Cognitive Development in the Elderly
Does growing old mean becoming mentally old? No, not if you view the cognitive development of older adults as a lifelong evolving process. Cognitive developments throughout an older adult's lifespan shows both gains and loses that are individually unique and yet similar to other members of their age group. The two greatest mental issues for many older adults are coping with depression and facing the possible onset of Alzheimer's disease. These issues of cognitive development become even more crucial to individuals as well as our cognitive development become even more crucial to individuals as well as our society when you consider the rapid growth of our older adult population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, America's population age 65 and older grew by 74 percent between 1970 and 1999 - from 20 million to almost 35 million. The median age of the population has increased significantly from 28 in 1970 to almost 36 years of age in 1999. However, this recent growth of the elderly population will appear slow when compared to predictions for the next three decades. The elderly population will grow even more rapidly as 76 million baby boomers reach age 65 and older between 2010 and 2030. By 2030, older adults will account for 20
Seeking support from family, friends, neighbors, other peer groups. " (Older Adults and Mental Health, 2001) So what is changing these myths is a new understanding provided by medical research and things learned in treating the elderly. Half of all nursing home patients suffer from Alzheimer's or a related disorder. "In contrast to the normal emotional experiences of sadness, grief, loss, or passing mood states, depressive disorders can be extreme and persistent and can interfere significantly with an individual's ability to function. Some have suffered from serious and persistent mental illness most of their adult life, while others have had periodic episodes of mental illness. More than 7 out of 10 people with Alzheimer's disease live at home. These may be contributed to by mental disorders such as depression or possibly developing Alzheimer's disease. " (Older Adults and Mental Health, 2001) For the older adult there is the concern that a decreased mental capacity is normal with ageing. population, individuals ages 65 and older accounted for 19 percent of all suicide deaths in 1997. Many older adults also suffer from physical ailments that tend to mask the symptoms of depression and keep a person from receiving treatment. The advent of a mental disorder affects the aspects of a person's long-term life expectancy.
Common topics in this essay:
Mental Health,
Depression Suicide,
Neither Medicare,
According APA,
Bureau America's,
Americans Alzheimer's,
,
Successful Aging,
Fitness Research,
Millions Americans-indeed,
mental disorders,
alzheimer's disease,
mental health,
adults mental,
adults depression,
mental health 2001,
health 2001,
cognitive development,
suicide 2001,
adult population,
depression suicide,
depression suicide 2001,
adults depression suicide,
adults mental health,
percent americans ages,
|
Acceptance Essays
