Understanding the changes that occur when people age is critical knowledge for many professions, ranging from educators to healthcare specialists. This process may turn one’s life unbearable at some point, yet, with modern advancements, many people can still experience their life in full at the age of 50 through 60. I believe that older adults still have a great chance to remain as active as they were, depending on their mental and physical condition. This essay will provide my thoughts on the changes in a person’s life between 50 and 60 years.
First of all, it is essential to acknowledge that each individual’s life is influenced by countless factors throughout their life. There are many adults that are considered in their prime at that age range, as their functions are very rarely impaired by age-related issues (Berger, 2018). However, past injuries, chronic conditions, pollution, bad habits, and many other factors may adversely influence the age at which the first critical impairments can occur.
Without any bad habits and with good genetics, I think that it is possible that a person will not experience any significant downsides of their age. There is a slight decrease in one’s physical capabilities, which includes weakened muscles, less flexible joints, and other similar effects (Berger, 2018). However, 50 years can become a perfect opportunity to take major positions in terms of one’s profession and societal status that influence the lives of others. A significant amount of experience that an individual acquires throughout their life becomes a valuable source of new connections and possibilities in life.
One’s standing in their community can define their further path in life, as people will start losing their immediate social cohort. Depending on the number of relatives and friends, a person can remain as socially active as before or begin losing their connection with a community. This factor depends significantly on an individual’s personality, which also will be affected by the aging process. An older adult is wisened by their experience that holds their character stable. However, I think that this acquired wisdom also makes it difficult for a person to change their views regardless of the righteousness of their beliefs. A 55-year-old person can strive to maintain intergenerational connections or become invested in their hobbies and interests, which depends on their personality traits. One’s culture will play a critical role in their position in life at that age. For example, there are cultures that put a great value on a person’s wisdom and will ensure that an individual will not be left forgotten (Berger, 2018). However, cultures with weak family bonds may cause people closer to the age of 60 to become lonely and abandoned.
Many people will have children who may produce offspring of their own, making an older adult a grandparent. I think that this is a paramount factor that can shape a person’s well-being later in life. Grandchildren can give an individual a new goal that can keep them as active members of society for longer. However, even without grandchildren, it is likely that older adults will have strong support from their children or relatives. This social network can prevent the early deterioration of one’s mental capabilities or the development of bad habits.
In conclusion, each individual’s life will be unique due to their past lifestyle, environment, and social support. There is a slight natural degradation of one’s health status, which can be either controlled through exercise or harmed by negative habits or dangerous living conditions. There are similarities in people’s development at that age due to traditional social roles that older adults take in accordance with their culture. It is not uncommon to see an adult in their fifties taking a position that requires decision-making and a vast knowledge base. Social support, one’s health status, and personality will affect the life of a 50-year-old individual greatly, leading to significant differences in outcomes during the next ten years.
Reference
Berger, K. S. (2018). Invitation to the life span (4th ed.). Worth Publishers.