Good Example Of Ageing Well Research Paper

Introduction

The beginning of the 21st century has been the most remarkable times in the history of human life with respect to life expectancy. Most people on a planetary scale are living longer than was previously envisaged. More than 36 million people in the US are above the age of 60, and the same is replicated across a number of European countries. Longer life is dependent on a number of factors such as better living conditions, improved health standards and proper medical care. Individuals who are 40 years old can prepare to age well if they understand certain issues that can aid them to age gracefully. This paper puts into perspective physical, psychological and social factors that affect the essence of ageing well.

Social aspects of ageing

The sociological aspects of aging are defined by the changes that occur as individuals advance in age. It is, however, important to note that social perspectives of aging are diverse across different cultures. For instance, a 40-year-old individual in the US may not have similar ageing aspects as a person living in Africa or parts of Europe. Gerontologists have on many occasions provided a number of reasons to explain the essence of aging yet such perspectives can comprehensively be understood through theoretical perspectives. Individuals who are 40 years old can age well based on the different roles they undertake. Disengagement theory puts into perspective how an individual can age gracefully without suffering negative social consequences (Hochschild, 2000). The disengagement theory states that younger individuals can undertake vital roles in the society by appropriately defining the duties of the aged. Case in point is that older people should leave their previous roles in the younger generation and focus on the duties that complement their physical orientation. As people age, they become disoriented in terms of the physicality and mental well-being.
This functionalist aspect of aging intimates that there should be a transition through disengagement. The population of people who are 40 years and wish to age well should consider disengaging from activities that would otherwise have a toll on their mental and physical orientation. Activity theory intimates that people who are aging benefit extensively when they when they continue to be active. Ideally, the theory notes that the aging population should remain active in the society because their perceptions about ageing are fundamental and of the essence (Hooyman & Kiyak, 2011). The interactionist explanation notes that individuals can age gracefully by ensuring that they remain relevant in the society by taking part in various activities. This theory provides a critical insight to individuals who are aged 40 because it makes them remain active as a consequence of aging well. As the 40-year-old population age, the activities they engage in making them view the different aspects of ageing positively (Hooyman & Kiyak, 2011).
Conflict theory describes the challenges that individuals face as they age. Ageing can be a positive aspect though stereotypical tendencies in the society can extensively affect older individuals. Some of the areas of stigma include ethnicity, gender and race not to mention the social status (Hooyman & Kiyak, 2011). Conflicts are inevitable, and society has the responsibility of establishing mechanisms that can make ageing gracefully. To this end, individuals at the age of 40 can prepare for their ageing by ensuring that they wade off stereotypical tendencies that would otherwise condemn them to the periphery. The aged population is not homogenous in terms of their social status. While some of the aged population is wealthy, some are challenged to the extent that they are defined by poverty. The conflict theory intimates that individuals are devalued in the society because they are deemed to be economically unsuitable. Individuals can avoid the condemnation by the society by staying economically relevant in order to deal with the negative consequences of aging such as discrimination (Hooyman & Kiyak, 2011).

Psychological aspects of ageing

Ageing comes with different psychological changes that can determine if one enjoys or suffers at an advanced age. Vocational fitness is an important component that aids in ageing well. Case in point is that vocational fitness affects the functional abilities of the motor skills and the sensory components (Binstock et al., 2011). The changes that individuals experience determine the extent of their profitability in the social realm. The motor skills and sensory orientation affect individual decision-making. Aged individuals cannot make formidable decisions if they do not have a proper psychological ability to cope with vocational issues.
There are a number of assumptions that have been drawn in relation to the psychological aspect of ageing. One of the psychological assumptions of ageing is that most of the elderly individuals become constantly ill and disabled. Over the past few years, research has shown that those who are aged do not suffer the consequences of chronic illness and neither are they experienced. Most of the people who attract sickness and disease only suffer from hereditary diseases. Ideally, characterization of ageing with disabilities and illnesses is merely theoretical other than practical. Another inherent assumption is that ageing results in change of behaviors that promotes limited physical benefits (Binstock et al., 2011). Most of the aged population engages in habits that positively help them in enhancing longevity.
The idea that ageing promotes decline in mental sharpness should be understood against its consequences. For instance, most of the case of mental instability reported concerning ageing groups is that they poor in memory. Case in point is that most of the aged population finds difficulties in retrieving stored information. Essentially, ageing does not affect the recognition and performance. Psychological aspects of ageing further indicate that depression tendencies are limited. An individual is 40 years old can deal with the challenges of ageing by remaining productive and versatile in their physical being (Binstock et al., 2011). The psychological aspects of ageing are defined by the behavioral changes that occur while an individual is growing old. As individuals age, they become less active due to the decline of their biological organs (Birren et al., 2006). Case in point is that as the individual’s age, some of the cells in the cells in the body begin to wade off effectively weakening physique. Essentially, aged in people may not perform similar tasks that they did while young.
A person who is 40 years may not really suffer much of these consequences, but should prepare to take the necessary corrective measures to disallow disenfranchisements. Some of the areas that affected through ageing include the lungs, heart and digestive system. It is imperative to note that most of the anatomical challenges that are experienced by individuals can be dealt with appropriately (Birren et al., 2006). It requires a person to correctly identify areas of physical limitations seek medical or physiological attention before the ripple effects. The psychological aspects of ageing are confined to anatomical challenges that manifest, as people grow old. At the age of 40 individuals begin to face certain challenges that which affect their mental capacity, cardiovascular and digestive system.

Physical aspects of ageing

Physical aspects of ageing are inevitable and cannot be overemphasized. There are a number of risks that are associated with ageing; however, there are other benefits that come with old age (Saxon et al., 2010). For instance, the aged populations have increased mortality rates and improved operative aptitude. Ageing is associated with poor vision and impaired hearing ability. Case in point is that as people grow old; they become increasingly vulnerable making certain parts of their bodies to experience a number of challenges. Moreover, people have memory lapses as they grow old making them have a limitation in retrieving critical information (Saxon et al., 2010).
Physical disabilities negatively affect people to the extent that they may find it difficult to obtain proper health care. Mobility becomes difficult and individuals get confined to certain locations. Such tendencies are detrimental to the aged population and proper measures are needed to neutralize negative consequences (Saxon et al., 2010). A 40 year old should engage in physical exercises that aid them in improving their health. For instance, physical exercises help in reducing blood sugar levels among those who suffer from diabetes.

Conclusion

Psychological, social and physical aspects ageing are critical determinants of ageing well. Understanding the three aspects of ageing aids individuals to establish plans that can assist them age gracefully. Psychological aspects of ageing are characterized by certain anatomical challenges sensory and motor disorientation. The social aspects are defined by stigmatization such as race and ethnicity. To deal with such issues, 40 year olds who wish to age well should consider putting in place healthcare plan, take part in exercises and engage in activities that make them stay relevant in the society.

References

Birren, J. E., Schaie, K. W., Abeles, R. P., Gatz, M., & Salthouse, T. A. (2006). Handbook of the psychology of aging. Amsterdam: Elsevier Academic Press.
Binstock, R. H., George, L. K., Cutler, S. J., Hendricks, J., & Schulz, J. H. (2011). Handbook of aging and the social sciences. Amsterdam: Academic Press, an imprint of Elsevier.
Hooyman, N. R., & Kiyak, H. A. (2011). Social gerontology: A multidisciplinary perspective (9th Ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Hochschild, A. (2000). Disengagement theory: A critique and proposal. American Sociological Review, 40, 553–569.
Saxon, S. V., Etten, M. J., & Perkins, E. A. (2010). Physical change & aging: A guide for the helping professions. New York: Springer Pub. Co.