The Aging Process and Caring For the Elderly Essay -- The Aging Body,

Abstract This report presents several aspects of aging. The report looks at a number of theories of why we age, the physical and mental changes we undergo as we age, and ways of caring for the elderly. TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION......................................................1 THEORIES OF WHY WE AGE............................................2 Genetics.....................................................2 Cellular.....................................................2 Physiological................................................2 PHYSICAL CHANGES..................................................2 MENTAL CHANGES....................................................5 Alzheimer's Disease..........................................5 Senile Dementia..............................................5 CARING FOR THE OLD................................................6 Retirement Communities.......................................6 Life-care Facilities.........................................6 House Sharing................................................6 Group Homes..................................................7 Low-cost, Government Subsidized Housing......................7 Foster Care..................................................7 Nursing Homes................................................7 CONCLUSIONS.......................................................9 WORKS CITED.......................................................10 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this report is to discuss several aspects of aging. Several theories of why we age, based on genetic research, cellular research, and physiological research will be examined, along with physical and mental changes that are the result of aging. Specific mental changes that will be explored are Alzheimer's Disease and Senile Dementia. The final aspect to be looked at will be the care of the elderly in retirement communities, life-care facilities, house sharing, group homes, low-cost government subsidized housing, foster care, and nursing homes. THEORIES OF WHY WE AGE Since research into aging is not guided by any one universally accepted theory, genetic, cellular, and physiological studies have yielded several hypotheses. Genetics The most popular genetic theory, the Error Theory, assumes that aging is the result of the accumulation of random genetic damag... ...cannot afford to stay for any long period of time. Probably the most unfortunate aspect of these homes is the focus in the news on abuse of the patients. This is the most important thing to research when you are looking at a nursing home. CONCLUSIONS 1. There is no one theory about why we age, but the subject is currently being researched in several areas. 2. The body goes through many changes as it ages, some of which can be slowed or prevented through the use of modern medicine. 3. Alzheimer's Disease is probably the most prominent mental disorder in elderly people, but research has found what it does to the brain, so a cure may be in the future. 4. There is a large range of establishments where elderly people can spend the later years of their life, depending on how self-sufficient they are, and how much they are willing to spend. WORKS CITED Maddox, George L. (Editor), The Encyclopedia of Aging. Springer Pub Co; 3rd edition. 2001. Web. 17 Apr. 2014. Poehlman E, Danforth E. The Aging Body: Physiological Changes. Am J Appl Physiol. 2012 Social Issues Resources Series. "Ways & Means: Options for Aging." Article #39, Vol. 3. Aging. 2014