How Does Social Changes Affect The Elderly

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As we age there are many changes that take place. Some of the changes are positive. However, there are some changes that take place can have negative effects. There are many physical, psychosocial and sociological changes that may occur. Some of the physical changes that occur to the individual affect their health. As a result, the person may have some health issues. Sometimes, pharmaceutical interventions are necessary to maintain their health. However, many times the use of many medications, the time when to take them, and which food inhibit the absorption of the drugs become confusing for the elderly people. (The confusion about medications can happen to young and middle age people too!). As a result, someone may need to assist them …show more content…

If a spouse or close friend dies, a lack of social contacts, and having to pay someone for services in their home in which they used to perform can cause the person to become isolated. Furthermore, if the person is unable to go out due to their limited financial funds, mobility, or other health issues can also cause isolation. This isolation can have some negative effects on the person and lead to things such as, depression and hopelessness. All of these things can lead to suicide. However, if the person was isolated for a long time in their home, sometimes there are some positive things that come from the person moving or people coming into the home to provide services. The person may enjoy the company from someone coming into their home to assist them. Also, if they move to a facility, they may make new friends and participate in activities. As a result, the person may become less depressed and …show more content…

Some examples of psychological changes are anxiety, depression, sleep problems, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease to name a few. These issues can change a person’s lifestyle and attitude, communication, and self-confidence. Many of these changes can affect the person negatively. For example, a person may become anxious or depressed, since they have a hard time sleeping. Therefore, the person may move or hire people to come into the home to assist them. Due to the change of more people around, the person may not be so depressed, relax and sleep better which is a positive thing for the person. They may also feel more secure with someone around. Another example of a positive effect from the change is, another person may bond and find a new relationship with the person. An example of this is, if the mother was always very independent and not let the child help her at all with anything. After the psychological changes occur to the mother, the child may feel like she is needed and respond to her mother in a positive way. The mother and daughter may find the bond, which both have always wanted. As a person ages, there are many changes which occur to them. These changes can be negative or positive in their lives. The best thing that we can do for the person is, to be positive and assist them adjust to these

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