Unit 4: Development through the life stages P5 - Explain the physical and psychological changes which may be associated with ageing. Physical Changes The ageing process: Until we stop going through puberty the body is continuing to grow and develop into an adults body. After many years where the body has changed and still functions in a regular way. We then enter a period where more physical changes occur that leads to a gradual decline in function. However; when these changes occur, will depend on the individual.
Development through the life stages – It’s old age – part 2. P5 – Explain the physical and 5 of the psychological changes that may be associated with ageing. During old age individual’s experience a variety of physical and psychological changes, these changes may vary depending on the individual lifestyle as different life style factors can influence how an individual develops. However I’m going to cover all the common physical and psychological changes which can occur during old age. Physical changes: A physical change which occurs only in women as they reach old age is menopause, however in some circumstances this can occur in younger women.
Challenges such as cancer, heart disease and cardiovascular illnesses can be extensive, some lasting even for years. Furthermore, the elderly are then faced with difficulty performing even basic tasks such as dressing, bathing and eating for themselves. As a result, these conditions often put the elderly in jeopardy for other psychological behaviors as well. A report by the Council on Scientific Affairs, American Medical Association (JAMA) (1996) outlines this in a compelling theory that in many cases, feelings of hopelessness, which most often will accompany alcoholism, may be more important than depression. Expert Dr. Y. D. Coble (1996) exemplifies this concept in a persuasive article written in (JAMA).
As well as these cognitive symptoms, a person with dementia will often have changes in their mood. For example, they may become frustrated or irritable, withdrawn, anxious, easily upset or unusually sad. Dementia is progressive which means the symptoms gradually get worse over time. How quickly dementia progresses varies greatly from person to person. As dementia progresses, the person may develop behavior problems which may seem out of character.
Unit 40: Dementia Care P1: Describe types of dementia and common signs and symptoms. What is dementia? Dementia is a common condition that affects about 800,000 people in the UK. Your risk of developing dementia increases as you get older, and the condition usually occurs in people over the age of 65. Dementia is a syndrome associated with an ongoing decline of the brain and its abilities.
As individual’s age there are many physical and psychological changes that may occur because a person is getting older and their body is changing by the body changing it can have an effect on the individual’s self-esteem and self-confidence. By not having self-esteem and self-confidence it can have negative effects on an individual’s well being. Throughout task 5 I am going to explain the physical and psychological changes an individual goes through as a result of ageing and the ageing effects on the individual’s self-esteem and self-confidence. There are many physical changes that may occur such as an individual’s reproductive system, during ageing males and female’s reproductive system are different. For a female they will go through menopause while a male's repoductive system occurs more gradually and over a longer period of time.
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.
2. Dementia is caused by neurons not working properly or dying. This often changes the amount of the neurotransmitters with obvious effects on brain functions. Small blood vessels in the brain become blocked preventing oxygen reaching nearby brain cells. This causes a gradual decline in mental ability.
Most damage to senses is caused by environmental factors, much of which becomes apparent as people enter their 70s. Although genetics is known to influence longevity and optimal aging, research suggests that good lifestyle choices, including regular exercise, diet and nutrition, have a significant impact on how well individuals age. The challenges of life do not become easier as one ages.
What is Dementia? According to Tom Kitwood the general definition of dementia relates to any organic condition where there is an irreversible loss of cognitive capacity and memory, such that there is a decline in a persons ability to function socially, physically and emotionally over time (Kitwood, 1997) It is not a single disease in itself, but a general tern to describe symptoms such as impairment to memory, communication and their thinking. Dementia is not a normal part of ageing, but like anything the chances increase with age. Light cognitive impairment for instance poor short-term memory can happen as a normal part of ageing. (We slowly start to loose our brain cells as we age beyond our 20’s) Familydoctor, (2013).