Senior Citizens: The Old-Old, Middle-Old, & Young-Old

I had my 70th birthday a few weeks ago, and it feels surreal.Im from the generation whos motto was Never trust anyone over 30.I spent the day alone in contemplation And to torture myself I played Simon and Garfunkels Old Friends.You know the one that goes: Old friends sat on a park bench like bookends and ends with How terribly strange to be 70..And then my mother called.

Shes about to have her 93rd birthday and aside from recent physical problems resulting from an illness, (thankfully now being assisted by an aide from Boca Home Care Services) she cant relate to her age either.It seems for those of us getting up in years, our age in numbers is difficult to comprehend.As Kurt Vonnegut said, And so it goes.Perplexed and mystified, I asked one of my writers to do some research on aging.

And here is what she found.________________________________________________________________________________Humans go through different phases of life.(1) It is important to understand the process of aging from birth to death.Some events in life are predictable while others are unforeseen.

The lifelong process entails maturation and a change in social, psychological, and physical aspects.Who is an Elderly Person?Elderly persons are individuals who are age 60 and above.This age group is the fastest-growing category of the world population.The number of elderly people in developing countries is huge, but the percentage tends to be small.

(2) According to WHO, the commonly accepted age for senior citizens in most nations is 65.(3) Sometimes, it is not easy to find an appropriate term to refer to people who are in their late life.k-mitch-hodge-r3IE4JJLrFk-unsplashIt is not polite to call someone old.The word old insinuates obsolescence or deterioration.

But it fails to capture the positive arcs of life that follow after middle age.Older adults are more experienced and some are taking care of grandchildren.Others are still working while the rest are in their retirement stage.

Surprisingly, you will find a few in the gym and others traveling across the globe.As such, there seems to be no perfect word to describe this variety.But the term senior citizens is more appropriate.Statistics show that the seniors population is increasing at different rates in various countries.

(4) In the US, this age group is about 13% of the national population and according to the US Census Bureau, it is expected to grow past 20%.(5) When it comes to age groups, individuals in their late teens through the early twenties are considered young adults.Then there is the middle age which starts around 45 years.

After the middle age comes the old age.Such kind of grouping is helpful in understanding the seniors as well.Many times, senior citizens are grouped together.

But a 95-year-old has a very different life experience that a 65-year-old.The population of the elderly may be divided into 3 phases: 65 to 74 years (the young-old), 75 to 84 years (the middle old), and over 85 years (the old old).The Young Old: The Senior Citizens of TodayTodays elderly group can be described as generally happier and financially better than the previous generations.In the developed world, people are more likely to prepare for the golden age since they have resources at their disposal.

Moreover, people born between the late 60s early 70s can make proactive life decisions.A long time ago, family members of an elderly person used to make decisions when the aged person got into a health crisis.This would leave the senior person with little or no choice regarding their lifestyle.

Luckily, the elderly people of today can now make decisions that allow some independence while still receiving help from their caregivers.Some areas they can handle in advance include retirement plans, changing the will, medical power of attorney, and so on.The young-olds are in the prime of their lives.They can swim, travel, write journals, etc.

To kill boredom, they play and meet friends once in a while.They also understand that exercising is not only for the body but also for refreshing the mind and awakening the soul.Some are not too shy to dance, attend computer classes, join a book club, and play tennis.

They can even get their hands dirty in the garden and art rooms.In other words, these are seniors who are dedicated to lifelong learning.Their lives are healthier and more fulfilling.Despite the great life expectancy of seniors born fifty years ago, they could be less metabolically fit that those who were born one hundred years ago, according to a report by Science Daily.

(6) The metabolic risk factor particularly for cardiovascular conditions in recently born generations is higher.For good reasons, the young-old are tech-savvy.(7) They are embracing more digital connections than previous generations with around 70% of the elderly group having an internet connection.

(8)Smart devices keep senior citizens in close contact with friends and family.This makes life more convenient when shopping or booking travel plans.Certain mobile applications have become popular amongst the elderly such as reminders and Google Maps.

Nonetheless, there are some negative impacts of technology among the young old.Addiction to phones and computers can be detrimental.It can lead to sedentary life and antisocial behavior.The Middle Old- Baby BoomersBaby boomers were born between the 1940s and 1960s.

They saw the Vietnam War, the Beatles, and Woodstock.They were the first generation to receive immunization and antibiotic treatments.They have witnessed rapidly developing surgical therapies and diagnostic techniques.

They value personal growth, smoke less, and love making a difference.Photo by sk-jeEedhJXoR0 on UnsplashUnlike the young-old, the middle-old group is more committed to establishing a work-life balance.As such, they have invested in health and been able to prioritize both physical and mental well-being.Despite the increased risk of chronic illnesses, baby boomers know how to keep abreast of current trends like organic foods and the latest cars.This group can participate in some daily exercises but not high impact training.

Daily activities can range from gardening to yoga.Like the young-old, aging boomers are also dependent on technology.(9) They may need help from caregivers but prefer to make independent decisions.

It has been projected that by 2050 the ratio of care providers to senior citizens requiring help is very likely to drop.(10) This can be attributed to the use of technological gadgets that might also have negative impacts like reduced sleep duration and sleep anxiety.In a study conducted at Brigham and Womens Hospital, a blue backlight that is emitted by a device can affect melatonin levels.(11) This forces the mind to stay alert even after putting the gadget down.

Moreover, excessive television viewing by aging boomers is related to increased risk of obesity, loneliness, and depression.It also slows down metabolism and impairs the vision, leading to digestive problems and other issues.(12)The Old Old: The Greatest GenerationBorn one hundred years ago (about 1900-1920), the old-old are also referred to as Centenarians.

(13) These are senior citizens who grew up without the temptations of the internet and television.The Greatest Generation consists of doers, not watchers.At an earlier age, they worked so hard and sacrificed to free their nations.Photo by andreea-popa on UnsplashThey also took part in the rebuilding of structures following the destruction by World War II.

Growing up without modern conveniences like electric cookers, TV, AC, and refrigerators made them tougher.Instead of trending on social media with strong political stances, the old-old would rather protest on the streets.They have not been influenced by the internet and rapid globalization.Take-out foods were not available during their young adulthood and this was a great health benefit.

This lifestyle is very different from seniors of today who can spend great times eating out.In terms of health, these seniors are not necessarily suffering from chronic conditions.A good number have no disabilities, though they may show more health issues than the elderly in their 70s and 80s.

What counts in their health is a combination of lifestyle, mental, and genetic factors.Genes play a huge role in longevity.Thanks to the advanced techniques of treating terminal diseases, more senior citizens can extend their lifespan to the upper extremes.One of the oldest living Centenarians today, aged 117 years is Kane Tanaka from Japan (born 1903).

(14) She currently stays in a nursing home.The other one is Hester Ford, 115 years old, born around 1905.(15) People who attain the age of 100 love reading the newspaper, watching TV broadcasts, and attending family parties.

Many receive birthday gifts from people- family and strangers.One of the unique perspectives of Centenarians is their love for history.While they did not actively participate in World War I, the stories are engraved deep down their hearts.

They are the generation that was starting to build families at the onset of the Great Depression.Centenarians understand the limits of life.While they may not fancy flying via planes and driving posh cars, they have a fascinating interest in medical and social research.This is because they have been of great help in showing the younger generations the secret to long life.

They often meet with researchers who want to examine their genes, physical, and mental well-being.Many of the centenarians have no birth certificates.The documents they hold to ascertain their age are scanty.

Age verification is normally based on credible information from different sources.Such sources may include interviews and reported life events.Then the events are counterchecked for consistency vis a vis their documents and historical records.Biological Changes and AgingMost people can notice the signs of aging.

They could still be active, happy, and healthy but age-related changes are inevitable.Biological changes at the molecular and cellular levels are the primary aging factors.Secondary aging refers to changes that are caused by controllable factors like poor diet and lack of physical activities.

The signs normally start at the age of 50.Some physical markers include sagging of the skin and wrinkles.The skin starts to slack, dry, and thin.

The hair may start to gray and thin.Energy levels decline, and loss of hearing may occur.A society that values the elderly creates a positive impact on what old age means.Biological changes can be daunting.

But the fear of growing old is worse than dealing with the changes themselves.Those who accept the changes as part of a natural process are not frightened.Psychological ChangesElderly people have to confront a number of psychological problems.Almost everyone hopes to retire and enjoy their earlier efforts in peace.

But not so many people anticipate the golden years with enthusiasm.Rather they approach it with fear.Some start looking for new hobbies and recreational activities.

Others find it hard to cope with the new routines.Photo by Cristian Newman on UnsplashThe changing social roles can trigger the feeling of losing self-worth.The greatest challenge is to overcome despair and embrace integrity.But some elderly persons are unable to overcome hopelessness.

Many have regrets and others have to deal with constant disappointments from their loved ones.Its painful to know that certain career goals can never be reached.Unless someone comes to terms with the lost opportunities, their psychological health will be at stake.Those who are able to embrace reality in the last phase of life experience tremendous creativity and potential.

They focus on new skills and activities to make the remaining days the best parts of their lives.Sexuality and AgingThis is a subject that is hardly discussed in open dialogues.But the truth is sexual feelings do not go away after the age of 65.Elderly people continue to enjoy intimacy in their later years.

To women, the senior age may bring relief since the chance of conception is infinitesimal.Their children are all grown and independent.Many people in their later years still have the need to be close to their partners.

They want to continue with active sex life but must accommodate their health and physical changes.(16) The expression of sexuality comes in many forms including a simple touch or stimulation.Some seniors do not engage in sex, which is normal.Some of the changes women undergo like less vaginal lubrication can affect intimacy in a negative way.

Sex becomes uncomfortable.But they can use artificial lubricants.Women who are on hormonal therapy to treat menopausal symptoms may desire more sex.

On the other hand, elderly men are likely to experience erectile dysfunction.They take longer to get an erection and might not be as firm as earlier.Couples are advised to talk about how they are feeling to make their intimate life easier.Home Care an Innovative, Recent Solution to AgingThere may come a time.

when an elderly person needs help with bathing, dressing, and preparing meals and while it is always good when family members assist, especially when the older person is experiencing poor health, that is not always possible.Many family caregivers are engaged elsewhere and cannot provide the right support to the aged.A home care aide can act as a surrogate, offering the senior help with activities of daily living as well as much needed companionship.

These caregivers make sure that the visits to the doctor are in order, medication is taken on time and can also quickly identify underlying conditions long before they deteriorate.Until recently, my mom was strong and independent.An illness changed things, and the pandemic made certain that my siblings and I would not be there to help.Thankfully, there was home care and a caring aide from Boca Home Care Services.

She could not have recovered and thrived in her apartment alone.1.https://www.intechopen.com/books/gerontology/ageing-process-and-physiological-changes2.https://www.intechopen.com/books/gerontology/ageing-process-and-physiological-changes#B13.

https://www.who.int/healthinfo/survey/ageingdefnolder/en/#:~:text=Most%20developed%20world%20countries%20have,to%20the%20situation%20in%20Africa.4.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2614322/5.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2614322/#R96.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410082426.htm7.https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/research/surveys_statistics/technology/info-2018/atom-nov-2017-tech-module.doi.10.26419%252Fres.00210.001.pdf8.https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2017/05/17/technology-use-among-seniors/9.

https://www.giaging.org/documents/Milken_Future_of_Aging_report_May_2016.pdf10.https://blog.aarp.org/2013/08/26/the-future-supply-of-family-caregivers/11.http://activehealthcare.com/blog/12.

https://www.acrwebsite.org/volumes/12161/volumes/sv05/SV-0513.https://www.oldest.org/people/living-persons/14.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kane_Tanaka15.

https://spectrumnews1.com/oh/toledo/news/2019/12/07/the-secret-to-the-longevity-of-115-year-old-hester-ford16.https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sexuality-later-life#:~:text=With%20aging%2C%20that%20may%20mean,types%20of%20touch%20or%20stimulation.