Oldage : Ageing and Diseases

The relationship between inheritance and longevity is well known. People exposed to environmental toxins, smoking or heavy drinking and those with poor diets are likely to have greater age-related changes taking place in their cells. Life-style factors are therefore important in limiting environmental effects.

Although the changes of ageing happen at cell level they affect every tissue and therefore every organ of the body. Four particular groups of tissue, when affected by age changes, can have major effects on body function because they are involved with all the organs and systems in one way or another are:

• Connective tissue and bone,

• Blood vessels,

• Nervous tissue and

• Immune tissue.

Connective Tissue and Bone

Connective tissue provides the supporting structure for all organs. With age their constituents also alter. Less elastic tissue is laid down and the water content is less which leads to ageing skin wrinkles.

Bone turnover is also altered so that less calcium is incorporated into the bones making them more fragile and thus increasing the risk of osteoporosis.

Blood Vessels

Problems with blood vessels and circulation are in part due to the connective tissue that makes up the walls of the vessels, which become less elastic and therefore less efficient carriers of blood. Since the functioning of all tissues is dependent on good blood circulation, any malfunctioning in the blood vessels and blood got widespread effects.

Nervous Tissue

Some decline in nervous system function is due to poor blood supply; however, it is also in part due to ageing effects on the system itself.

According to the research studies, ageing can bring about deterioration in the manufacture of the neurotransmitters, which is required for the conduction and the transmission of the information across the nerve fibers.

One common problem of ageing is poor bladder function. This can be due to inadequate nervous control of the bladder’s detrusor muscle.

Older patients are at increased risk of falls. This all is due to the poor coordination of the different body parts to maintain stability. And this again is due to the improper functioning of the nervous tissue.

The Immune System

White blood cells, which produce the macrophages that counteract the disease producing micro-organisms, are the central component of the immune system and although the number of these cells stays fairly constant throughout old age, the relative proportion of the different types of white cells changes. This makes older people less able to fight off infections and possibly makes them more susceptible to autoimmune and other infectious diseases.

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Oldage : Depression among elders

Depression is a medical illness in which a person will experience feelings of sadness, discouragement, and a lack of self-worth. There are a variety of reasons for depression and it is mainly caused due to-

• Changes within the family

• Chronic pain and illness

• Difficulty getting around

• Frustration with memory loss

• Loss of a spouse or close friend

• Trouble adapting to a life change such as moving from a home to a retirement facility

In few cases depression can also be a sign of a medical problem. It may be complicated by brain disorders that occur with age, such as Alzheimer's disease. Depression is also a side effect of many drugs commonly prescribed for the elderly. Depression in the elderly is a widespread problem that is often not diagnosed and frequently undertreated. Many older people will not admit to the signs and symptoms of depression for fear that they will be seen as weak or crazy. Some older people may be aware of their depression, but believe that nothing can be done about it.

Here are some simple tips to fight depression:

• Find time to exercise as exercise helps to release stress. It helps blood circulation and makes you feel better.

• Stay calm, Relax and meditate on something that makes you feel happy.

• Get some sun: Vitamin D is very essential for a feel good mood. Therefore an morning walk or an evening stroll will benefit.

• Drink water/fluids: Drink plenty of water or fresh juices. This will relive you from tiredness and refreshes the body. Avoid caffeinated drinks as they may accelerate mood
swings.

• Keep yourself busy: Cultivate reading books, socializing with people, joining a social organization etc. Be occupied and built up your hobbies like cooking, gardening,
painting, sewing etc.

• Talk to someone you like: Open up your feelings to someone whom you trust. They will understand your feelings and will help you out.

• Avoid spending long time alone: Spend time with your family, friends and children.

• Make new friends if old ones are too busy. Make new changes in life that will keep you ignited. Be positive in your approaches.

• Do not underestimate yourself: Do not bother about how you look or what others may think about you. Accept your body as it is. Be affirmative and think positive. Accept the
fact that your body is undergoing some changes and will take time to subside to normal.

• Food: Keep a check on your diet. Choose foods that enhance your mood and fights against depression. Stay away from junk foods. Treat yourself with chocolates, ice
creams, fruits, fish, nuts etc.

• Get sleep: Try to get sufficient sleep. Sleeplessness may cause the body to lose energy and ends up tired. A good rest will rejuvenate your body, mind and health.

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