Gero 100 7380 Contemporary Issues in Aging

10/ 25/ 2015

Historical and Contemporary Perspectives Essay: Functional Decline

GERO 100 7380 Contemporary Issues in Aging (2158)

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        Functional decline is a loss of independence based on a deterioration in both physical and cognitive skills. When one ages, often times their level of mobility decreases whether by choice or medical impairment; however, this is a hindrance as they grow older. Exercise is fundamental for good health. Cognitive skills can also decline and occurs when the brain is not stimulated enough. That is why it is so important to do manipulative activities and cognitive exercises, such as puzzles, word searches, and crossword puzzles in order to keep the brain stimulated. It is a form of mental exercise.

        According to BMC Geriatrics, historically speaking, functional decline in the elderly stems more from being hospitalized when the patient is immobile, isolated, and lacking interaction with the day-to-day activities. “Thirty-five percent of 70-year old patients experience functional decline during hospital admission in comparison with pre-illness baseline” (JBM de Vos et al., 2012). As a patient reaches the age of eighty-five, the “percentage increases to 50%” (JBM de Vos et al., 2012). Research has shown that a patient is more at risk for functional decline while being hospitalized because of specific risk factors, such as anxiety and depression, accidents at home, or a lack-of caregivers.
        With more elderly in the world than ever before, aging is looked at through demographics. According to the UN Population Division, “1 in 5 people1 in 5 people are expected to be 65 or older by 2035.” This allows for a substantial growth in the elderly population, suggesting a 20 to 25 percent increase based on a physically active retirement community. (Human Aging— A Recent Phenomenon, 2009). Socioeconomic Status (SES) is considered the strongest predictor or determining functional decline and health outcomes. When an individual has a good income, an education, and maintained an occupation during most of his or her life, the lack of functional decline is less likely to exist. However, when Subjective Social Status (SSS) becomes an issue, the individuals social status and stress-level due to inequality causes problems. (Chen et al., 2012). A poor quality of life and mobility creates functional decline.

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                Another demographic influence for functional decline is environmental. It is believed that a persons environment “threatens the health and can potentially accelerate functional decline.” (Schafer & Upenieks, 2014). Both the neighborhood and an individuals household has negative effects. Although there have not been many studies on how the household compromises an individuals functional decline, the truth of the matter is that 80% of older adults time is spent in his or her living space. Consequently, a disheveled and cluttered home may cause an individual to fall. The bigger demographic problem is found in the neighborhood. Because there is excessive noise, and often times inadequate lighting, the elderly feel unsafe. The ambient hazards of the neighborhood, traffic, and conspicuous trash brings on stress and often times deters the physical activity of the elderly (Schafer & Upenieks, 2014). The uneasiness felt can cause psychological distress; whereby, studies have shown that “21% of individuals” who see their neighborhood as unsafe are more likely to experience functional decline (Schafer & Upenieks, 2014).

        Functional decline is an important issue and one that cannot be ignored. In today's world, the loss of independence and the inability to care for ones-self is degrading. Elderly people want to take care of themselves. Needing assistance in the most simplest of activities, such as going to the bathroom, being bathed, and having meals prepared creates a world where the elderly, usually no fault of their own, have returned to a state of infancy. Loneliness is also an issue in the 21st century caused by the death of friends or family members, and a decreased line of communication. Because the world revolves around social media, most elderly either do not have a computer or do not know how to use one; therefore, loneliness causes a decrease in the quality of life. It is imperative that the elderly sustain a positive lifestyle. Mariko et al. (2014) states “changes in balance, mobility, and muscle strength are associated with aging and interfere with performance of activities of daily living and functional capacity.” The cure for this is meeting other people in a social environment. Getting involved in senior activity centers