Question

summarize the growth and development in advanced old age and geriatrics and two theorists that study that age group..

Answer 1

Growth and development in old age: Late aduldhood is the age catagory from 65 years or above.Cells and tissues in human body are subjected to wear an tear through out and reaches a stage of physical decline in the old age. Rate at which physical and physiological changes occur differs as per individuals. One who maintains an active life style,healthy diet and regular exercise may have less physical decline compared to others. Healthy ageing is the process of modifying or making adjustments, inorder to compensate with the weaknessess, to maintain maximum functional freedom. Muscle weakness restricting or minimizing mobility, hearing or visual impairement, changes in bowel pattern, decreased appetite are some among the many physiological changes in old age. Immunity status decreases, vital organs efficiency marginalizes. Sensory fuctions and motor abilities declines gradually and progressively.Skin also looses elasticity and wrinkles appear. Psychological issues like mistrust,fear of impending doom and death can occur.

Dr. August Weismann, a German biologist proposed the Wear and tear theory in 1882. The theory suggests that the vital cells and tissues in our body wear out and this process is referred as ageing.

Denham Harman, in 1956 proposed the famous theory of ageing- Free radical theory. The theory suggests that the free radicals produced as a result of unhealthy life style,diet,drugs or exposure to radiation can interact with the healthy molecules in human body and accelerates the process of ageing.