Introduction To Gerontology

Aging affects us all. As has been said, there are two things for certain in life: birth and death. The connection between these natural events is the process of growing, maturing, and aging. This process is filled with many unknowns, and frequently the unknown makes us fearful, possibly more than anything else. In depth studies of aging have revealed many things, but there is still a great need to understand and learn much more in this specific field. There are also those who actually suffer from Gerascophobia. According to Wikipedia, Gerascophobia is: an abnormal or persistent fear of growing old or aging. As more knowledge is acquired people will be empowered, knowing how they can play an active role as they age so as to experience the most comfort all along and enjoy life to the fullest.

This blog will help enlighten more people about important health topics relating to aging. By taking a few minutes to look around this blog, you can become more informed in order to help yourself, your future self, and those elderly that are near and dear to you.

For more information on news, events, and programs for older Americans, visit the National Council on Aging website.

Wii And Another Generation

In recent months there have been articles and news clips buzzing with the excitement caused by the Wii, a home video system created by Nintendo. It has stirred not only the typical younger generation, but has reached a unique, new demographic - the older population. Why is Wii such a big deal among elderly? On the official Nintendo Wii gaming website, an article quotes one such individual. He mentions that, "it gets me moving and keeps my mind active.” The same older gentleman, James, remarks that, “I read the papers, go for walks, make my tea, but the Wii means I can do some things that in reality I’m a little past … a game of bowling is my favorite and I’m actually fairly good.” There are many similar comments made by senior citizens nationwide and worldwide. The Wii gives these folks the illusion of being back in their prime, and that boosts morale unlike anything else. That's why it is such a growing phenomenon in households, and care facilities.

Researchers are even getting involved! Without much funding, a European researcher turned to the Wii for aid in her endeavors to improve the balance of those 70 years old and above. There are great hopes and expectations for what the Wii can do for the elderly, many of which are being proven scientifically with the daily returning results.

How many of your grandparents have ever tried the Wii? Ask them and see what they think of it! With Wii Fit they could even try to get some exercise in. Please comment on any successes or personal experiences you have had or heard about.

The Economy And The Older You

The CDC, a national American organization also known as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the US government have projected that before the year 2030 the number of older citizens will have already doubled, nearing about 71 million (for those 65 and older). The above graph depicts the possible trends of those 85 and older, from low, to average (middle), to high. These predictions obviously carry multiple side effects and consequences for all.

There are interesting facts that indicate the stereotypical deterioration of those aging is not an inevitable trend, more than a conception that has evolved over the years. "Research has shown that poor health is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Effective public health strategies currently exist to help older adults remain independent longer, improve their quality of life, and potentially delay the need for long-term care," states the CDC. While that is uplifting news for many, it also means that many may end up working long into their previously anticipated retirement years. How does that make you feel, knowing the possible time extension in your current and future careers? (This same theme is discussed by the US department of Health and Human Services.)

After discussing this issue with one of my BYU professors, I realized that getting a certificate for Gerontology is a very intelligent move for the future professional, especially for those in the health-science arena. It is also a wise move for any caring child, so that in later years, they can be of great aid to their own parents as well as to the public as a whole. With the tight economical status of our nation, which might only be a dawning thus far, finding a niche directed to a huge forth-coming population will be quite profitable (and not solely financially either). Everyone will know of and be acquainted with many more people who happen to fall in that older category. The exciting part, is that it's not too hard to obtain and a little effort you can adapt your studies and enhance your career options and family-life. So, even if we might have to work for longer than planned, at least we can use the change instead of lose from the change!

Mental Health: It Can Be Forever

There are many stereotypes in regards to aging, and one of them is the seemingly unstoppable loss of intelligence. While a huge percentage of adults suffer from a mental health illness, it is not all-encompassing and there are measures that can be taken to maintain an active and alert mind far into life. However, one of the most valuable things to do, when a mental illness is suspected, is to try and go to a reliable source to diagnose the disease. That is where most people fall short. According to the OWL foundation- Older Women L.- "One in four American adults have a diagnosable mental illness, but less than one-quarter of older adults with mental illness get any type of mental health attention, let alone appropriate treatment." By increasing public awareness, elderly are more likely to seek help. The detrimental connotations that society equates with mental health issues are clarified through informing individuals, one by one. People begin to realize that it's not typical or natural to have a given health condition and they receive power, desire, and direction to act. Even though mental illnesses are prevalent, they are treatable; letting people know there is something they can do is the first step to recovery.

One specific Mental Health problem is suicide. This graph depicts death rates per 100,000 pop. from suicide in the UK, 1991-2006 (Department of Health, 2008), clearly showing that this is a global issue that effects all people.

There are various factors that contribute to health in later years, such as the enviornment, religion, age, economic status, etc. These factors influence overall well-being in each aspect of life: the emotional, physical, and mental. Some are contingent on outside sources, but there are many that are within the reach of all to change, and improve. Every little thing we do has a consequence, and can be advantageous, or disadvantageous. The power is in us!

The Truth About Sun Exposure

Fear of skin cancer has caused increasingly more elderly to stay indoors rather than to enjoy the warm sunshine. Even though it is important to protect against the sun's harmful rays, staying indoors should not be the answer. A recent article from BBC News addressed an in depth study that show many of the far-reaching negative consequences to a primarily indoor lifestyle, which from the findings, seems to be just as harmful as an outdoor lifestyle without proper sun protection.


The article addressed how many older people lack Vitamin D, an essential vitamin that's primarily generated through direct sun exposure with the skin. Deficiencies in this vitamin are linked to metabolic syndrome that are closely connected with cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The American Diabetes Association also reiterates those findings, through another study undertaken focused on middle-aged and older women. To reduce the risk of these diseases only requires a dose of daily sunshine. Luckily the body begins vitamin D formation before burning occurs, so moderate sun exposure can help keep your heart and blood healthy without increasing your risks of skin cancer.


An additional plight that the elderly face, is that their bodies' ability to form vitamin D is reduced in the aging process. Dr. Oscar Franco stated that,

"As we get older our skin is less efficient at forming vitamin D and our diet may also become less varied, with a lower natural vitamin D content.
"When we are older we may need to spend more time outdoors to stimulate the same levels of vitamin D we had when we were younger."

The solution? Throw on some sunscreen, a T-shirt, and shorts and go get some fresh air!

Remember that direct sunlight-skin contact is key in helping the body create it's essential Vitamin D reserves. Also, as Dr. Franco pointed out and as the National Institute of Health explains, Vitamin D is not just acquired through sun exposure, there are certain foods that contain Vitamin D as well; consequently, eating foods like eggs, oily fishes, cheese, and beef liver, or taking *supplements, can also increase Vitamin D levels.


*Supplements are useful, but it is always a good idea to consult your personal physician before adding them to your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aging

1. Question: Why is studying gerontology important or useful?

Answer: Our society is rapidly aging, with an increasing proportion of the population being over the age of 65. This growth of the older population is expected to increase dramatically over the next 25 years. Consequently, there is a growing need for professionals to be trained to work with older persons.


2. Question: What is one of the things that scares men the most in regards to aging?

Answer: Loss of libido is what scares men the most about aging, according to former Victorian Brad J. King, nutritional guru and author.
This loss of desire encompasses more than just the ability to have "an erection strong enough for natural sexual relationships," King says in a phone interview. Erectile dysfunction medication can usually remedy that by increasing blood flow, he says.


3. Question: Why should older adults participate in clinical trials?

Answer: Since older adults take more medicine than any other group, it is important to find out how they might respond to new medications, especially those that target diseases and conditions of aging.
Older adults should take part in clinical trials because the trial results can lead to new treatments for many diseases and conditions that affect older adults such as Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, various types of cancers, stroke, and diabetes.
Researchers also need to know how potential new drugs, therapies, medical devices or tests may work in older people. As people age, their bodies absorb drugs differently. They may need to take different dosages of drugs than younger people, and they may have different side effects.
For more on older adults and medicines go to Taking Medicines at http://nihseniorhealth.gov/takingmedicines/toc.html


4. Question: Does aging affect how the body processes medicines?

Answer: Yes. As the body ages, its ability to absorb and process foods and drugs changes. As people age, metabolism changes, so that older people often process drugs less extensively than they once did. Older people often need smaller doses of medicine per pound of body weight than they did when they were younger.

5. Question: Why do people lose interest in eating and cooking as they get older?

Answer: Some people lose interest in eating and cooking because their senses of taste and smell change with age. Foods a person once enjoyed might seem less flavorful as he or she gets older. Some medicines can change the sense of taste or make a person feel less hungry.
Not eating enough or avoiding some foods could mean that a person misses out on needed vitamins, minerals, fiber, or protein. Not eating enough could also mean that the person doesn't get enough calories.


6. Question: Where can I learn more about exercise and older adults?

Answer: NIHSeniorHealth.gov includes a section about exercise and older adults. To visit that section, return to the home page or click here: http://nihseniorhealth.gov/exercise/toc.html (Answer continues on next page.)

7. Question: How common are falls among older people?

Answer: More than one in three people age 65 years or older fall each year. The risk of falling -- and the risk of disability and other life-changing problems caused by falls -- increase with age. Falls are not an inevitable part of getting older, though. Many falls can be prevented.


8. Question: I have trouble falling asleep at night. Is that just a normal part of aging?

Answer: Many people believe that poor sleep is a normal part of aging, but it is not. In fact, many healthy older adults report few or no sleep problems. Sleep patterns change as we age, but disturbed sleep and waking up tired every day are not part of normal aging.


9. Question: What are the consequences of poor sleep for older adults?

Answer: Older adults who have poor nighttime sleep are more likely to have attention and memory problems, a depressed mood, excessive daytime sleepiness, more nighttime falls, and use more over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids. Poor sleep is also associated with a poorer quality of life.

10. Question: Do older adults need as much sleep as younger people?

Answer: Sleep needs change over a person's lifetime. Children and adolescents need more sleep than adults. Interestingly, older adults need about the same amount of sleep as younger adults -- seven to nine hours of sleep per night.


Questions and Answers
1. retrieved from (http://gerontology.byu.edu/faqs.htm)
2. retrieved from (http://www.canada.com/topics/lifestyle/story.html?id=320824db-1b1b-4bfd-bf0a-6bd7d66b4396)
3.-10. retrieved from (http://www.nia.nih.gov/)