Biological And Psychological Aspects Of Aging

Biological and Psychological Aspect of Aging

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Abstract

Though age is said to be just a number, as the years progress, changes occur. The life expectancy in the world today is decreasing and so is the category of people classified as aging. Universally, people who are aging are classified as those for whom the aging phenomenon under classification is universal. In addition, the process must be progressing with time leading to ultimate failure of an organ or system. The aging process is one that undergoes both biological and psychological changes. People who are aging have been perceived differently over the years. This paper shall highlight the perceptions of aging people today. It shall also analyze the biological and psychological aspects of aging.

Introduction

Aging is a complex and dynamic process. Several theories have been developed seeking to explain the aspects surrounding aging. As one ages, body weakness is evident with organ rate of activity reducing. It is often a realization of a limited lifespan with the reality of death

Biological and Psychological Aspects of Aging

becoming clear. Though aging is universal, individual differences are many. This paper shall focus on the biological and psychological aspects of aging. It shall venture into the perceptions of the aging and the safety elements.

Biological Aspects of Aging

Scientists have come up with theories to explain the biology of the aging process. They include; genes, programmed, wear and tear cross-linkage, free radical, clicker, error, and somatic mutation among others. Some biologists believe that excess poisonous byproducts become built up and form compounds that react with saturated fats in the body to accelerate aging. These theories refer to universal mankind, are progressive with time and lead to disfunctioning of the organs or system. (Russell, 2008)

Psychological Aspects of Aging

Psychology is the basic study of human behavior and attitudes. An individual develops due to internal and external influences. The aging process comes when one realizes that the things they used to do easily they can no longer do or do with great difficulty. It comes with retirement, economic insecurity and societal perceptions of the aging. It involves life evaluation, spiritual inclinement, social cultural responsiveness, responsible stewardship and aesthetic expression. (Russell, 2008).

Elderly people undergo frustration from mistakes done, decisions made or some things not fulfilled. The period is also characterized by death of a spouse which aging people have to deal with. The fear for death is traumatizing as one is never sure when it will be. Aging process causes inactivity of some body parts and sensory decline. This means that they need care and from this a feeling of helplessness and being burdensome sets in. This makes aging people wish to die faster. The issue of uncertainity of how their families will be after they are gone disturbs aging people. (Woodruff-pak, 1988)

Biological and Psychological Aspects of Aging

Perceptions towards the Aging

The social and cultural views of the aging have changed over time. There is an alarming increase in the number of the homes for the elderly. Indeed, cases of neglect, abandonment and mistreatment have been evident towards the aging. The life expectancy has been decreasing with the aging category being smaller. In the past years, the aging people were a sign of a successful life lived. They played key roles in advising the society and solving dispute due to their wisdom. Respect was adorned to them and care given maximally. They were crowned with grandchildren evidence that they children grew up well. Today, issues of retirement and stress among aging people cause them not to be resourceful. Parenting done by aging people characterized by neglect of their families leads to this. Cases of HIV AIDS have left the aging with a burden of responsibility. The care the aging need is becoming costly to be met by their families in terms of time, money and other resources. (Woodruff-pak, 1988)

Conclusion

Despite changes in the perceptions of the aging, there is need to care for them and help them deal with frustration and stress as they prepare for their death. The responsibilities the aging are taking of child care needs to be addressed to avoid early deaths of young people.

References

Russsell, C. (2008). Biological and Psychological Development, California: Vanguard University of South California

Woodruff-pak, D. (1988). The psychology of aging, Englewood cliffs NJ: Prentice Publishers.