Improvements in personal health, nutrition, and modern medicine have made long life possible. The average lifespan in the United States has increased from 50 years in 1900 to 76 years in 2000. These days, many people have surviving parents ages 60-100 years of age and even older. Seniors take pride in their independence even though they still need the support of their children. Understanding the aging process is a good start. Assisting and caring for your parents can include emotional, social, and financial support.

Aging Factors

According to our preconceived notions, there are two types of old people. One kind is active, energetic, and creative while the other is lethargic, frail, and reserved. This leaves us with the impression that older people are either eccentric or stiff. If you believe in these stereotypes, it is difficult for you to interact with your parents. You care for your parents as you think they should be cared for based on the fact that they are old. There are many factors that influence the aging process:

Genetics

• Genes affect the aging process.
• Long-lived ancestors will carry their longevity onto the following generations.
• Short-lived ancestors will carry their short existence onto the following generations.

Environment

• People in rural areas live longer than those in urban or industrial areas.
• Air pollution, pesticides, and water quality affect the lifespan.

Lifestyle

• Avoid drugs and alcohol.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Maintain desired weight.
• Get plenty of rest.

Stress Levels

• Too much stress causes health problems.
• Too little stress causes boredom.
• Maintain an optimal level of stress.

Nutrition

People with well-balanced diets tend to live longer than those who have unhealthy diets. Those who consume too much food may not live as long. Lack of nutrients can cause serious illnesses. As we get older, we need to alter our eating patterns or:

• Increase levels of activity and exercise.
• Decrease calorie intake if exercise and activity levels do not increase.

Exercise and Activity

• Exercise and activity are important for health.
• Both must be appropriate for the individual.
• Exercise should not be too strenuous.
• Walking is healthy and safe exercise.
• Chair exercises are also suggested for seniors.

Medical Attention

• Suitable medical treatment for injury and illness is essential.
• Preventative health care strengthens and lengthens the lifeline.

Physical Nature of the Elderly

Hearing

Since loss of hearing is common in many old people, it becomes necessary for them to wear hearing aids. They might reject this idea thinking that it is primarily associated with aging. Ease them into buying a hearing aid by having them test out several hearing aids before making a selection. For many, a hearing aid is essential and without it elders are likely to feel lonely and depressed. These are hearing changes that can affect your elders:

• Has significant loss of hearing.
• Cannot hear higher tones.
• Cannot hear distorted or masked noises.
• Has trouble understanding speech. A high voice or background noise makes the situation more difficult.
• Asks others to repeat themselves or speak more clearly.
• Avoids conversations in noisy areas.

It may be necessary for your elder to try several different hearing aids. Support during this time period is essential, as failure to use a needed hearing aid often makes the senior feel isolated and depressed.

Speaking with Hearing-Impaired People

Some elders may feel withdrawn due to their hearing loss. They think that other people are talking about them. These are important things to keep in mind when speaking with a hearing-impaired person:

• Catch the persons attention before speaking.
• Situate yourself on the same level as the person.
• Look directly at the persons face.
• Sit or stand with light above or toward you, not in back of you.
• Speak in a clear, low-pitched and moderate voice.
• Do not shout.
• Talk in a quiet place that does not have background noise.
• Use different phrases with similar meanings when you are not understood.

Vision

People can start having vision difficulty at a young age. During the aging process they ordinarily become farsighted, and their vision deteriorates in environments with lights that change in intensity. Eyeglasses or contact lenses can usually correct these problems. Some elders must learn to live with their vision impairment. Difficulty with night driving and poor peripheral vision can result as early as 50 years of age. Cataracts and glaucoma also affect the vision of individuals. There are many ways for you to help your elder parents with their impaired sight:

• Turn lights onto their brightest setting.
• Give them newspapers, magazines, and books that have bold lettering on light background.
• Touch or hold the persons hand while making conversation. This shows that you are still present and interested.
• Ask family members for assistance.
• Consult a professional for advice.

Bones and Muscles

Reduced height and poor posture cause various changes in the bones and the cartilage between the bones. Bone and muscle changes slow down movement and inflict pain. This is especially prevalent in women.

The hands and feet may also be affected by these changes. Ligaments that connect bones lose their elasticity, and pain enters the hands and feet. Hands and feet are less sensitive to temperature; they must be protected from freezing or scalding. Skin on the feet becomes thin, fragile, and prone to injury. Padding of fat between the bones and bottom of the foot diminishes. Fingernails and toenails thicken and become difficult to cut. Ingrown toenail or hangnail problems can result.

A sedentary lifestyle may cause deterioration of muscles and bones and more pain. For that reason it is essential for an aging person to exercise regularly. Very old people are susceptible to broken bones. Bones become brittle because of little activity and inadequate calcium intake. A regular and mild exercise program along with an increase of calcium strengthens weakened bones. Before your elders begin a diet or exercise program, they should get in touch with their healthcare provider.

Smell and Taste

There is a slight loss of smell and taste in people above the age of 70. It is common for an elder person to complain that food is tasteless or they no longer have an interest in their favorite foods. Unwillingness or inability to cook, a sense of loneliness at mealtimes, and a limited budget are reasons for complaining. Offer to cook occasionally, or purchase groceries once in a while.

Sense of Touch and Pain

The skin of elderly people is not as sensitive as it was when they were younger. They often do not realize when heat is damaging their body. Heat sources, including heating pads and hot-water bottles, can harm the skin if they are at a high temperature. Fragile skin that has been burned may go overlooked until serious infections occur. Additionally, older people are more sensitive to cool air and temperatures because the skin cannot maintain normal body temperature, and there is only a thin layer of fat under the skin. Exposure to excess or extreme sunlight and wind should be avoided and moisturizer should be used.

Teeth and Mouth

Elderly people are more susceptible to gum disease than teeth problems; gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Good oral hygiene is essential throughout life and becomes especially important for an older person. Improved personal care, and advances in dentistry can help many people retain their natural teeth throughout their life. Dentures are an option for older people who have lost their natural teeth. Comfortable, durable, and even attractive dentures are available. If the dentist recommends dentures, your elder may need your support; it takes time to adjust to dentures.

Digestive System

Many older people become constipated because of tissue and muscular changes as well as lack of thirst. Urination may also become more frequent. More exercise, fiber-rich foods, and liquids can help these problems. Adequate rest, a balanced diet, and regular exercise are the best ways to keep the digestive system functioning properly.

Coping with Physical Change

It is inevitable that as the body ages, systems within the body function less efficiently. Many people experience minimal changes in their body over time and should not fear the aging process. Maintaining good health habits throughout life will allow them to age well and take joy in living. Medical care can cure many disabling problems that seniors may encounter over the years. If you are concerned over the physical well being of your elderly parents, keep in mind that many aspects of aging seem worse to younger people than older people.

Being There for Your Aging Parents

Watching your parents grow older may be a difficult thing, especially if they remind you that you are aging as well. Personality and self-esteem do not usually change with the aging process. A childlike nature and attitude does not generally come with age. They will want to be treated as gracefully aging parents. Whenever the aging process is disconcerting, you may act overly concerned and protective or impatient and annoyed with your parents. It is normal to feel these emotions. In order to understand and familiarize yourself with the physical changes in your parents, remember that aging is a normal process of life.

The physical nature of your aging parents gradually changes over time. In order to understand, accept, and adapt to these changes it is important for them to receive your love, support, and guidance. If you have any questions or concerns over the physical well-being of your aging parents, contact their healthcare provider for further assistance.