Skin disorders in aging populations are often characterized by physical symptoms, which can be interpreted as unattractive by both older and younger individuals. Because the appearance of the skin, as well as hair and nails, influences the self-concept. Due to this, changes to the skin due to aging that are associated with negative reactions can cause damaging psychological responses from those affected. This may lead them to make changes to their health or appearance, which may or may not result in an improvement in their quality of life. Changes in the musculoskeletal system due to aging often affect an individual’s mobility, independence, environment, and pacing of life. These are all major factors that contribute to an individual’s psychological well-being. Becoming more limited in movement and options, especially if the progression of a change is sudden, can have a negative impact on an individual’s well-being.
Skin disorders that can affect an individual’s autonomy and dependency include hypothermia, hyperthermia, xerosis, rashes, and pruritus. Hypothermia, which is characterized by decreased body temperature, may be difficult to find in older adults as shivering becomes less prevalent (Saxon et al., 2015). Hyperthermia, the body’s increased temperature, can be undiagnosed as certain age-related cardiovascular, renal, and central nervous system diseases that may obstruct the body’s ability to perspire. Both hypothermia and hyperthermia may lead to a coma or even death, and the disorders should be treated as soon as they are identified, though an aged adult may not always be able to spot their symptoms. Xerosis, rashes, and pruritus are also all treated with emollients which aging adults may not be able to apply due to decreased mobility. Musculoskeletal diseases that can affect an aging individual’s autonomy include disorders such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoporosis can lead to seriously decreased mobility or even disability due to fractures due to weight-bearing vertebrae. Osteoarthritis is also likely to lead to low mobility due to the pain caused by joint enlargements. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur suddenly and is progressively disabling, and requires the patient to be assisted as the symptoms worsen.
In the case that an individual does not have a caretaker, their decreased mobility and independence can create feelings of isolation. Anxiety can stem from interactions between the individual in their family, possibly due to their inability to manage the aging person’s dependency (Ponce de Leon et al., 2020). The inability to be self-sufficient or even no longer having others rely on the individual may produce feelings of low self-esteem. The anxiety and negative feelings that can be caused by such changes can lead to some adverse effects in an aging individual’s social life. Poor mental health can often result in poor hygiene, which may exacerbate a physical condition. In addition, worsening mental well-being may push aging individuals towards unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse. If an individual’s condition requires hired assistance, medical equipment, or services, they may also begin to feel financial anxiety.
Changes can be implemented in the forms of treatment, environmental adaptations, preventions, and lifestyle improvements to navigate the challenges set by aging-related disorders. Treatments for skin disorders often involve ointments, emollients, and antibiotics, and therapies for more dangerous diseases. Prevention strategies should be implemented to decrease the rate of the disease’s progression. For individuals whose musculoskeletal diseases result in low or lost mobility, an environment that is adapted to their new needs should be configured. Lifestyle changes often involve dietary planning, supplementary intake of necessary components, and increased or decreased exercise.
References
Ponce de Leon, L., Mangin, J. P., & Ballesteros, S. (2020). Psychosocial Determinants of Quality of Life and Active Aging. A Structural Equation Model. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(17), 6023.
Saxon, S. V., Etten, M. J., & Perkins, E. A. (2015). Physical Change & Aging: A Guide for the Helping Professions (6th e.d.). Springer Publishing Company.