Question

Give your general opinion about the maximum geographic distribution of older population in USA by state and reguon and the factors influencing them?

introduction to Gerontology

Answer 1

Gerontology: Gerontology is the study of aged and the problems related to the aging.

Gerontology requires multidisciplinary approach where it includes other departments like human biology, physiology, psychology and sociology.

Gerontology focuses on physical,social and mental changes as they grow,Along with that increase of age, age related problems, risk factors for the aging related to aging process.

The US census bureau explains the the life expectancy of older adults is 77.1 years for the male people and 81.9 years for women by 2020.The population bureau reports that the population of older adults that is above the age of 65 years is 46 million by 2016 and can become 98 million by 2060 which will be contributing 15% of the total population.

Among all the states Florida and Arizona have the highest number of older population which are contributing about 20% of the total population and where as Alaska and Utah are contributing 11%of the older adults among all the population.

Factors affecting the life expectancy are:

• Gender-females have low mortality rate than the males
• Genetics-plays an important role in aging process.
• Prenatal and childhood illness which are associated with the future illnesses
• socioeconomic status-as the socioeconomic status lowers the life expectancy also lowers because of expenses related to medical car and the maintenance of healthy life styles will be difficult.
• Education-educated people will be able to take of their health properly because they will be aware of certain health issues than the uneducated people.Both education and socioeconomic status will have a positive effect on the life expectancy.
• Marital status-married people have less mortality than the unmarried or divorced people because unmarried people may have some of the psychological issues like loneliness.
• Life styles-a healthy life style always has a positive effect on the health as the age increases.
• Improved medical technology-since the technology has improved it is easy to treat some of the medical illnesses so that the life expectancy can be improved.

GERONTOLOGY

Gerontology is the study of old age age people and their problem during the aging.

People more than 60 years are considered as old age.Basically old age is not a disease but a physiological phenomenon where the individuals fails to adopt to the changes that will be taking place in the body.

Physiological changes during aging:

• Cardiovascular system:

Heart muscles and arteries become thick and lose their elasticity.

Cardiac output decreases by 25%.

So at more risk to have hypertension,heart failure.

To maintain good cardiac functioning can have healthy diet,regular exercise,frequent health check ups,stress management and ,healthy weight maintenance.

• Respiratory system:

Reduced cough reflex and ciliary action which can cause aspiration.Reduced lung expansion and alveolar surface area which leads to the development of asthma,COPD, hypoxia.

To maintain good pulmonary status smoking should be avoided,exercises can be done,avoiding the contact with infectious people.

• Integumentary system:

Subcutaneous fat decreases

Hair pigmentation decreases

Epidermis and dermis becomes thinner

To maintain good skin can avoid much exposure to sunlight,moisturizers can be used to rehydrate and adequate water intake.

• Reproductive sytem:

>In female reproductive system-narrowing of vaginal wall and loss of elasticity.Atrophy of ovaries and uterus.

>In male reproductive system-penis and testes reduces in size.Erectile dysfunction

• Gastrintestinal system:

Salivary flow diminishes

Gastric motility decreases and the secretion of gastric acids also decreases.

Constipation

-->can use laxatives,more fiber intake and eat small and frequent intake

• Musculoskeletal system:

Loss of muscle and bone density.Muscle diminishes in size strength will be lost.

-->can take high calcium diet,weight bearing exercises

• Nervous system:

Slow transmission of nerve impulses,reduced reflexes,memory loss and confusion

-->can do some puzzles and reading to activate brain

• Sensory system:

>vision-vision disabilities,pupils dilates

>hearing-hearing acuity decreases

>taste and smell-the sweet tastes are dulled