Question

Write at 2-3 page paper in which you describe at least 3 common cognitive changes and 3 common physical changes in older adults. Then you will identify and explain the roles social, spiritual, work, and family factors play in late life. Finally, you will compare and contrast clinical depression with the sadness associated with the normal losses of aging.

Answer 1

Common Cognitive problems with ageing:

Cognition is the ability of the brain to process and gather information and experience through learning, thought and senses. It can be seen that as people age their cognition ability becomes lower. Here are three cognition problems that occur due to ageing.

Memory:

Memory is vital for every individual. However it could be seen that as people age the memory of the person tends to decline. But however it could also be seen that age old memories of the person is fresh in their mind and new memories are most likely to decline. The most common reason for this could be decreased blood flow to brain.

Processing Speed:

As people grow old, their ability to think and act takes time. This is because of low processing speed of their memory. The ability of old person to gather new information and make decision is slowed down. This could be due to high blood pressure, genetics etc.,

Attention:

As people grow old their ability to focus or concentrate wears out. This is why people of old age could not television for a long period. Also due to aging they could not concentrate on two works at a time such as working in Kitchen and speaking on phone.

Common Physical changes with Ageing:

Skin:

As people grow older their skin becomes thin and smooth causing a lot of wrinkles in their body. This will also lead to less sweating. And also the hair and nails grow slowly and are brittle that they often tend to break soon.

Digestive system:

Their ability to swallow and digest the food goes down. As people age the functioning of various internal organs such as liver, pancreas etc slow down and the secretion is low causing digestive problems in old age.

Weight:

The old age people tend to be very thin and pale or sometimes put on weight. This could be mainly attributed to the digestive problem. This might cause them take low food and sometimes since the calories are not burned properly and also lack of physical activity will add weight.

Role of Society in late life:

Society plays a crucial role in any part of human life. As people age their need for support from society also increases. Society should also help the old age people to live a peaceful life. The society should make the place peaceful for old people. It is seen that there are various parks and gardens being constructed thus society should ensure there are hygenic practices followed there. There are various activities happening, the participation from old age people should be encouraged.

Role of family:

Family is the pillar of support for old age people. The family members are those people where the older feel safe and confident. Being close with family helps them in fighting loneliness. Also the family members should know the medications and treatment that are undergone by the old age people in their house. Also family members should ensure that old age have easy path to move in around their house.

Role of spiritual:

It is one of the main aids through which old age people get relaxation and peace in the inner self. Places such as this could be used for recreation. They can organize speeches and activities that help them in understanding the value of their life. Visiting spiritual places can bring happiness to the people and help in giving inner strength.

Role of Work:

The workplace should respect and treat elderly. The elderly have knowledge and experience that will help the young people to learn and grow. The work place could organize the office in such a manner where the old people are felt ease. People who are working in their old age should be given guidance in new technologies there by allowing them to take part and not neglecting them.

Clinical Depression:

Depression could be short and temporary or severe. Clinical depression is the major or severe depression. It leads to irritation on small things, disinterest in all things, etc.,

Sadness due to aging:

Sadness is a temporary mood. People will be sad but they could be made smile and laugh with one or the other thing.

Listed below are few differences between sadness and Clinical difference:

SL NO	SADNESS ASSOCIATED WITH AGING	CLINICAL DEPRESSION
1.	People who grow old feel temporary sadness (sometimes).	People will feel sad all the time.
2.	Feeling sad is a natural feeling.	Feeling depressed is a condition where medical help is required.
3.	It could happen due to emotional or physical pain.	The symptoms include irritability, changes in sleeping or eating mode, fatigue, suicidal thoughts etc.,
4.	Sadness lasts for some time.	If you are feeling sad for over two weeks it is advised to take medical help.
5.	People who are sad recover themselves in sometime.	People could make recover by engaging themselves in physical activity, meditation, eating healthy food.
6.	Sadness due to aging could be related to their inability to hear, see etc.,	Depression is caused to childhood trauma, genes, death of loved person.