Issues Affecting Aging

As we grow in to adulthood, there are many things that start to change in our life and like the physical characteristics, mental capability, along with other things. The aging process does not proceed at a uniform rate all over the body. As we age, the various functions and physiological reactions of our body gradually slow down. These changes are not apparent until perhaps 50 years of age as they are not perceptible. We will not all age at the same rate, but the aging process is impossible to escape even though it may be postponed. Some changes can be forestalled by frequent medical checkups to make these years more comfortable and satisfying.

As we grow into later adulthood, we do not pay enough attention to our diet, nor do we pay enough attention to our health. When this happens people start to become malnourished. We tend to eat the wrong foods which in turn we will suffer from deficiency in our diet. The teeth in an older person may be defective and they may resort to eating softer foods and the digestion will become impaired as the body will be deficient in minerals and vitamins. Diets high in calcium promote better digestion; better vitality and better growth thus delaying the onset of old age. People tend to exercise less as they age and their metabolism becomes slower. Proper weight control is so very necessary for a person as they start to age. Rest is as important as proper nutrition and exercise even at frequent intervals. Tobacco and alcohol ingested can interfere with the health of a person as they age. A cheerful attitude in life helps to keep the body healthy especially the heart and blood vessels (D. Starnes, 2002).

As we age, our memory also changes. When we are young we have a great memory, we can remember telephone numbers, names of people, amongst other things. When we are young we have both good long term and short term memory. And as we age our memory starts to go. We start to forget people’s names and telephone numbers. Often times we have still have our

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long term memory, but our short term memory is what starts to diminish. We will remember things like our childhood memories, but we will not be able to remember what we did the day before.

Language processing is defined as a neuropsychological process where thoughts and ideas become verbalized. It involves the selection of words to be spoken (semantics) and the formulation of appropriate sentences or phrases (syntax). Language processing is made up of comprehension (our understanding of what is said) and expression (what we choose to say). Reading, writing and gesture are all included in language processing (Liverpool University, 2008). When we are younger our language processing skills is great, but as we age it starts to change. It takes