Old Age

Old age- 65 onwards

* Generally at the age of 65 most people retire from full time work or reduce their employment commitments. However the fact that the population is living longer, people are now working longer. Also because of healthier lifestyles and medical progress, a lot of older people can maintain good health.

* Some 65 year old may not see themselves as old. It can be a time of life begin new challenges rather than for slowing right down and taking life easy.

* As we age physical changes happen; changes in hair colour (grey) or hair loss, arthritis, high blood pressure, body loses elasticity and wrinkles form, become weak loss of muscle strength, loss of memory, eyesight becomes more difficult to read in low light or small print, may need glasses, chronic aches and pains, hearing may need hearing aids and changes in vocal cords

* Body functions slow down: metabolism, responsiveness, movement, growth (start to shrink), organization, digestions.

* Sexual activity tends to decrease with age, but if an individual is healthy, there is no age limit for its continuance. This has seen an increase promiscuity, and subsequently, an increase in the number of STD’s being treated within this age group.

* It is argued that older people need to develop a sense of self that enables them to cope with physical changes associated with old ageing and death. People who fail to make sense of their life might experience emotional despair.

* Following retirement, older adults have more free time, however, many adults may choose to increase their involvement with close friends and family rather than extend their network of social contacts.

* In societies, the elderly have a status of respectability. Their life experiences and knowledge are regarded as valuable.

* Statistics show that 80 per cent of us will die after the age of 65.

* Death occurs when our bodies stop functioning biologically.

* A range of process may limit our lifespan. It seems...