UNIT 1: OVERVIEW OF AGING 1.2 PHYSIOLOGIC CHANGES

During the aging process there are a series of changes affecting bot biological and  psychological parts of the person. In addition, there is also a significant transformation in the social role which the person has developed. Therefore, to overcome the difficulties and adapting to the changes and losses, it is essential to have adequate emotional support. It is adequate to meet the emotional responses that are experienced at that stage of life.

Ageing produces changes in the organism that are more evident in last years of the life. However, aging is not a standardardized process, indeed, is a continuation of the decline that begins when physical maturity is reached, about 18 or 22 years. These changes are important in clinical practice because these changes can influence the presentation and evolution of disease.

Level changes are developed for all systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, nervous system, kidney, urinary tract, skin and appendages) and anthropometric and neuroendocrine changes. All this means that the elderly have a greater vulnerability to overall functional impairment.

In reaction to the emergence of these biological changes, some of the special needs we need to consider are:

·         It is easier to become dehydrated than at other ages. He also knows that the biggest are losing the sensation of thirst, which increases the risk of dehydration. Therefore, the following precautions should be taken:

·         No waiting for the patient to ask for a drink.

·         It should be regular intake of fluid control, offering every so often.

·         We must increase it attention when it's hot, when it has become physical exercise (walking) or when the patient have a disorder, such as fever or vomiting.

- In general, to be heard better by an older person, it is preferable to use a more serious tone, to raise the intensity.

SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES RELATED TO AGE.

Along with personality, there are other factors that determine the psychological status of the older person and the practitioner should consider:

• The overall health status and the absence of associated psychopathology.

• The cultural level.

• Physical activity and mental activity.

• Environmental stimuli, the existence of interests and motivations.

• Personal relationships.

Aging should not lead to a complete break with the past life of the person. Community relations are a support and a reference from the psychological point of view: the neighborhood, the known, the visit to the health center, attendance at religious services etc.

The decrease or absence of social activity gradually is reduced over time. By reducing the frequency of social relations reinforces their value and become more rewarding, spending more time on them.

Furthermore, it is observed that the quality of interaction appears to be more crucial than quantity. Also the consequences of stress will be lower and higher disease resistance if the elderly have supportive social relationships

In this respect, social activity is not synonymous with social support. And social support is not equivalent to social network.

EFFECT OF AGEING ON THE QUALITY OF LIFE

Quality of life is a broader concept that includes health and wellness in different dimensions:

• Health perceived.

• Affective.

• Cognitive.

• Social.

• Economic.

• Physical functioning

For person’s good mental health is essential to self-perception of owning one, choose opinions, likes, habits: we must never decide for the older person when the person can.

To encourage and develop positive self-concept, to have a good self-perception, it is recommended:

- Encourage participation in activities and tasks, contributing to the preservation of their own capabilities. For example, personal care achievements in intellectual activity or related activities.

- Apply positive reinforcement after the completion of a positive task, such as congratulate the person for what have done.

Autonomous life expectancy is how long a person can live without "dependent" of others. This autonomous life expectancy is considered an index of health, as defined by the WHO. To do this, we must assess not only the amount of time, but also the quality of life in that period.

REFERENCES:

The aging process and the biological, psychological and social. Ed: MacGrawHill. http://www.mcgraw-hill.es/bcv/guide/capitulo/8448176898.pdf