Geropsychology is a field within psychology devoted to the study of aging and the provision of clinical services for older adults. As researchers, geropsychologists expand knowledge of the normal aging process and design and test psychological interventions that address problems that commonly arise as people age.
These include feeling sad constantly, tiredness and lack of energy, lack of self-worth, unexplained weight loss or weight gain, insomnia and reduced appetite. This may be caused as a side effect of certain medications or treatment, as a result of frustrations caused by other physical ailments or just an effect of age.
Psychological effects can start to exhibit as early as you experience the initial visible signs of aging. Men and women become more conscious about their looks and body shape because it influences their social and professional life. This may cause mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and increased distress.
Along with new physical, social, and emotional challenges, increasing age brings changes in cognition and emotion that have impacts on subjective well-being, social relationships, decision making, and self-control.
A big reason that parents develop a more pessimistic attitude with age is boredom. Health conditions and weakness may leave older people sitting around for most of their day. This inactivity encourages them to act out more frequently because they are discontented with their daily lives.
Common psychological issues affecting older patients may include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, delirium, dementia, personality disorders, and substance abuse. Common social and emotional issues may involve loss of autonomy, grief, fear, loneliness, financial constraints, and lack of social networks.
The most common mental disorders in older people include depression, anxiety, and substance abuse [2]. Mental disorders are associated with increased healthcare costs, mortality and suicide, along with interference with daily living, and a reduction in quality of life [3].
A person can therefore have a psychological age that exceeds their chronological age if they are mature or at least feel older than they really are. For example, this may be common in adolescence when young teens that feel older than they really are engage in behaviors typical of late teens and early adults.
What's happening. With age, bones tend to shrink in size and density, weakening them and making them more susceptible to fracture. You might even become a bit shorter. Muscles generally lose strength, endurance and flexibility — factors that can affect your coordination, stability and balance.
Fatty foods, high sugar content, lots of alcohol and caffeine, and heavy dairy are the staples of poor nutrition after 70.
From Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and diabetes to hypothyroidism, Wilson's disease, and epilepsy, a number of medical conditions are associated with irritability, anger, and despair—each of which can lead to an uptick in complaining.
Depression, anxiety, grief, and PTSD are all mental health disorders that can have increased anger as a symptom. Your loved one may need professional therapy to learn how to handle his or her emotions. Some seniors need medication to address severe anger.
No matter how much you love your mom, it is normal to feel impatient and angry about the changes that aging triggers. If you are personally involved in her care, you may feel particularly frustrated with the way her needs interfere with your life. Guilt. You also are likely to feel guilty as your parent ages.
Try gentle touching, soothing music, reading, or walks. Reduce noise, clutter, or the number of people in the room. Try to distract the person with a favorite snack, object, or activity. Limit the amount of caffeine the person drinks and eats.
In a lot of cases, the old people are losing their autonomy and a sense of control over their lives. This is because the medical problems are taking over a lot of their time. Because they are becoming more fragile overall. To them, behaving in a difficult and stubborn manner is a way of maintaining that autonomy.
If you have persistent depressive disorder, you may find it hard to be upbeat even on happy occasions. You may be described as having a gloomy personality, constantly complaining or not able to have fun.
The Golden Rule emerged from the case of Kenward v Adams 1975 during which Mr Justice Templeman said that where a testator (the person making the Will) is elderly or has been ill, the Will ought to be witnessed or approved by a medical practitioner who is satisfied of the capacity and understanding of the testator and ...
This article outlines the top causes of death for adults over the age of 65, starting with the number one cause: heart disease. Using disease prevention strategies, such as eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight, can help you avoid or reduce the impact of some these conditions.
For most people, the answer to “At what age does your face change the most?” is sometime in their 50s or 60s. This is around the time that the effects of gravity and fat loss become extremely noticeable.
The most common signs of premature aging include: Skin changes like wrinkles, age spots, dryness, loss of skin tone, hyperpigmentation around your chest and sagging. Hair loss or graying hair. Gaunt face (sunken cheeks).