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GERONTOLOGY REFLECTION/RESPOND 4 Gerontology Reflection/Respond Name Institutional Affiliation Date Some of the changes to the physical and the mental well-being of the older adult and their ability to negotiate the life changes The aging is characterized with the biological and the physiological changes for example the sensory functions. This is affecting older people's daily functioning and exposing the risk of chronic illness, disability, and accidents. The biological and physical changes are also affecting the ability of individuals to cope with the most common chronic health conditions. The mental well-being of the individuals has affected i.e. changes in their intelligence, learning, memory, and the personality and increase in the wisdom.

The aging individuals also experience mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, suicidal attempts, substance use, and dementia. The mental changes lead to the changes in the living arrangement and experience of the negative events. Elderly individuals are living in the hopelessness and this might take longer thus exposing the individuals to the depressive illness and the suicidal attempts (Kiyak et al., 2014). Other emotional changes experienced by the elderly individuals include denial i.e. the refusal to acknowledge the changes that have occurred to them and this makes them ignore these changes and have the hope of regaining their previous physical and emotional well-being. These individuals also feel guilt and blame themselves and feel that they are in a position to prevent the loss in case they give the changes a different approach.

The feeling of guilt leads to social isolation, depression, and suicidal attempt. Other emotional changes include loneliness, sense of helplessness, extremely critical and suspicious behavior, regression, and selective memory (Kiyak et al., 2014). Elderly individuals experience changes in their skins i.e. thin and elastic and more fragile with the reduction in the fatty tissue. The reduction in the natural oils of the skin is making the skin to be drier and this leads to the formation of the wrinkles. The physical change is also linked to the loss of muscle strength and flexibility.

This is affecting coordination, stability, and balance. Loss of stability makes it hard for these individuals to participate in the economic activities thus increasing poverty and lack of food and shelter (Kiyak et al., 2014). Majority of the elderly individuals acknowledges the aging process as part of the life process. Nevertheless, some cope with the refusal to acknowledge these changes. This, therefore, implies that they ignore these changes and have the hope of having these changes going away by themselves.

The physical and the mental issues might therefore get worse with time when the proper treatment process is not initiated (Yu, et al., 2016). With aging, people are coming to negotiate their environment and this means that they are experiencing stressors less often especially the social stressors. Concerning the overall well-being, these elderly individuals have lower levels of adverse effects as well as higher levels of satisfaction as compared to the people in their twenties and thirties. Therefore, the cognitive, emotional, and social patterns that form the key features of the aging are quite positive for some elderly individuals (Moore, et al., 2018). Elderly individuals do have different methods of coping with the losses and changes in life.

The ability to cope with these changes depends on whether these individuals were able to make a fair adjustment during the adulthood hence leading to increased ability to adjust to the changes. On the contrary, when these individuals were resistant to the changes throughout their younger age, they are likely to continue to resist the changes and experience the adverse physical and the emotional effects (Kiyak et al., 2014). References Kiyak, A. H., Kawamoto, K. Y., & Hooyman, N.

R. (2014). Aging Matters: an introduction to social gerontology. Pearson Higher Ed. Moore, T. H., Kesten, J.

M., Lopez-Lopez, J. A., Ijaz, S., McAleenan, A., Richards, A., & Audrey, S. (2018). The effects of changes to the built environment on the mental health and well-being of adults: systematic review. Health & Place, 53, . Yu, L., Yan, Z., Yang, X., Wang, L., Zhao, Y., & Hitchman, G. (2016).

Impact of social changes and birth cohort on subjective well-being in Chinese older adults: A cross-temporal meta-analysis, 1990–2010. Social Indicators Research, 126(2), .

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Introduction

Gerontology, the study of aging and the challenges that come with it, emphasizes the changes experienced by older adults in their physical and mental health. As individuals age, they encounter biological, psychological, and social shifts that can significantly affect their quality of life. This reflection delves into the physical, mental, and emotional changes experienced by older adults, their coping mechanisms, and how they adapt to the life changes posed by aging.

Physical Changes in Older Adults

Aging is universally accompanied by various physical changes that can influence an older adult's daily functioning. Sensory functions often decline, particularly vision and hearing, which can increase the risk of chronic illnesses, disabilities, and accidents (Kiyak et al., 2014). According to Moore et al. (2018), reduced muscle strength and the loss of flexibility can impair balance and coordination, leading to falls, which are a significant health concern among the elderly.
Skin changes also occur, as aging causes it to become thinner and lose elasticity due to decreased fatty tissue and natural oils. This deterioration manifests as dryness and the formation of wrinkles. Enhanced fragilities could result in increased susceptibility to wounds and infections (Yu et al., 2016). The combination of these changes can significantly affect an elderly individual's ability to independently carry out daily activities, potentially leading to increased reliance on caregivers and social services.

Chronic Illness and Disability

Chronic health conditions, such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes, are prevalent among older adults. These conditions can exacerbate the physical changes of aging, making it increasingly challenging for individuals to negotiate their living environments (Moore et al., 2018). The inability to manage these conditions can lead to a cycle of deterioration in physical health, reducing mobility, and increasing instances of hospitalization, further complicating the aging process.

Mental Well-being in Aging

The mental well-being of older adults can also decline due to the multifaceted nature of aging. This population may face cognitive decline, which impacts intelligence, memory, and learning abilities (Kiyak et al., 2014). Emotional challenges often arise, including depression, anxiety, and loneliness. The manifestation of mental disorders can be triggered by multiple factors, including loss of loved ones, chronic illnesses, or a decline in social engagement.
According to Kiyak et al. (2014), feelings of hopelessness and isolation are prevalent among older adults, especially those who struggle with significant life changes. Many older individuals experience denial regarding their aging, which can hinder their ability to accept and cope with inevitable life changes. This denial may manifest as self-blame, leading to negative emotional responses such as guilt and shame, which can further exacerbate feelings of isolation and depression.

Coping Mechanisms

Despite the significant challenges posed by aging, many older adults develop effective coping mechanisms to manage their physical and emotional changes. It is essential to acknowledge that the ability to adapt often correlates with previous experiences during adulthood. For those who successfully adjusted to changes in their younger years, the transition into older age may feel less daunting compared to those who resisted change throughout their lives (Kiyak et al., 2014).
Support systems, such as family, friends, and social networks, play a pivotal role in helping older adults navigate these transitions. Engaging in community activities, exercise programs, and support groups can provide mental stimulation and emotional support, significantly enhancing overall well-being (Moore et al., 2018). Moreover, as Yu et al. (2016) note, social participation can foster a sense of belonging and purpose, which can improve life satisfaction and mitigate feelings of loneliness.

The Role of Environment in Aging

The environment in which older adults reside significantly impacts their overall mental health and well-being. A supportive and enabling environment can promote independence, while a poorly designed environment may limit mobility and exacerbate feelings of helplessness (Moore et al., 2018). Therefore, it is crucial for policymakers and urban planners to consider age-friendly designs in public spaces and housing.
Adaptations such as accessible transportation, safe housing, and inclusive community programs are vital to enhancing the quality of life for older adults. As noted in the studies reviewed by Moore et al. (2018), environmental modifications can lead to improved mental health indicators such as reduced anxiety and depression. Such initiatives can facilitate social connections and encourage older individuals to engage actively, thereby positively impacting their overall well-being.

Conclusion

The journey of aging brings several challenges, both physical and mental. However, it also offers the chance for significant personal growth and adaptation. Understanding the combined effects of physical decline and mental health challenges allows caregivers, healthcare professionals, and family members to better support their elderly loved ones. By fostering supportive environments, promoting social engagement, and encouraging healthy coping mechanisms, society can enhance the experiences of aging individuals, helping them lead fulfilling lives even amidst the inevitable changes that accompany aging.

References

1. Kiyak, A. H., Kawamoto, K. Y., & Hooyman, N. R. (2014). Aging Matters: An Introduction to Social Gerontology. Pearson Higher Ed.
2. Moore, T. H., Kesten, J. M., Lopez-Lopez, J. A., Ijaz, S., McAleenan, A., Richards, A., & Audrey, S. (2018). The effects of changes to the built environment on the mental health and well-being of adults: Systematic review. Health & Place, 53, 237-250.
3. Yu, L., Yan, Z., Yang, X., Wang, L., Zhao, Y., & Hitchman, G. (2016). Impact of social changes and birth cohort on subjective well-being in Chinese older adults: A cross-temporal meta-analysis, 1990–2010. Social Indicators Research, 126(2), 577-593.
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7. Lawton, M. P., & Nahemow, L. (1973). Ecology and the Aging Process. In C. Eisdorfer & M. P. Lawton (Eds.), The Psychology of Adult Development and Aging (pp. 619-674). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
8. Ryff, C. D., & Singer, B. (2000). Conceptions of the Human Condition: Critical Realism and Research. In J. W. D. Goldfeld (Ed.), Aging: The Human Experience (pp. 67-93). New York: Academic Press.
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10. Huxhold, O., & Fiori, K. L. (2014). The Role of Social Integration in the Association Between Life Satisfaction and Health in Later Life. Journal of Aging and Health, 26(4), 561-581.