Definition of old age
Old age refers to ages nearing or surpassing the life expectancy of human beings, and is thisthe of the human life cycle. Old people often have limited regenerative abilities and are more susceptible to disease, syndromes, and sickness than younger adults.
The organic process of ageing is called senescence, the medical study of the aging process is called gerontology, and the study of disease that afflicts the elderly is called geriatrics. Aging of whole organisms is therefore a complex process that can be defined as a progressive deterioration of physiological function, an intrinsic age – related process of loss of viability and increase in vulnerability.
Care of the aged is the services given to old aged people in order to maintain and promote their happy healthful living. Old age is said to start at the age of 68 years. The aged are also referred to as the senior citizen or simply the seniors. Old age can either be chronological (age respect) or physiological (signs of age respect) physiological as opposed to chronological means that a person can have all grey hairs and wrinkles plus other signs at any age less than 65yrs. Physiological aging is also known biological aging. Life expectancy in Nigeria is estimated at 48.5 years for females and 47.1 years for (2008 estimate) international database
Aims and objectives of care of the older people
- To provide a safe and secure environment
- To provide quality care, with no discrimination due to age, sex or ethnicity.
- To assist residents to face changes and disabilities which may confront them in the future with confidence
- To give opportunities to continue with past interests, hobbies and relationship and to encourage the development of new ones.
- To ensure dignity, privacy and independence are refrained.
- To provide nutritions, well presented meals and to cater for special dietary requirements.
- To ensure that management and staff are readily on hand.
