Changing of mental functions (attention, memory, thinking) in late adulthood reflected in a reduction of their strength, volume and activity. One of the main changes is reduced speed of the physical and mental operations. It can be noticed in mental processes, such as reducing processing speed and increased time of reaction.
In the aging process many of the functions of the visual system are disrupted, for example: a decrease in visual acuity, increased eye sensitivity threshold, deteriorating in adaptation to darkness, reduced ability of recovering after a bright flash of light, changes in colour perception, reduces of the eyesight. The elderly people need more time to process visual images and to properly recognize them. Auditory perception problems associated with a deterioration discriminating pitch and localization perception of complex speech signals. The most common form of auditory perception in old age is a proportionally greater reduction in the perception of high-pitched sounds relatively to low, that makes the world of sound "muted". The physical impairments include reduced motor skills and reaction movements. With age, the rate of movement slows down, revolves various diseases of the locomotor apparatus.
The aging process generally results in changes and lower functioning in the brain, leading to problems like memory loss and decreased intellectual function ("Physical Development in Late Adulthood", n.d.). Moreover, the attentiveness is deteriorating as well. The level of intellectual activity of people of old age in normal aging is not changed in any significant way, only the rate of mental work is reduced.
For the elderly, the religious community is the largest source of social support outside of the family (Kaplan & Berkman, 2013). That is why this religious group is the largest in taking part in religious events. Sometimes it helps to find the sense of life and answer on questions that arise closer to the end of life, sometimes it helps to cope with the health disease, it gives some relief. Older adults feel the need in communication, that is why they are going to work until they can do it. When the physical health lets them, they are visiting relatives and friends, participating in social events. It gives them the feeling they are needed and useful. When a person is getting older, she feels the need to share the experience with others, e.g. kids, grandchildren. They are trying to participate in the life of their close people, to give some advices, to be a significant part of their life.
Each person accepts the aging differently. Some of people may feel depressed and sad because of it, they lose the desire to do something, to communicate with people, to take are about themselves. Others are doing everything to adapt to the aging, losing of some skills, and becoming less important to society.
Chronic depression has both physical and mental consequences that may complicate an older adult's existing health condition and trigger new concerns ("Aging and depression", n.d.). Clinical depression can be cured with special medicals and even after the medication, the person needs some adaptation period. This type of depression is connected with many problems, changing of behaviour and passiveness. The sadness, connected with loses in elder age, for example – death of relatives and friends, is very common for this age group and usually sadness end faster and a person is able to return to daily activities without medical reatment.
In both cases, attention and care of family plays an important role and helps the people to overcome this difficult period of the life. At this time they need family’s support as never before.
References
Aging and depression. http://www.apa.org. Retrieved 27 May 2016, from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/aging-depression.aspx
Kaplan, D. & Berkman, B. (2013). Religion and Spirituality in the Elderly. Merck Manuals Professional Edition. Retrieved 27 May 2016, from http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/geriatrics/social-issues-in-the-elderly/religion-and-spirituality-in-the-elderly
Physical Development in Late Adulthood. Boundless. Retrieved from https://www.boundless.com/psychology/textbooks/boundless-psychology-textbook/human-development-14/aging-late-adulthood-412/physical-development-in-late-adulthood-291-12826/
