Understanding Aging: A Holistic Perspective
The Aging Process
The concept of aging encompasses the entire life cycle, focusing on the transformations that occur from childhood to old age. Gerontology, the study of aging, should be approached holistically, considering both the individual’s experience and the societal changes associated with an aging population.
Individual and Societal Aging
Individual aging refers to the unique journey each person undergoes throughout their life, influenced by their nature and context. Societal aging examines the impact of an aging population on social structures and the evolving perceptions of old age within a specific historical and cultural context.
Challenging Stereotypes
It’s crucial to challenge negative stereotypes associated with aging. These stereotypes affect individuals, professionals, and society as a whole. Aging is a diverse and heterogeneous process, characterized by significant individual variability. The increasing elderly population should be viewed positively, representing a democratization of life expectancy.
Biological, Psychological, and Social Aging
Chronological age is a relative measure in the aging process. Biological, psychological, and social factors play more decisive roles. Unfortunately, the social image of old age is often negative, portraying older adults as burdensome, inactive, and in need of constant care.
Ageism and the Loss of Historical Memory
Ageism, the fear of aging among younger generations, fuels a relentless pursuit of rejuvenation. In contemporary society, there’s a concerning trend of losing touch with historical, cultural, and artistic heritage.
Citizenship and Public Policy for the Elderly
The fight for the rights of older adults led to the approval of the Elderly Statute in 2003, which reinforces constitutional principles guaranteeing their dignity and protection against discrimination based on origin, race, sex, color, and age.
The Elderly Statute
This law has sparked widespread discussions across various segments of society, raising awareness about the discrimination and marginalization faced by the elderly. It established the status of the elderly as rights-holders, including the right to education.
Permanent Education and Universities for the Third Age
Universities for the Third Age promote lifelong learning, emphasizing the importance of continued engagement in social and cultural life. This fosters improved interpersonal relationships, enhances quality of life, and promotes a deeper understanding of the world.
Alternative Forms of Assistance
These universities aim to integrate individuals who may be excluded from traditional educational opportunities. They offer alternative forms of assistance to the elderly, promoting awareness about the realities of an aging population.
Sexuality in the Elderly
Contrary to common misconceptions, there is no age limit for sexual activity, as confirmed by Masters and Johnson’s research. The sexual response cycle, consisting of desire, arousal, and orgasm, continues throughout life.
Elderly Women
Desire: Desire in elderly women can range from a lack of interest to an increased libido. Societal and cultural factors often influence sexual expression in older women.
Excitation: Physical changes associated with aging, such as decreased vaginal lubrication, can occur. Estrogen replacement therapy may improve vaginal health.
Orgasm: Rhythmic contractions of the vagina may decrease in number, and rectal contractions may become less frequent.
Maintaining regular sexual activity can help prevent trophic disorders and psychosexual issues.
Elderly Men
Desire: Sexual desire in elderly men can vary, but it often diminishes with age.
Excitation: Erections may take longer to achieve and may be followed by a longer period of detumescence (loss of erection).
Orgasm: Ejaculation may occur more rapidly, with a reduced volume of ejaculate.
Refractory Period: The refractory period, during which a man cannot achieve another erection or ejaculation, may increase with age. However, remaining sexually active can shorten this period.
The Aging Sexual Response
While the human sexual response may slow down with age, it does not disappear entirely. Maintaining sexual activity throughout life contributes to overall well-being.
Rave and Delirium
Rave
Rave refers to a state of altered consciousness characterized by changes in thought content, memory, and attention, along with a disturbance of critical judgment. However, it does not involve a loss of consciousness.
Delirium
Delirium, on the other hand, is a state of altered consciousness caused by a disturbance of consciousness itself. It involves changes in attention, memory, and orientation. Individuals experiencing delirium may have fragmented thoughts, difficulty understanding their surroundings, and exhibit changes in psychomotor activity, often appearing confused.