Old age usually commences after the age of 65 and is regarded as the last stage of human life or normal life span. By the time oldage sets in, the person is relieved of much his roles and responsibilities. Therefore, he or she needs to develop a new lifestyle for further life. Some make social interaction a key to drive away loneliness. They join laughter clubs, social clubs, visit parks and engage in exercising, They try to maintain an active social life with family and friends and engage in recreational and cultural activities. They engage with grandchildren like dropping them school and playing and interacting with them, thus providing support to their children in living a balanced life. Others remain withdrawn, immobile, homebound, lonely and depressed. They are unable to cope with the changes in roles and responsibilities and their physical condition.
Research studies have found old age to be associated with chronic illnesses like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, respiratory problems, joint pains, etc. With the onset of old age, a person's functional dependency accentuates, which is assesed in terms of the ability of an old person to take care of himself or herself. They also suffer from reduced mobility. Depression is known to be prevalent among old people, some of the reasons for it being loneliness, chronic illnesses and functional dependency. Old people are victims of cognitive impairment and are prone to dementia. Dementia is a condition, characterized by deterioration in memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform routine activities. Therefore, it can be said that oldage sets in new challenges in life, to-be- coped with effectively and efficiently, by developing healthy lifestyles.
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