THE PROCESS OF AGING

This research examines the process of aging. The focus of this examination is on the life adjustments required by individuals as they age in order to assure or at least enhance the probability of continued well-being.

All life-stage theories of human development are concerned with the aging process (Heikkinen, 1993, pp. 269-277). Within this context, three types of aging are involved. Biological aging refers to the manner in which the body functions over time, while psychological aging involves the individual's perceptions of the aging process, and social aging reflects the ways individuals relate aging their own unique society. Adjustments are required by individuals in relation to each facet of the aging process in order to enhance the probability of their continued well-being.

Adapting to Life Changes As One Ages

An assumption central to cognitive theory is that an individual's emotional and behavioral responses to events in one's life are greatly influenced by one's own interpretations and evaluations of those events (Wong and Watt, 1991, pp. 272-279). Thus, adapting to life changes it a function both of a person's interpretation of an event, and her or his basic beliefs used in evaluating the event, regardless of the perceptual accuracy of either. Adaptation to life changes as one ages, thus, is a highly individual process. The individualistic characteri

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ll-being are nutrition, exercise, and substance use. There is a general concern in the United States with respect to high levels of malnutrition among the elderly segment of the population (Foster, 1992, pp. 444-463). Malnutrition is considered to be a major risk for morbidity and mortality among elderly persons. The prevalence of malnutrition among independently-living senior citizens is estimated to range as high as 51 percent. Elderly persons generally are the largest demographic group at risk for nutrition disorders. Malnutrition among elderly persons is recognized as a problem that involves physical, physiological, psychosocial, and economic factors (Foster, 1992, pp. 444-463). Aging persons tend toward a decreased caloric intake that is accompanied by an increase in body fat and a decrease in lean body mass. Interventions designed to improve nutrition among senior citizens must differentiate between motivation and compliance (Miner, Logan, and Spitze, 1993, pp. 650-657). Compliance implies manipulation, and people are not motivated through manipulation. Goal setting, exploring an individual's fear of failure, establishing rewards for success, the implementation of low-stress interventions, the use of role models,
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Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 2626
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page)