Aging can be defined as the buildup of damage in molecules, tissues, and cells throughout an individual's lifetime. As a result of this accumulation, the capacity of an organism to sustain homeostasis in stress situations is decreased and enhanced risk for many diseases emerges (Rodriguez-Rodero et al., 2011). The process of aging, which is commonly known as senescence, affects people in different ways because of its varying impact on different parts of the body and at varying rates (Zastrow & Kirst-Ashman, 2016). Given these differences, the aging process is different between individuals as some seemingly age faster than others.There are several factors that affect the aging process and contribute to the differences through which some people seem to age faster than others. One of the major factors that affect the aging process is cell aging, which entails DNA damage and telomeres. In this case, aging is a by-product of progressive tissue degeneration and atrophy brought by a significant decrease in stem cell function (Rodriguez-Rodero et al., 2011). Increased cell damage and telomere reduction results in dysfunction that contributes to an aging body. Additionally, there are genetic variants linked to the aging process given the role of species-specific genotype in determining an individual's lifespan. Apart from genetic...
These environmental factors include individual choices that enhance the risk of disease and chances of looking older. Some people seemingly age faster than others because of differences in accumulation of damage in bodily cells, molecules, and tissues. The differences contribute to variations in progressive decline in physical and mental capabilities. Together with cell dysfunction brought by this accumulation, environmental factors like individual choices play a crucial role in the variation in the aging process between individuals.
Suicide Rates Among Geriatric Persons The causes of death among the elderly are traditionally associated with the normal aging process or what would be called natural process, diseases associated with age and the debilitations it can cause. Yet, other factors also contribute to the cause of death an individual might succumb to, widowhood, retirement, forced relocation, and/or loneliness especially around the holidays. (Huyck Hoyer 1982) Still other studies are making it
Psychological effects of aging on African-Americans The field of study on the aging process has gained significance in the United States of America in the recent past. The reason for this is that there is a rapid increase in the number of citizens of the United States of America who are above the age of sixty five and the quickest growing age segment is those who are above the age of
Dementia an Inevitable Part of the Aging Process? Dementia is a chronic and usually progressive deterioration of mental abilities and intellectual capacity due to changes in the brain such as widespread loss of nerve cells and the shrinkage of brain tissue. Since dementia is most commonly seen in the elderly, it is often erroneously considered to be part of the normal aging process. However, it is important to remember that
Psychology of Aging: Vignette Analysis Vignette one When we talk of socio-cultural age, we mean those particular roles played by individuals as regards the members of the society and the culture they belong to. The evaluation of socio-cultural age is based on a number of habits and behaviors, like the type of dress, interpersonal style and language. Socio-cultural age is mostly important in our understanding of the different work and family roles
Dementia and Normal Ageing Old age comes with quite a number of complications and change of behavior as well as physical changes. On the other hand, dementia also comes in with several symptoms that are closely related or similar to those displayed by people in old age. This makes it quite tricky for the family members of an ageing individual to tell whether the person is undergoing normal ageing or has
Psychology of Aging Compare and contrast current research on alternative stage theories of adulthood and personality development. Child developmentalists traditionally categorized adult personality development into stage theories (Kagan, 2001). Sigmund Freud advocated the psychosexual stage, which held that personality is shaped early in life and generally resists change. Carl Jung proposed the opposite, in that personality develops in adulthood. Other theories surfaced in the 30s an the 40s in Europe and the
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now