Elderly

Chronic Disease and the
Elderly

Aging is a process of gradual and spontaneous change resulting in maturation through childhood, puberty, and young adulthood and then decline through middle and late age. The regeneration capacity of cells and other processes due to growth and maturation is lost over time, ultimately leading to an incompatibility with life. Although there is no certain age, 65 years is usually accepted as the beginning of old age. Old age, occurring in all living creatures without differentiation, is a continuous and universal process causing decreases in all functions. The average life span of people around the World has been increasing dramatically. The maximum life span, generally determined to be about 125 years for women and somewhat shorter for men, has changed little In recorded history, even though some experts suggest that it may be slowly increasing. Several factors influence longevity such as heredity and lifestyle, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and diet, and exercising appropriately.  
“Chronic diseases are prolonged illnesses that are rarely cured completely. Some examples are arthritis and hypertension. While not all chronic diseases are life threatening, they are a substantial burden on the health and economic status of individuals, their families, and the community as a whole. Chronic conditions affect the QOL of elderly people and contribute to disability and reduce their ability to live independently. This can create other issues like, depression, lack of social interaction and anxiety.”(Intro to Gerontology)2003
Chronic disease simply means persistent or recurring disease, usually affecting a person for three months or longer. A chronic disease is generally one that is hereditary or one that is the result of factors such as poor diet and living conditions, using tobacco or other harmful substances, or a sedentary lifestyle. Such a disease is not typically contracted from another person by contagion, because... [continues]

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