Enjoy the pleasures of old age

Ageing is the accumulation of changes in a person over time. Ageing in humans also refers to a multidimensional process of physical, psychological and social change. According to psychologists, old people belong to three divisions. Those between 65 and 74 belong to the 'young old' group. Those between 75 and 85 are the 'middle old'. Those who are over 85 belong to the 'oldest old'.

One defect in the above classification is that chronological age does not correlate perfectly with functional age. For instance, two people of the same age may differ in their mental and physical capabilities. Depending on cultural and personal philosophy, ageing has been viewed as an undesirable phenomenon. To put it very bluntly, nobody wants to grow old and lose their good looks and mental strength. The biggest worry that troubles us is that old age brings us closer to death.

Although death is an inevitable phenomenon, modern medical science has been able to prolong the life-span of humans in some developed and developing countries. However, certain diseases still pose a threat to old people. Dementia is one such abnormal medical condition marked by multiple cognitive defects that include memory impairment. Scientists say that it is caused by many other disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Fortunately, dementia does not seem to affect a large segment of elderly people. At the same time, it can strike anyone irrespective of wealth or status. For instance, former American President Ronald Reagan once said that he was suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Neurological changes

With advancing age, most elderly people experience vision and hearing loss. Old people have to be conscious of neurological changes. Our nervous system is composed of neurons that receive, integrate and transmit information. According to neurologists, the neurons in the brain decline steadily with old age. Although this is something alarming, it is a normal part of the ageing process.

Elderly people are better at regulating their emotions

Some elderly people tend to forget names, numbers, addresses and minute details of a given subject. Others may find it difficult to communicate effectively or perform certain tasks such as going to the toilet. This can lead to serious problems when they begin to experience hallucinations, fears and delusions. In some extreme cases, elderly people lose control of bladder and bowel functions leading to incontinence.

With all the age-related problems, men, more than women, entertain sexual desires even in their seventies. Although medical scientists speak of 'male menopause', the changes in males occur gradually. Access to sophisticated medical care plays an important role in maintaining good health among old people. With proper guidance most elderly people have slowed down the ageing process to a great extent. As a result, the grey population in most developed and developing countries appears to be on the increase.

Natural phenomenon

It is common knowledge that about 150,000 people die each day across the globe. Out of them about 100,000 people die of age-related causes. This is a natural phenomenon that cannot be reversed by science.

Despite physical and cognitive declines seen in ageing, most elderly people do not think seriously of fast approaching death. This is partly due to the surprising finding that emotional experience improves with age. Most adults are better at regulating their emotions and thinking positively.

Most elderly people consult medical scientists to find out whether they could age successfully. This can be done if elderly people adopt three strategies. The first strategy is to remain physically and mentally healthy. For physical fitness we need regular exercise. For mental fitness we need to exercise the brain. By doing so, we can keep most diseases at bay. Secondly, elderly people must have the high cognitive and physical function capacity. Thirdly, and most importantly, there should be active engagement with life.

The good news is that Sri Lanka's elderly population has increased to four million or 18 percent of the total population during the past four decades. It is estimated that the rate will increase to five million or 22 percent of the total population in 2031. This is due to the availability of sophisticated medical care in the Government and private sectors.

Apart from scientists and psychologists, writers too have paid attention to ageing. Charles E. Carpenter is one such writer who said, "Those who enjoy the large pleasures of advanced age are those who have sacrificed the small pleasures of youth." The quotation is self explanatory but it is loaded with meaning.