How Physical Aging Can Affect One's Quality of Life - Essay Sample

Introduction

Lower activity levels are expected as we age physically. There is a reduced and limited physical activity with aging. Aging results in a reduced intake of maximum oxygen. Reduced oxygen intake, therefore, means that respiratory functioning declines. Aged persons are therefore not in the best position to engage in quality physical activity which eventuality negatively affect the quality of life. Reduce physical activity due to aging, therefore, can lead to chronic diseases, cancer, and heart problems. The quality of life drops as a result of negative effects of blood pressure and body weight. Aging individuals are likely to be dormant and less engaging in daily activities (Netuveli et al. 2006). Body pains and reduction in muscles as we age would like result in a reduction in physical activities such as gardening, golf, and walks. Persons aged 80 years and above are likely not to be in a position to help themselves with daily activities such as cooking, eating, and bathing. These activities are considered important and if physical aging deprives us to engage then ultimately the quality of life would be affected negatively. Communication is important for quality of life. As we age we develop hearing and eyesight problems. Such problems therefore negatively affect the quality of life for the elderly.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Order now

What can individuals do to age gracefully?

Physical activity is the main factor that individuals should engage in order to age gracefully with minimum diseases that comes with old age. Physical activity has a positive impact on the physical, social and mental status of the elderly. Engaging in regular activity as we age helps reduce chronic diseases. Mental wellness status of an aged person who engages in physical activity is likely to be stable hence the quality of life. A person who engages in 40 minutes of physical activity daily will age gracefully with minimal age-related problems. Correct diet plays a role in aging gracefully. Individuals should ensure taking in the correct diet to avoid malnutrition. Vitamins and mineral intake should be given priority. It is a requirement that elderly persons should compare their dietary intake with that recommended by a nutritionist. Chronic diseases are usually as a result of a high intake of fats. Individuals should, therefore, avoid a high intake of fats, and instead, they should consume food such as vegetables, fruits, and legumes (Timmermann, 2011).

Stress should be avoided at all times. Family and work should be balanced to avoid the stress that may lead to poor health. Avoiding stress reduces chances of getting depressed and heart-related problems. If an individual learns how to manage stress, then they will age gracefully. Stable mental status is maintained through stress-free life Example of activities that can help in avoiding stress include meditation, technology avoidance and walks through natural environments such as parks. Aging gracefully requires us to moderate what we consider as bad habits. Bad habits could be smoking, high sugar intake and alcohol. Disease problems such as obesity and diabetes are as a result of uncontrolled sugar intake. It is therefore recommended to reduce all bad habits that my hinder aging gracefully. Sleeping should not be less than 8hrs for the elderly. Good sleep assists the old to avoid mental problems. It is essential to ensure we are close to family and friends as we age. Maintaining a complete social network helps in ensuring an individual do not get dementia at the same time they remain intelligent. Learning every day will also ensure that the aging individual's brain remains sharp throughout.

References

Netuveli, G., Wiggins, R. D., Hildon, Z., Montgomery, S. M., & Blane, D. (2006). Quality of life at older ages: evidence from the English longitudinal study of aging (wave 1). Journal of epidemiology and community health, 60(4), 357-363. doi:10.1136/jech.2005.040071

Timmermann, S., EdD. (2011). Aging gracefully: Are we up to the challenge? Journal of Financial Service Professionals, 65(1), 32. Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/docview/848706829?accountid=45049