The world’s population is getting older and by 2050, about one fifth of all people will be aged over 60. All countries are affected by this issue, but those with rapidly changing economies are now seeing the fastest changes in overall age of population. Old age has both negative and positive effects, and it can sometimes be hard for communities to understand and value them.
WHY DO OLDER PEOPLE GET ILL?
As we go through life, our bodies experience damage and start to wear out. These changes build up and can cause changes in physical or mental ability in older people.
Common physical conditions associated with old age include hearing and sight loss, back and joint pain, breathing difficulties and heart problems. Older people may also experience mental changes. For example, dementia (a brain condition which affects thinking and memory) affects about 2.1 million people in sub-Saharan Africa.
THE IMPACT OF HEALTH IN OLD AGE
Health problems can make it harder for elderly people to care for themselves and carry out normal daily tasks like washing, cooking and walking around. Going through significant changes in life, such as retirement and bereavement, can also make it harder to cope with illness.
However, age affects people in different ways, and not everyone struggles with illness. Most people can also reduce and slow down the negative effects of ageing by maintaining healthy habits. For example, doing regular exercise keeps the heart from becoming weak or worn-out.
THE BENEFITS OF A LONG LIFE
Despite some of its physical effects, ageing can also be positive. Some elderly people find that they have more time to spend with family and friends later in life. They might also be able to help care for grandchildren or pass on skills to younger generations. Some older people take the opportunity to pick up new skills and hobbies.
Older people have more life experience and can often provide good advice to younger people who are facing difficult decisions. Sometimes they can also provide a different perspective on disagreements or unfamiliar circumstances.
AGEING AND THE COMMUNITY
It can be difficult for older people to find a place within communities. Sometimes younger people may see them as old-fashioned. They might also assume that all old people are frail or confused, when in fact many older people remain in good health for many years.
However, the older members of a community are often respected for their wisdom. They understand how their communities work, and the challenges they face. In both communities and businesses, older people can act as leaders or ‘elders’. These people use their experiences to shape the ideas of younger generations. People of different generations can collaborate to make the best use of their different skills.
Although older people may suffer from more health problems than younger people, they bring a lot of experience and knowledge to societies. It is important to be aware of the positive and negative effects of old age so that older people can be both supported and appreciated.
