Old Age Problems

Grow Old With Me - The Best is Yet to be | Old Age Problems | Personality Problems | Twilight Years | New Culture of Old Age | Health Problems | Cardiovascular Diseases in the Elderly | Eye Problems | Old Age - Arthrities | Alzheimer's Disease | Parkinson's Disease | Old Age - Diabetes Risks | Healthy Diet For Elderly | Needy Population | The Unproductive Minority | Physical Exercises for Older People | Features of a Beautiful Old Age | Enjoyable Life | Get older, Get happier | Duty to Die? | Guest Book |

Old age is a stage of life, where one needs to learn certain things afresh and get hold of new skills, mind-sets and socialization norms.

The complete life, the perfect pattern, includes old age as well as youth and maturity. The beauty of the morning and the radiance of noon are good, but it would be a very silly person who drew the curtains and turned on the light in order to shut out the tranquillity of the evening. Old age has its pleasures, which, though different, are not less than the pleasures of youth.

W. SOMERSET MAUGHAM,

The older believer may have stopped up growing religiously, or worse, may for no reason have got started. There is, therefore, no learning, no pursuit with God, no longing for the Word life. There is a propensity to vegetate, to become tired, to rely on the learning done years before. There can be a predisposition toward the negatives of Titus 2:3, becoming fake accusers, rumours, evil speakers, cruel in criticism.

There is a trend in the midst of older believers to drink a lot when they don't have something else going for them. There is the inclination to imagine that getting old means that a person has some wisdom. So there is the talkative senior citizen who never stops talking and impose continuous boredom on his listeners with his tired expression and homely chatter.

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There is habitually a lack of self-confidence in old age, particularly if the old people can't take care of themselves monetarily. Their children are in the chief of their lives and repeatedly the children's plans do not include them. Old age may bring a lack of ability to concentrate, forgetfulness, inability to speak, to hear, to see etc. So the old individual gets used to sitting in a chair as pensiveness, vegetating, saying nothing.

There is occasionally a lack of reason to live, too much redundant time, and too much time for belligerent. There may be a craving to travel but no means to do so. There is a lack of important things to do. Old age brings about future shock. Senior citizen finds himself out of phase with the younger generations of children and grandchildren. Therefore a hazardous trend can get started toward hypercriticism.

Personality disorders can appear at any time, including old age. Approximately 10% of older adults living at house may have a personality disorder. This number is even higher among older adults living in nursing/old age homes. Old age personality problems are involving annoyance with self. The severe inferiority complex is with the overstated way of compensating. These unfortunate seniors need the inspiring influence of charity and love in their lives. It is very complicated for the extremely selfish or self-centered person to love himself or anyone else, until he realizes worry and charity for others. Then he may overlook himself and begin to love life itself.

Personality problems concerning the world at large are likely to be found in the never-do-wells, the alcoholics, and person with very shallow personalities. The great need of this person is the fulfillment enjoyed from hard work done. Devoid of this, they can experience very little real fulfillment or satisfaction in life, and their readjustment is not easy. Their need to do extremely well in something is very great indeed.

From the grim picture that comes to light it would appear that Anthony Powell was not very far off the mark when he wrote, "Growing old is like being increasingly penalized for a crime you haven't committed." This is a grim reality though the contrary should have been true. The twilight years ought to have been the best years of a person's life; freed from the responsibility of having to make a living, one finally has all the time to actually live - "sit in shade/reliving the good old times/letting bad memories fade."

--Leon Trotsky

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We will not disagree that old age as we know it presents frightening challenges to individuals and societies. But we also disagree in part because old age is new that it is a life stage covered in myths and misconceptions. Simply put, much of what we hear about old age is not correct, that it is all and only about loneliness, depression, intergenerational wars. Like every phase in life, old age does have its problems in fact, we'd agree with the accepted stand there are more problems linked with old age than earlier life stages. However, much so-called knowledge about old age is assumption. We know fewer about the last 30 years in life than we know about the first five.

Photo Credit: flickr under creative common license.

Old age has become, for the first time in the history of the human species, a regular stage in life. Human culture has produced old age and now it is essential that we create a new culture to support it. There is nothing you can do to prevent the aging. But old age can be an interesting and emotionally pleasing stage of life if lifted social and structural obstacle and we create a culture of old age.

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Every so often one is not quite so lucky and then the days are longer and emptier. It is lamentable but whenever we think of senescence, what automatically come to mind are visions of solitude and neglect. And if we integrate to these failing health and illness the picture becomes filled with a sense of helpless despair. Although it is true that at no stage of life is it ever smooths sailing and every stage has its own attendant problems, those of senescence seem insurmountable because the physical ability and mental resilience to cope with adverse situations are vastly reduced. And, to top it all, if there is no one else around even remotely intriguingly fascinated in whether the problem at hand merits a solution, the fight becomes that much harder.

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Illnesses must be diagnosed and treated with the help of doctors, treatments, tests and therapies - and then the bills come pouring in and the financial burden becomes yet another problem of old age. No matter how large the nest-egg one has carefully managed to put by, the sum remains constant while expenses mount. It is not just medical bills but sky rocketing prices of just about everything required by one. In the ensuing struggle to balance the books, many familiar trappings of life that one had become accustomed to, have to go - and this brings more despondency. Added to this is the depressing anxiety of not knowing just how far ahead one must plan or for how one must make the money last.
After you're older, two things are possibly more important than any others: health and money.

Helen Gurley Brown

Old people have limited regenerative capabilities and are more prone to disease, syndromes, and sickness than other age groups. There is often a common physical decline, and people become less active. Old age can reason, along with other things:

♠ Hair loss
♠ Change of hair color to gray or white
♠ Wrinkles and Liver spots on the skin.
♠ Agility and Slower reaction times
♠ Reduced ability to clear thinking.
♠ Lessened hearing
♠ Diminished eyesight
♠ Difficulty recalling memories
♠ Lessening or termination of sex, sometimes because of physical symptoms such as erectile dysfunction in men, but often simply a decline in libido.
♠ Greater weakness to bone diseases such as osteoarthritis.

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Heart Disease: This is the main cause of death accounting for geriatric death. It accounts for approximately over one-third of deaths in the elderly, mainly from coronary disease, stroke and congestive heart failure, the basic process being that of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries that provide pure oxygenated blood to the heart, the brain, the kidneys, the viscera and the limbs.

Though we do see some patients with congenital heart diseases such as aortic stenosis and atrial septal defect, and rare cases of rheumatic valvular lesions in those age above 60, yet the familiar cardiovascular problems seen in the elderly are due to:

1. Coronary heart disease (heart attacks and angina)
2. Hypertension
3. Stroke
4. Arrhythmias requiring pacemakers or drug treatment
5. Congestive heart failure
6. Varicose veins
7. Painful claudication of legs due to atherosclerotic narrowing of arteries, thereby hampering blood supply specially when more blood is required, such as during walking.

8. Weakening of the walls of large arteries and aorta also results in sac-like widening of these blood vessels, the disorder called 'aneurysms' and rupture of one of these may result in loss of consciousness, paralytic stroke and even sudden death.

A further type of heart disease seen in link with chronic lung disease in the elderly is the condition of chronic cor pulmonale, a condition of right heart failure (leg oedema, liver congestion, Cyanosis and congested prominent neck veins), as result of chronic bronchitis, smoking, or after lengthy exposure to domestic of industrial smoke and fumes.

The joining of the bones between your upper and lower leg form a complicated support structure called the knee joint. Your knee joint lets you to bend and rotate your knee, assisting you to walk and run freely. Due to its repeated use, the knee joint is vulnerable to injury and harm that can cause knee joint problems. Specific types of complaint can also cause knee joint problems. If you experience symptoms related with knee joint problems, contact your doctor for further evaluations and care.

Excess of body weight places added pressure onto these joints causing pain and lessens overall mobility and flexibility of the joints. The most general cause of osteoarthritis in Americans is obesity. An early treatment for curing osteoarthritis involves of an efficient weight loss program merged with a healthy and nutritious diet, which is firmly recommended by doctors. A healthy diet that includes correct portioning of food will help cut weight and keep the weight off:

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A considerable number of old people who have pains in the joints have them because of arthritis. The pains generally strike first in the outer joints like wrists, carpels, fingers on both sides or joints with a history of injury. If an old aged patient totally lacks hand and wrist pain involvement, a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is doubtful. Load bearing joints are also susceptible. In the past arthritis was connected with old age in people's minds and there was a tendency to suffer it stoically as inevitable. It is a severe disease, though, with a much reduced life span and a 27% mortality at ten years.

Acupunture: It is constructed on the theory that inserting hair-fine needles along certain energy lines can help stimulate energy-flow. It can therefore help in decreasing pain.

Alexander technique: - It contains analysing whole body patterns, rather than a certain part of the body which includes the symptom. It is designed to help us manoeuvre in a better way and remove tension to give a greater effect during old age.

Aromatherapy: It is a system similar to that of massage. It comprises the use of extracted oil from flowers, plants and trees, and using it in blend with massage, baths and steam inhalation.

Homeopathy: has its ancestries in history. Established in the 18 century, it's a system of remedies based on the principle that taking tiny amount of natural substances to stimulate body own defences against arthritis.

Medicated sesame oil helps loosen stiff joints, clears toxins, nourishes tissues, relieves pain, counters the aging process, enhances the skin, improves blood circulation, and regenerates the nerves
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One has to influence his body weight. Then, one must in-take lots of water. Take extra salads. Sidestep fatty and starchy food.

Old people suffering from knee pain must not wear high heels. If the disease has not advanced much, removing synovial membrane or cleaning the joint through arthroscopy is enough to dismiss the pain.

Depression can be a sign of a physical disease. It can be a psychological response to the illness, or directly caused by the physical ill health.

♥ Physical illnesses that amplify the risk for depression include: Stroke, Cancer, Heart Disease, Thyroid disorders and Parkinson's disease.

♥ Indication of depression may occur as part of dementia (Alzheimer's Disease)

♥ Warning sign of depression are also a side effect of many drugs normally prescribed for the elderly.

Depression in the elderly is a general problem, but is often not acknowledged or treated. In the elderly, a number of life changes can increase the risk for depression, or make presented depression worse. Old people often use alcohol to self-treat depression, but this may make symptoms worse.

Many old age people will not acknowledge to feeling depressed, for concern that they will be seen as "weak" or "crazy." A few old people will not report their depression because they believe that feeling sad is "normal," or that nothing can be done about it. Don't hesitate to contact your Doctor for further advice.

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Fortunately, many people reach old age with their memories undamaged. Knowing the hazards and symptoms of Alzheimer's can help you realize your own chance of developing this Alzheimer's Disease. This Disease is the most familiar type of dementia among older people. Old people who have dementia have problem with everyday activities. Older may act mystified, have difficulty understanding what is said to them, or have disturbance communicating their own thoughts and needs. In addition to Alzheimer's, dementia can have other causes, including stroke, infection, illness, and certain drugs.

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A new study suggests that older people who have strong muscles may be less likely to develop Alzheimer's Disease (AD) than similar seniors who are physically weak. Researchers measure the strength of nine muscle groups in each of 970 dementia-free seniors ages 54 to 100, and tracked the study contributors for four years. At some stage in follow up, 138 participants developed AD.

The researchers reported in the Archives of Neurology that persons who graded in the top 10% for physical strength had a 61% lower risk of rising AD and a 48% lower risk of mild cognitive troubles than those who positioned in the lowest 10%.

The researchers think that an underlying mechanism may cause both loss of strength and fading mental ability, and advised older people to stay physically effective to help make sure good brain health.

In a survey, researchers looked at more than 2,800 people aged 65 and over with diabetes who took part in a national health survey in 1999-2002. The study showed more than 15% of Americans over age 65 had diabetes. The study, which included interviews, physical exams, and blood samples, estimated about 2.4 million more old age peoples have diabetes but don't know it. Researchers found those who had been detected with diabetes during middle age, distinct as 40-64, suffered from a very dissimilar set of health problems related to the disease than those identified later in life.

For instance, those diagnosed in middle age had more cases of Diabetic Retinopathy, an eye condition related to diabetes that had an effect on the tiny blood vessels of the eye.They also had much poorer blood sugar control. Nearly 60% of the elderly with middle age- identified diabetes had poor blood sugar control, compared with 42% of those with later-onset diabetes.

Problems with high blood pressure and high cholesterol were common in both groups. However, elderly patients diagnosed with diabetes later in life were less likely to be taking medications for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, suggesting that elderly individuals may actually require less treatment to remain in control of cardiovascular risk factors.

By the time a person reach the age of 60 to 65 years, his habits are thoroughly deep-rooted in him and this is especially so with his dietary patterns. As a person ages and illnesses set in, it becomes compulsory for the elderly to change their dietary habits.

It is all about lifestyle. Old people who live in a home with their family or in a old age care home are more likely to feed on a nutritionally balanced diet that those who live alone. Out of accessibility seniors often consume something that is either unhealthy or lacks of nutritional value. This often stops from their resistance to cook a fresh, healthy and balanced meal when they will be eating alone. Another offender of lifestyle problems can be omitting meals which can slow the metabolism and disturb the body's internal digestion clock. Nutrition is serious to maintaining old people's health and a proper diet begin in the home.

Take a satisfaction in everything you eat and drink throughout the day. An assortment of whole cereal grains, natural rice, beans in all their hues, lentils, chickpeas, nuts of separate shapes, colorful fruits, the attractive range of roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds of vegetables in their innumerable forms and textures, give you infinite choice. Herbs and spices add delicate sensuality. If you like meat, make use of it as an interesting, flavourful extra, feasting on it rarely.

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If you eat a diet based on whole foods, considerately prepared, you will almost positively receive all the goodness you need and the best mixture of nutrients. There is no necessity for nutritional supplements. The main components of a basic beneficial diet are: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and fibres. The majority whole food contains many nutrients in varying extent, so an assortment of foods will give you a good balance. To eat well and feel healthy, choose whole, fresh, or cautiously processed foods, and flavour those of vegetable origin.

Healthy eating is essential no mater what your age is. If you eat properly, you are likely to feel healthier, stay energetic for longer and keep yourself against illness. Eating regular meals and snacks is a worthy habit. If you get used to missing meals, or eating unhealthily, you may begin to feel tired and rundown.

Tagging the older persons as a "special" or a "needy" population is problematic. Older persons, by and large, cope reasonably well. The drawback is not a needy population. Rather, the problem curtails from massive structural inequities.

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The most vital fact to highlight is that the status of the old man is never 'won' but always 'granted'. They fitted to an unproductive minority, and their fate hanged upon the interests of the active majority. When the majority wished to dodge lawless rivalry between its members and to preserve the established order they found it appropriate to choose men of a different kind to act as intermediaries, adjudicators or representative figures, men upon whose authority all could agree; and the aged apparently fulfilled these conditions.

They are required for the working out of the problem, but once the answer has been attained they are eliminated. Old age was powerful in the stratified and repetitive China, in Sparta, in the Greek oligarchies, and in Rome up until the 2nd century before Christ. It played no political part of any kind in the periods of change, expansion or revolution. More than the struggle between the generations, it was the class struggle that gave the concept of old age its uncertainty.

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A number of the age connected decreases happen not because of the process of growing old, especially of acquiring the physical and mental characteristics of old age process, but as a consequence of our way of leading the life, habits including fitness programs. Many muscles and joint trouble are the result of weakness and stiff and bendable only with difficulty. By increasing your muscle and elasticity, you can prevent injury and slow the age-related decline of muscle activity. Idle people become more delicate than active people and are more likely to sustain a serious fall that could lead to bedridden, total disability, dependence of others, and even to death.

Exercise can slow and even reverse much mechanism of the growing old, especially by gaining the physical and mental characteristics of old age process. Appropriate exercise can refresh you and take years off your sequential age. On other words, exercise can enlarge years to your life.
Person, above the age of fifty have marked increases in their muscle tone, strength and increasing respiration and heart rates capability. They have become more fit and enormously strong and active, physically or mentally than ever before. One of the things that happens when you start strength training is that connective tissue, such as ligaments (a sheet or band of tough fibrous tissue that connects bones or cartilage at a joint or supports an organ, muscle, or other body part) and tendons (an inelastic cord or band of tough white fibrous connective tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone or other part), gets stronger along with your muscles. This helps to defend your joints from injury and makes everyday works easier, such as walking upstairs, carrying provisions, keeping up with children and daily routine works.

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Several fitness programs include low-impact work-out and fitness training, games like shuttle cock and dinner party are also a fun way to stay in shape. Whatever form of fitness exercises you choose to do, you should embrace ones that employ a mixture of fortitude strength, balance and flexibility exercises. Before starting, check with your physician to see if there is any worry, or a cause of worry. Appropriate exercise can decrease feebleness in old age thus helping to make a person's last few years be filled with active participation instead of the bedridden existence.

Re-examine the following holy-scripture passages to get a thorough perceptive from the Bible examples just what an electrifying and productive old age can be like.

In 1 Tim. 5:5-10, there is the example of a widow alone who faces the occupational hazard of widowhood in loneliness. However, this woman trusts in God, uses the promises of the Bible, and keeps on praying. A widow who is "well reported for good works" is making the most out of old age.

In Acts 11:36-43 is the story of Dorcas, "full of good works", given to hospitality, who "washed the saints feet", made garments, relieved the afflicted with her nursing skills, and was a producer of divine good. She had mastered the details of life.

In Tim. 2:1,2 there is a discussion of the characteristics of godly elderly men. They are to be healthy minded, alert, sharp, with Christlike character, masters of the details of life ("temperate"), "sound in faith", having spiritual healthy because of doctrine, being free from mental attitude sins such as bitterness, envy, hostility, having mental attitude love.

In Tim. 2:3 ff are listed the characteristics of godly older women. Their shining inner beauty reflects the glory of God. They are not false accusers or guilty of maligning, evil speaking, or gossip, and they are not vindictive. They are also temperate and able to teach good things to the younger women. They had skill and wisdom and had the willing attention of younger women. They taught the young women to be healthy minded, emotionally stable, to have sound judgment, to be poised, in control of themselves, thoughtful, to be free from carnality ("chaste"), to be morally good, and to respond to their husbands.

From these examples we wind up that there is a lot to do in old age, that old age can be a golden age, not automatically in reliving the "good old days", but in enthusiastically enjoying the present and the future.

Ayuveda terms old age as "Vardhakya" which begins from the age of sixty. During old age, the process of degeneration begins, and the body succumbs to various diseases. Hence, holistic science suggests that along with medications for combating the diseases, a will power to accept the unpleasant changes in the body also plays a major role in combating diseases.

The greatest medicine for old age is 'love and affection shown by kiths and kin'. In old age due to degenerative process body yield too many syndromes. Beside with medication, a will power to fight the unwelcoming changes of body, gives much in fighting against the disease. Along with alternative therapy we also make available psychological support with nectar of philosophy of all religions

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In case you have always connected old age with illnesses, weakness, and sadness, you are wrong. That could be because older people are happier in everyday life. Some psychologists state that older people seem like happier mainly because they are inclined to concentrate on and don't forget positive events let go negative ones.

Many individuals particularly the younger ones, for instance may themselves feel great by highlighting the negative in others' situations or characteristics. Whereas some psychologists feel high scores on certain cognitive tests associate in aged people together with the ability to keep their spirits up, other researchers theorize that happiness in future every day life is a visible impact of cognitive losses, which force older people to focus on on simpler, happier thoughts.

Approximately one third of older people over 40 have an inner ear dysfunction. It can throw them off balance and critically increases the possibility of falling, according to a recent investigation by John Hopkins University researchers, who tested more than 5000 older people. The chances increases with age: For example, those in their seventies are four times likely to be pretentious than those in their fifties. The diabetes, which can spoil the inner ear, enlarges the risk by 70%. If you are above 60, ask your physician to test your sense of balance, and if it is weaken, take steps to avert falls at home.

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The Risk:

The risk of triggering a heart attack during normal sex in one's home is no more than the risk during other daily performances such as riding a car in a crowd traffic-infested market place which increases the heart rate to as high or higher level than during normal sexual activity. What is critical is the circumstance attendant on sexual act. Sexual activities carried out in the limits of the home in the marital bed with a compassionate wife are just another human function. Compare it with clandestine sex in a hotel room with a new partner with whom one's potency has to be proved; there may be lots of smoking and drinking prior to act; further, the anxiety and fear of being found out linked with feelings of guilt make matters worse. Obviously, the chances of precipitating a heart attack during sex under clandestine conditions become much higher. Most of the sudden cardiac deaths that have occurred are under such circumstances.

Precautions:

* Get out of sex activities soon after meals when much blood is turn away to the stomach for purposes of digestion, leaving less for the use of the heart, wait for at least two hours after meals.

* In certain positions are found too exhausting and lead to symptoms like breathlessness of chest pain, change the position to one less strenuous and let your partner play the more active role. And consult your Family doctor.

* Cardio-protective drugs such as Propranolol are normally prescribed after a heart attack or for Hypertension. A tablet an hour or so before the act may put off the heart rate and blood pressure from shooting up too high. Consult your Doctor who will be able to advice you on the suitable dose for you after making certain that there is no contra-indication for its use by you.

* Say 'No' to clandestine Sex.

* No Viagra like drugs.

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Old Age, Its Care and Treatment in Health and Disease

Publisher: London, Arnold Publication date: 1914 Subjects: Old age -- Diseases Notes: This is an OCR reprint. There may be typos or missing text. There are no illustrations or indexes. When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select from more than a million books for free. You can also preview the book there.

Paperback: 162 pages
Publisher: General Books LLC (December 31, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1151761958
ISBN-13: 978-1151761958
Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.6 ounces

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