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Ageing

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Submitted By millieb
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In this world today it seems to be very hard to see old age as a positive transition. People these days see old age as the depressing side of life, the down word spiral, and the end of days of their life. These statements and beliefs are completely false. With the constrictions that society places on the elderly, such as forced retirement, they still strive to have positive and fulfilling lives as they grow old. The way people adapt to these challenges is crucial to the quality of life experienced. As people grow older each individual is faced with different situations, circumstances and difficulties. As a society how do we help older people adapt and have a successful ageing life and process?

The ageing process and adjusting to change isn’t always simple. Chronic and debilitating medical disorders, loss of friends and loved ones, the inability to take part in activities that once had incredible meaning can all take a toll on an older person’s mental and emotional state. The loss of control over one’s life often causes negative emotions such as anxiety, loneliness, and sadness and lowered self-esteem, which can lead to depression (Better health channel 2015).
The process of aging begins at birth and continues throughout life. Change is an inevitable part of the aging process. Sensation is the physical and mental process that allows us to receive information from our surrounding environment through the ears, skin, tongue, nostrils, eyes and other specialized sense organs. Sensory loss is defined as a decreased ability to respond to stimuli that affect our senses (hearing, touch, etc.). Imagine not being able to see a beautiful sunset, hear your grandchildren playing or smell your favourite flowers. These losses affect people in different ways. The impact of these losses can lead to social isolation, loneliness and feelings of depression (NDSU 2015)

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