Physical Changes in Late Adulthood
Late adulthood begins when an individual reaches the age of 65 and is accompanied by various physical, cognitive, and social changes. The physical changes in late adulthood are the development of wrinkles, changes in muscular strength, vision, hearing abilities, immune system, and reaction to some situations. Besides, the changes can be diminished in specific ways and have many consequences associated with them if not offset.
During late adulthood, a person’s muscular strength and mobility decrease. For instance, older people have problems moving around since their muscles start to shrink. The aged prefer sitting or sleeping most of the time, thus weakening their muscles more. Also, the eyesight and hearing abilities of individuals decrease as they reach late adulthood stage. The aged people’s skin gets weaker and thinner too leading to the development of wrinkles.
Moreover, during this stage, older people tend to have various diseases as a result of their weak immune system. The aged easily contract diseases and experience much harm as a result of their immune system not being able to help fight the diseases. Besides, some situations like the death of a loved one or relative lead to excessive stress for older adults than other people (Xu, 2019). Unlike the young adults, the aged tend to get depressed over some situations like the death of a loved one or any tragic events which may lead to adverse health effects.
There are various ways to diminish the detriments above, hence improving the health of the aged. For example, physical activity has benefited the physical functioning of older adults (Kulmala et al., 2016). Regular engagement in light exercises and health checkups can help strengthen the older people’s muscles, therefore aiding in their locomotion and preventing some diseases. Also, they should have social support to help with some health conditions (Xu, 2019). The lack of these offsets can lead to early deaths and adverse health conditions.
In conclusion, the physical changes experienced in late adulthood can lead to serious health conditions for the aged. However, with social support, good healthcare and exercising the problems can be somehow solved. Through these solutions, the aged can live longer and get to engage in normal activities, hence improving their health situations.
References
Kulmala, J., Ngandu, T., Pajala, S., Lehtisalo, J., Levälahti, E., Antikainen, R., & Soininen, H. (2016). Leisure-time and occupational physical activity in early and late adulthood concerning later life physical functioning. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 13(10), 1079-1087.
Xu, M. (2019). RACE, DEATH OF A SIBLING AND DEMENTIA RISK AT LATE ADULTHOOD. Innovation in Aging, 3(Suppl 1), S817.