As we age, we experience a long list of physiological changes. Muscle mass, metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, bone density, overall flexibility, cardiovascular output, oxygen uptake, motor skill functions, mental functions and coordination are all affected. Clinicians say that by age 70, pulmonary function, cardiac output, liver function, and kidney function all diminish to about 50% of that observed at age 25. And this is “normal” aging, separate from disease and pathology! (Sources: Physiological Aging, Age-related Physiological Changes and their Clinical Significance)
Many (young) people think that the changes of aging are mechanical and can potentially be reversed or prevented. All it will take is positive thinking, virtuous living, and some miracle elixir like wheatgrass juice or Human Growth Hormone. But despite our best efforts, we’ll be aging for the rest of our lives.
Some changes are predictable – wear and tear on joints and organs, weakening of vision and hearing. Others seem to strike randomly. Some result in a slow death and others a faster death. Age has no cure, so we may as well accept it.
With or without family, we all age physically. Family members have taken the lead and developed resources for people with specific diseases and conditions. They are the impetus behind organizations addressing Alzheimer’s, Cancer, Parkinson’s, and many others. (List of Research and Support Organizations)
These organizations are now beginning to look at issues for people without family caregivers. In 2012, the Alzheimer’s Association published its first report (PDF) ever on people with Alzheimer’s who live alone. They are working to better serve that population (2012 Facts and Figures). Hopefully, this is the wave of the future.
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