The Aging Process and Caring For the Elderly

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...

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...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