Older People and Penultimate Assimilation
Dr. Jamila Yacoub
In many countries of the world, this stage of aging has a special importance in terms of psychology and health, which calls for the skill absorption of their abilities, and attention to their health, that will remove the depression of the stage from the elderly and occupy their time with what brings pleasure to their psyche,
It will also be an experience for the elderly to take them from their complicated moments and open a path for light in front of them, even by means of some tools in which they will spend their time and make them feel importance and love, in addition it is sufficient for them to live that period in peace, love, psychological calm and health.
Aging occurs at the level of physical changes as a result of the accumulation of large amounts of products from the interactions of molecules and cells over time; which leads to a gradual decline in the physical and psychological capabilities, and an increase in the possibility of disease, then death in the end.
But these changes are not inevitable. Some people may reach the age of 70 and enjoy good health, while some become debilitated and need the care of others.
The aging period is a biological fact that has its specific way of occurring outside the scope of human control, and its determinants differ from one society to another. In developed countries, age is considered an indicator of aging on the basis that (60-65) years is the age of retirement and the beginning of old age.
In many other areas, age is not taken into consideration to determine a person’s old age. There are other factors that determine the retirement age, such as the ability to perform the tasks assigned to him, meaning that aging- according to this perception- begins when a person is unable to participate effectively in society.
The factors that affect the psychological, health and social aspects of the elderly vary, including individual factors represented in habits, behaviors and changes resulting from aging, genetic factors represented in diseases, environmental factors at the level of the home environment, assistive technology, transportation and social facilities.
While the common health problems of the elderly vary between physical health problems, mental and psychological problems, and other social problems.
Safe and healthy aging means the ability to perform basic daily activities such as eating, dressing, bathing, walking, and using the restroom without the help of others for the longest life span, even with the use of walking and mobility aids such as a cane or an elderly “walker”. In order for the elderly to reach a healthy and safe old age, one must prepare for it from an early age, and there are some things that help a person maintain his health when he gets older, the most important of which are:
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Maintain healthy behaviors: such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and abstaining from smoking to help reduce the risk of chronic disease; improve physical and mental abilities, maintain cognitive function, delay dependency or dependence on others. The prevention of chronic diseases through life stages prevents the accumulation of negative effects and their risk factors, which leads to reducing the risk of diabetes or high blood pressure, and also reduces the risk of developing their complications, the most important of which are physical disability, stroke, and cardiovascular disease.
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Ensure that regular medical examinations are done.
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Staying in supportive environments that help them do the things that are important to them regardless of their lost capabilities, such as: access to safe and accessible buildings, transportation, and easy-to-walk roads.
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Get enough sleep, as many elderly people complain of sleep problems such as: insomnia, sleepiness during the day, and frequent waking during the night.
When we watch the eyes of the elderly around us who are looking for a relative, friend, or neighbor to help them, the size of the social responsibility that must be on the shoulders of relatives, and those who have a direct relationship with the elderly, is mainly confirmed.
Then it is the responsibility of government institutions and specialized civil society organizations, and everyone should assume the huge prominent role of responsibility towards the elderly and taking care of their various needs, which guarantees them a safe life that meets all their requirements.
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