" after the loss of a child (Hill, 2003, para.10).

Aging is part of life. One will undergo biological changes that can be positively or negatively affected by his or her health and fitness habits. If one lives long enough, he or she is likely to see an overall decline in memory, language processing, and problem-solving abilities. In contrast, practical knowledge and life experience can benefit one who uses the knowledge and experience in positive ways to enhance cognitive skills (Berk, 2004). How one copes with grieving the death of a loved one and his or her own death depends on several factors including cultural, social, psychological, and biological elements. Aging and death are all parts of the life cycle for each living thing. By having a logical perspective, one may cope better with the aging process and with the concept of dying.

References:

Berk, L.E. (2004). Development through the lifespan. (3^rd ed.) Boston, MA. Allyn and Bacon.

Hill, D. (2003). The grieving Christian father: what are his needs? Journal of Pastoral
Counseling, 38(p73). Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=3&hid=103&sid=04e3ff7e-4659-4f91-9322-01c4fcb527fa%40sessionmgr113&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=fd9da7dd&AN=

Hirsch, M. (2007). Coping with grief and loss. Harvard Special Health Report. Retrieved from
http://ehis.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=28&hid=103&sid=ab2df9fdb50c-4bb3-8a3f-ee0f25efdee3%40sessionmgr113&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbG12ZQ%3d//db=182ab26b&AN=

Howenstine, J.A. (2010). How to heal Alzheimer's Disease. Townsend Newsletter, (321), 78-84.
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