AGING
DR. C. O. MUME
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Some people believe that development ends with childhood and
adolescence.
There are others who are of the view that development continues
throughout life. This is because for certain individuals, old age is
a period of continued intellectual, emotional, and psychological
growth.
A preferred position is probably in between.
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Aging can be defined as the decline and deterioration of
functional properties at the cellular, tissue, and organ
levels. This loss of function leads to a decreased
adaptability to internal and external stress, increasing
vulnerability to disease, and mortality.
3
Individuals vary greatly in the onset of the aging process and
the rate and extent of its progression.
Differences in the manifestations of aging reflect differences in
functional capacity.
Functional capacity is a direct measure of the ability of cells,
tissues, and organ systems to operate optimally and is
influenced by genetic and environment factors
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Primary aging causes deterioration in cellular structure and
function, independently of disease, in healthy individuals.
Examples of the consequences of primary aging include
declines in cardiovascular function, and in muscle mass and
strength, as well as decreases in memory function
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Adulthood can be divided into three main parts: early
adulthood (about ages 18 to 44), middle adulthood (about
ages 45 to 64), and late adulthood or old age (about age 65
and above)
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Early Adulthood
Early adulthood is characterized by a peak in biological
development and the assumption of major social roles.
Young people generally leave home and begin to function
independently.
Sexual relationships become serious, and the quest for intimacy
begins
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Early adulthood requires choosing new roles (e.g., husband,
father) and establishing an identity consistent with those new
roles. Generally, this is the period that individuals make major
decisions with respect to occupation, relationships and marriage
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Establishing a self that is separate from parents is a major task of
young adulthood especially in some climes.
For most individuals, the emotional detachment from parents that
takes place in adolescence and young adulthood is followed by a
new inner definition of themselves as comfortably alone and
competent, able to care for themselves in the real world.
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Middle Adulthood
Physical health, emotional maturity, competence and power
in the work situation, and gratifying relationships with
spouse, children, parents, friends, and colleagues, all
contribute to a sense of satisfaction and well-being.
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During this period, individuals evaluate their earlier decisions and some
wonder whether their earlier choices are to be continued with or not.
Generally this is the time of the male and female climacterium, the period
in life characterized by decreased biological functioning. For women, the
menopausal period is considered the climacterium, and it may start
anywhere from the 40s to the early 50s.
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Late Adulthood (Old age)
The aging process is characterized by a gradual decline in the functioning of
all of the body's systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, genitourinary,
endocrine, and immune, among others. Many older persons retain their
cognitive abilities and physical capacities to a remarkable degree, although
some become physically weak and have significant cognitive deterioration
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For many, old age is a period of continued intellectual, emotional, and
psychological growth.
In some cases, however, physical illness or the death of friends and
relatives may preclude continued social interaction.
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Moreover, as persons experience an increased sense of
isolation, they may become vulnerable to psychopathology.
Growing evidence indicates that maintaining social
activities is valuable for physical and emotional well-
being. Contact with younger persons is also important.
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