The
Diseases, illnesses and disorders can have an effect on one’s health at any
period in life, but, as one grows older, the likelihood of developing certain
diseases and disorders increase. In medical terms, the disorders which come as
a result of old age are referred to as geriatric syndromes. Ong et al. (2011)
lists some disorders: amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hearing loss, depression,
and multiple sclerosis, stroke related aphasia and abdominal perforation as the
major ones. If not, well managed, one disorder can lead to other disorders. For
instance, depression can lead to dementia and a small infection can lead to
inflation in diabetes. Conversely, the disorders have no longer the same
effects they had in the aging people as a number of them have been controlled
(Ong et al., 2004).
According
to Hasler (2014) a healthful
diet and regular exercising can significantly help one to age free of diseases.
Some of the chronic diseases and illnesses which have been associated with old
age include: arthritis, heart disease, cancer, respiratory diseases,
Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis, influenza and pneumonia but, by maintaining the body mass index of not
more than 25, one will significantly lower diseases such as heart attack and
cancer. Healthy lifestyles, for example, maintaining weight by being physically
active and quitting smoking, at a tender age, can help one to avoid health
risks at old age.
Amazingly,
discussions about the sex lives of the aging is considered a taboo by many
cultures, though, it is a worthy topic
because of the stereotypes, myths and biases it presents that the aged are sexless
thus affecting their feelings.On the contrary, research has found out that
one’s sexual activity doesn’t decrease with age! However, one may get bored
with his or her partner resulting to sexual inactivity or overindulgence in
drug abuse such as smoking-which is associated with old age may lead sexual
inactivity (Loe ,2012)
References
Hasler, P. (2014). Affective
disorders in the elderly Elaine Murphy Affective disorders in the elderly
Churchill Livingstone Edinburgh 1986 235pp, H/B £28.00. Elderly Care, 7(11),
28-28. doi:10.7748/eldc.7.11.28.s22
Loe, M. (2012). Pleasure in Old Age. Sex for Life, 278-296 doi:10.18574/nyu/9780814772522.003.0014
Ong, R., Kwa,A. L., & Lee, W. (2011). Dual Pneumococcal and Influenza
Vaccination in Elderly Patients with Chronic Illnesses: Protective Benefits
Overestimated? Clinical Infectious Diseases, 52(4), 558-559.
doi:10.1093/cid/ciq187
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