Overview of the Aging Process Campus Virtual de 老化过程的概述校园虚拟化.pptVIP

Overview of the Aging Process Related Health Changes and Challenges When Does Aging Begin? Aging begins the day we are born No single measure of how “old” a person is Aging is highly individualized Aging proceeds at different rates in different people, and within different systems of the body Why Do People Age? Many theories to include: Hereditary Factors Loss of cellular mass and ability of cells to divide and replicate Accumulation of waste materials that clog cells and cause them to die Changes in structure of connective tissue No single theory adequately describes the aging process Normal Changes of Aging Physical changes related to “Normal” aging ARE NOT disease Changes occur in most body systems to include: Sensory System Brain and Central Nervous System Muscles and Bones Digestion Heart/Circulatory System Respiratory System Sensory System Hearing Loss is usually in ability to hear high frequency sounds Hearing loss can lead to social isolation and should be addressed Hearing aids cannot address all types of hearing loss How to help mitigate effects of hearing loss: Lower the pitch of your voice Speak directly to the person so that they can see your face Eliminate background noise Vision Not all older people have impaired vision Loss of ability to see items that are close up begins in the 40’s Size of pupil grows smaller with age: focusing becomes less accurate Lens of eye yellows making it more difficult to see red and green colors Sensitivity to glare increases Night vision not as acute How to help mitigate the effects of vision loss: Increase lighting Use blinds or shades to reduce glare Maintain equal levels of lighting Taste and Smell Some loss in taste and smell as one ages, but loss is usually minor and not until after age 70 Many older people often complain of food being tasteless Possible causes: 1. Loneliness at meals 2. Unwilling/unable to cook 3. Dental problems 4. Financial barriers Pain and Sense of Touch With