Issues Affecting Today's Aged Population

2434 Words10 Pages
Many aspects can affect one's quality of life in late-adulthood. Different factors can contribute to the negative or positive qualities in one's life; however, some aspects are inevitable. This paper will address biological changes, cognitive function decline contrasted to acquired knowledge, coping with dying, and grieving death. A further look into these topics will help one understand many changes the elderly experience. Biological Changes Because of changes in late adulthood, people biologically develop at different rates. A person who is 70-years-old may appear younger than others who is 65. However, it is very crucial in late-adulthood for one to understand the difference between normal aging and physical changes that cause disease. Considering variable factors for each individual, researchers have yet to discover one biological factor accountable to predicts one’s life expectancy (Berk, 2010). Although one cannot predict a life expectancy, some factors are strong indicators of future issues, and some factors are inevitable with time. An example of an indicative aspect relates to bone loss in bone tissue, this can create osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes difficulty walking and increases the chances of bone fractures (Berk, 2010). Many factors of aging are very common, and some inevitable, among elderly. Many people in late-adulthood experience weight loss because of loss of lean body mass, rather than fat reduction in the torso. Additionally, the continuing development of wrinkles and sagging alters one’s facial appearance. Skin aging can increase from extended exposure to sun and other elements. Many individuals will experience thinning and graying of the hair because of genetic factors. Furthermore, reduced vision, hearing loss, reduced motor ability, cardiovascular changes, respiratory changes, loss in bone strength, loss in flexibility,
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