The decline of older adults’ cognitive operations is connected with three major issues: limited processing activity, perceptual and sensory deficiencies, and weaker performance management (Mogle & Sliwinski, 2013). People in this age group often start having a deficit in sense perception and acquire a problem remembering things. I remember how my grandfather used to ask the same question several times and how we needed to talk louder for him to hear us. Apart from these difficulties, older adults are often worried about the looming loss of their ability to recollect words and details. However, research shows that “crystallized intelligence” (Mogle & Sliwinski, 2013, p. 55) – meaning the ability to apply skills and knowledge – is responsible for keeping these cognitive abilities. In addition to the loss of perceptual abilities and memory, there is another cognitive impairment that can present difficulties for the elderly called “fluid reasoning” (Mogle & Sliwinski, 2013, p. 56). Fluid reasoning is the power to establish innovative resolutions and compatible thoughts. Studies have revealed that this ability slows down with age (Mogle & Sliwinski, 2013).
The most severe impairment, combining in itself several of the ones mentioned above, is Alzheimer’s disease. This disease manifests as an inevitable dynamic brain derangement that gradually impairs memory and reflective abilities and leads to an inability to perform the most basic functions (Alzheimer’s disease, 2016). Alzheimer’s disease is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and is the predominant cause of dementia or cognitive function failure. Dementia varies from mild cases, when the disorder only begins to affect mental processes, to the most severe ones in which the affected person cannot do anything without assistance (Alzheimer’s disease, 2016).
To help prevent or diminish the debilitating effects of cognitive decline, researchers suggest cognitive training. Researchers have proposed two primary types of exercise: one focusing on training various cognitive skills and the other on enhancing cognitive abilities through physical activity (Mogle & Sliwinski, 2013).
The study of gerontology
Over the last several decades, the field of gerontology has reformed its aims from focusing on the problems of senior citizens to promoting new programs in which advanced age is regarded as a period of continuous improvement and progress. Such an innovative approach became possible due to changes in demographics, including longer life expectancies and generally improved states of health (Carr & Komp, 2011). Researchers have given this phenomenon the name of “the Third Age” (Carr & Komp, 2011, p. 1), remarking that gerontology now meets new challenges connected with studying the conveniences of this age.
In spite of older adults being in much better shape and having more opportunities than similarly, aged people did just a few decades ago, people at this age still face numerous difficulties. In their study “Culture, aging and well-being: The importance of place and space” (2011), Tahmaseb-McConatha, Volkwein-Caplan, and DiGregorio emphasize that age-related challenges are not only faced by the older adults themselves but also by their families, friends, medical workers, and society in general. These researchers remark that old age has to be dealt with not only along economic and social dimensions but also, to a great extent, from a cultural perspective. Tahmaseb-McConatha et al. mention specifically that cultural biases picturing the elderly as disabled nuisances must be eliminated (J. Tahmaseb-McConatha et al., 2011).
Among the specific challenges faced by older adults, health hazards are considered to occupy the dominant position. Researchers note that even with the enhancement of preventative medicine and treatment methods, older adults still face many risks of chronic and disabling illnesses and impairments. Researchers have also noted a growing number of cases of obesity as a crucial factor threatening people’s health. To prevent these factors from influencing the well-being of senior citizens, the authors suggest that older adults continue to lead active social and physical lives (J. Tahmaseb-McConatha et al., 2011). Systematic physical activity enhances health and reduces the threats of chronic disease. The researchers suggest physical exercise as one of the most effective precautionary measures, along with keeping a healthy diet, refraining from alcohol, maintaining good relationships, and lowering stress levels (J. Tahmaseb-McConatha et al., 2011).
Another challenge of advanced age is ageism, defined as the prejudiced and stereotyped treatment of the elderly. Ageism often results in the isolation of senior citizens and negatively impacts their lives (J. Tahmaseb-McConatha et al., 2011). However, even if they are not treated with bias and are kept in well-maintained nursing homes, older adults often feel lonely and unneeded. To combat this problem, specialists have invented various forms of allowing the elderly to interact with society. One great innovation was recently presented in a West Seattle nursing home, where the elderly patients are visited by the youngest children from a local school. The effect of this program has been notable: both age groups thoroughly enjoy and benefit from the interaction. The children learn to be patient and attentive, and the older adults become more active and cheerful (Nursing home, preschool combine for beautiful friendships, 2015). This fantastic program is just one example of a way to lessen the negative impact of the challenges presented by old age.
References
Alzheimer’s disease: Fact sheet. (2016). Web.
Carr, D. C., & Komp, K. (2011). Gerontology in the Era of the Third Age. New York: Springer Publishing Company.
Mogle, J., & Sliwinski, M. (2013). Perspectives on cognitive aging. In J. Wilmoth, & K. Ferraro (Eds.), Gerontology: Perspectives and issues (pp. 49-68). New York: Springer Publishing Company.
Nursing home, preschool combine for beautiful friendships. (2015). Web.
Tahmaseb-McConatha, J., Volkwein-Caplan, K., & DiGregorio, N. (2011). Culture, aging, and well-being: The importance of place and space. The International Journal of Sport and Society, 2(2), 41-48.