WHAT IS THE OLD AGE?
“Old age is a privilege, social success and challenge.”
Old age is a process which starts from the prenatal period and continues until the end of life. These are the changes of anatomic structure and physiological functions which take place dependent
on time.
World Health Organization (WHO) defines people of age 65 and above as “old age”. According to the progress of the old age and changes in body functions; people between the age group 65–74 are classified as “young olds”, 75–84 age group as “olds” and the group of age 85 and above is classified as “oldest old”.
1. CHANGES IN THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BODY IN OLD AGE PERIOD
Within the normal aging period, some changes concerning the body structure, organs and functions of the organs take place dependent on time. Apart from this, life style changes, some of which occur as a result of the changes in body structures and functions and some of which take place on emanation from the environmental factors take place.
For instance, being alone as a result of the death of one of the mates, decrease in social relations, economic deficiencies can be stated as an example for the above-stated condition. These changes may cause inadequate nutrition by affecting the nutrition condition negatively.
1.A. PHYSICAL CONDITIONS
The Physical Changes Which Occur in Old Age Period Are As Follows:
Body Weight: Generally, body weight begins to decrease after the age of 60. Especially the decrease in the weight becomes clear after the age of 80.
Body Composition: Some changes are observed in the body composition in line with aging. The amount of lean body tissue is decreases and the amount of fat tissue is increases. After the age
of 80 and later, the speed of reduction in the fatless tissues increases.
The amount of lean body tissue in the women is less than the men.The decrease in the amount of lean body tissue masses affects walking and balance by causing decrease in the amount of muscles and their strength. This factor increases the risk of falling and fracture.
Skeleton Sy stem:
Decrease in the amount of calcium within the bones occurs in the old age. Women lose 40% of the
total skeleton calcium in the old age period. Half of this loss occurs in the first five years after
the menopausal period. This loss continues with a slowing rate. Furthermore, activity is reduced due to the limitations and decrease in the flexibility of the joints. This effect may create the risk of obesity due to the difficulties in access to food and limitations of physical activity.
Water Metabolism:
Water percentage in the body decreases from 60% to 50%. Dependent upon the decrease in the feeling of thirst, water intake decreases. However, water loss from the body is more. Unless the water loss is compensated by the consumption of water and other drinks serious health problems may occur.
“Old age is a privilege, social success and challenge.”
Old age is a process which starts from the prenatal period and continues until the end of life. These are the changes of anatomic structure and physiological functions which take place dependent
on time.
World Health Organization (WHO) defines people of age 65 and above as “old age”. According to the progress of the old age and changes in body functions; people between the age group 65–74 are classified as “young olds”, 75–84 age group as “olds” and the group of age 85 and above is classified as “oldest old”.
1. CHANGES IN THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BODY IN OLD AGE PERIOD
Within the normal aging period, some changes concerning the body structure, organs and functions of the organs take place dependent on time. Apart from this, life style changes, some of which occur as a result of the changes in body structures and functions and some of which take place on emanation from the environmental factors take place.
For instance, being alone as a result of the death of one of the mates, decrease in social relations, economic deficiencies can be stated as an example for the above-stated condition. These changes may cause inadequate nutrition by affecting the nutrition condition negatively.
1.A. PHYSICAL CONDITIONS
The Physical Changes Which Occur in Old Age Period Are As Follows:
Body Weight: Generally, body weight begins to decrease after the age of 60. Especially the decrease in the weight becomes clear after the age of 80.
Body Composition: Some changes are observed in the body composition in line with aging. The amount of lean body tissue is decreases and the amount of fat tissue is increases. After the age
of 80 and later, the speed of reduction in the fatless tissues increases.
The amount of lean body tissue in the women is less than the men.The decrease in the amount of lean body tissue masses affects walking and balance by causing decrease in the amount of muscles and their strength. This factor increases the risk of falling and fracture.
Skeleton Sy stem:
Decrease in the amount of calcium within the bones occurs in the old age. Women lose 40% of the
total skeleton calcium in the old age period. Half of this loss occurs in the first five years after
the menopausal period. This loss continues with a slowing rate. Furthermore, activity is reduced due to the limitations and decrease in the flexibility of the joints. This effect may create the risk of obesity due to the difficulties in access to food and limitations of physical activity.
Water Metabolism:
Water percentage in the body decreases from 60% to 50%. Dependent upon the decrease in the feeling of thirst, water intake decreases. However, water loss from the body is more. Unless the water loss is compensated by the consumption of water and other drinks serious health problems may occur.
No comments:
Post a Comment