The Aging Process and Caring For the Elderly Essay

Abstract This report presents several aspects of aging. The report looks at a number of theories of why we age, the physical and mental changes we undergo as we age, and ways of caring for the elderly. TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION......................................................1 THEORIES OF WHY WE AGE............................................2 Genetics.....................................................2 Cellular.....................................................2 Physiological................................................2 PHYSICAL CHANGES..................................................2 MENTAL CHANGES....................................................5 Alzheimers†¦show more content†¦Cellular The best known theory of aging in cellular research is called the Hayflick Effect, which is named after the American microbiologist Leonard Hayflick. He found that certain human cells could only divide a limited number of times before they die. This may suggest that aging is programmed into cells. This could also account for the differences in the life spans of different animal species, and the differences in the life spans between the sexes within the same species. Physiological These theories focus on organ systems and their interrelationships. One area currently being investigated is the immune system. As we age the immune system gradually loses its capacity to fight off infections and other invaders. As a result, antibodies are produced that cannot tell the difference between friendly cells and enemy cells. Most experts now believe that aging represents many phenomena working together (Poehlman, 2012). PHYSICAL CHANGES The physical changes that accompany aging are not necessarily incapacitating, even though they may be discomforting or limiting. The body has less strength and endurance as it ages. 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