Old Woman Dozing by Nicolaes Maes (1656). Royal Museums of Fine Arts, Brussels

Old age consists of ages nearing or surpassing the average life span of human beings, and thus the end of the human life cycle. Euphemisms and terms for old people include seniors (American usage), senior citizens (British and American usage) and the elderly.

Old people have limited regenerative abilities and are more prone to disease, syndromes, and sickness than younger adults. For the biology of ageing, see senescence. The medical study of the aging process is gerontology, and the study of diseases that afflict the elderly is geriatrics.

Definition[link]

Elders from Turkey, 2010

The boundary between middle age and old age cannot be defined exactly because it does not have the same meaning in all societies. People can be considered old because of certain changes in their activities or social roles. Examples: people may be considered old when they become grandparents, or when they begin to do less or different work—retirement. Most developed world countries have accepted the chronological age of 65 years as a definition of 'elderly' or older person.

German chancellor Otto von Bismarck created the world's first comprehensive government social safety net in the 1880s, providing for old age pensions and setting 60 as the age of retirement. The fixed retirement age of 70 was the first attempt at defining the start of old age. In the United States of America, and the United Kingdom, the age of 65 was traditionally considered the beginning of the senior years because, until recently, United States and British people became eligible to retire at this age with full Social Security benefits. In 2003, the age at which a US citizen became eligible for full Social Security benefits began to increase gradually, and will continue to do so until it reaches 67 in 2027. Full retirement age for Social Security benefits for people retiring in 2012 is age 66.^[1] Originally, the purpose of old age pensions was to prevent elderly persons from being reduced to beggary, which is still common in some underdeveloped countries, but growing life expectancies and elder populations has brought into question the model under which pension systems were designed.

Changes Associated with Aging[link]

A grey-haired old woman from the United Kingdom

There is often a general physical decline, and people become less active. Old age can cause, amongst other things:

• Wrinkles and liver spots on the skin due to loss of subcutaneous fat
• Change of hair color to gray or white
• Hair loss
• Reduced circulatory system function and blood flow
• Reduced lung capacity
• Reduced immune system function
• Changes in the vocal cords that produce the typical "old person" voice
• Lessened and weakened hearing. Of individuals 75 and older, 48% of men and 37% of women encounter difficulties in hearing. Of the 26.7 million people over age 50 with a hearing impairment, only one in seven, a meager 14 percent, use a hearing aid
• Diminished, and decline in eyesight. It becomes more difficult to read in low lighting and in smaller print. Speed with which an individual reads may also be impaired.
• Reduced mental/cognitive ability.
• Depressed mood
• Lessening or cessation of sex, sometimes because of physical symptoms such as erectile dysfunction in men, but often simply a decline in libido also known as sex drive.
• Greater susceptibility to bone and joint diseases such as osteoarthritis and osteoperosis
• Memory Loss is common due to the decrease in speed of information being encoded, stored, and received. It may take more time to learn new information.

Alzheimer's Disease, the most common form of dementia, is found in old age. It is a general term for memory loss and other intellectual abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 50 to 80 percent of dementia cases.

• Behavioral changes can include wandering, physical aggression, and verbal outbursts due to diseases such as depression, psychosis, or dementia. Although current Alzheimer's treatments cannot stop Alzheimer's from progressing, they can temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms and improve quality of life for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Today, there is a worldwide effort under way to find better ways to treat the disease, delay its onset, and prevent it from developing.

It must be stressed that each individual is different, and health issues that affect one elderly person may not affect another.

Demographic changes[link]

Population aged at least 65 years in 2005

In the industrialized countries, life expectancy has increased consistently over the last decades.^[2] In the United States the proportion of people aged 65 or older increased from 4% in 1900 to about 12% in 2000.^[3] In 1900, only about 3 million of the nation's citizens were 65 or older (out of 76 million total American citizens). By 2000, the number of senior citizens had increased to about 35 million (of 280 million US citizens). Population experts estimate^{[citation needed]} that more than 50 million Americans—about 17 percent of the population—will be 65 or older in 2020. The number of old people is growing around the world chiefly because of the post–World War II baby boom, and increases in the provision and standards of health care.

The growing number of people living to their 80s and 90s in the developed world has strained public welfare systems and has also resulted in increased incidence of diseases like cancer and dementia that were rarely seen in premodern times. When the United States Social Security program was created, persons older than 65 numbered only around 5% of the population and the average life expectancy of a 65 year old in 1936 was approximately 5 years, while in 2011 it could often range from 10–20 years. Other issues that can arise from an increasing population are growing demands for health care and an increase in demand for different types of services.

Psychosocial aspects[link]

An elderly Somali woman.

According to Erik Erikson’s "Eight Stages of Life" theory, the human personality is developed in a series of eight stages that take place from the time of birth and continue on throughout an individual’s complete life. He characterises old age as a period of "Integrity vs. Despair", during which a person focuses on reflecting back on their life. Those who are unsuccessful during this phase will feel that their life has been wasted and will experience many regrets. The individual will be left with feelings of bitterness and despair. Those who feel proud of their accomplishments will feel a sense of integrity. Successfully completing this phase means looking back with few regrets and a general feeling of satisfaction. These individuals will attain wisdom, even when confronting death.^[4][5][6] Coping is a very important skill needed in the aging process to move forward with life and not be 'stuck' in the past. The way a person adapts and copes, reflects their aging process on a psycho-social level (Griffiths,Y & Thinnes,A).

Newman & Newman proposed a ninth stage of life, Elderhood. Elderhood refers to those individuals who live past the life expectancy of their birth cohorts. There are two different types of people described in this stage of life. The "young old" are those healthy individuals who can function on their own without assistance and can complete their daily tasks independently. The "old old" are those who depend on specific services due to declining health or diseases. This period of life is characterized as a period of "immortality vs. extinction." Immortality is the belief that your life will go on past death, some examples are an afterlife or living on through ones family. Extinction refers to feeling as if life has no purpose, an individual could have lived past all family and friends and feel a great loss.

The Disengagement Theory is a mutual withdrawal between elders and society that takes place in anticipation of death. Older people become free from work and family responsibilities allowing them to enjoy the rest of their lives peacefully. They begin to interact less often and activity levels are decreased. However, not all older adults prefer to be disengaged (Berk, 2007). The process of aging and the ways with which it is dealt are directly related to the society to which the aging person belongs. Therefore, disengagement theory is mostly connected with societies that do not place an emphasis on the value, importance, and respectibility of its elders. Many modern societies for example, value high efficiency and contribution, neither of which the elderly are able to provide as well as their younger counterparts. In many ways, they are seen as burdens to these societies, which triggers mutual disengagement between the elderly and the rest of society. According to the disengagement theory, the elderly who disengage take it upon themselves to do so for the benefit of society.

In response to the Disengagement Theory, The Activity Theory of Old Age is a theory of aging which states that the psychological and social needs of the elderly are no differenct from those of the middle-aged and that it is neither normal nor natural for older people to become isolated and withdrawn. This theory is also often called the Implicit Theory Of Aging".

Life expectancy[link]

In most parts of the world, women live, on average, longer than men; even so, the disparities vary between 9 years or more in countries such as Sweden and the United States to no difference or higher life expectancy for men in countries such as Zimbabwe and Uganda.^[7]

The number of elderly persons worldwide began to surge in the second half of the 20th century. Up to that time (and still true in underdeveloped countries), five or less percent of the population was over 65. Few lived longer than their 70s and people who attained advanced age (i.e. their 80s) were rare enough to be a novelty and were revered as wise sages. Accidents and disease claimed many people before they could attain old age, and because health problems in those over 65 meant a quick death in most cases. If a person lived to an advanced age, it was due to genetic factors and/or a relatively easy lifestyle, since diseases of old age could not be treated before the 20th century.

Assistance and Care[link]

According to the Journal "Demography", there is a rise in the elderly living alone if not with a spouse. Individuals 75 and older have decreased in amount needing help taking care of themselves. Many new assistive devices made especially for the home have contributed greatly to this. Some examples of devices are a shower seat (making it so the person does not get tired in the shower and fall), a bed cane (offering support to those with unsteadiness getting in and out of bed), and an ADL cuff (used with eating utensils for people with paralysis or hand weakness).

However around 25% of individuals 85 and older say that they need help with their activities of daily living. There are many options for long term care to those who require it. There is home based care where a family member, volunteer, or trained professional will aid the person in need and help with daily activities. Another option is community services which can provide the person with transportation, meal plans, or activities in senior centers. A third option is assisted living where 24 hour round the clock supervision is given with aid in eating, bathing, dressing, etc. A final option is a nursing home which provides professional nursing care.

See also[link]

• Aging in dogs
• Aging in place
• Centenarian
• Elderly care
• Geriatric care management
• Gerontology
• List of the verified oldest men
• List of the verified oldest women
• Oldest people
• Pensioner
• Respect for the Aged Day
• Silver Alert
• Supercentenarian

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Age

Look up old age, eld, or elderly in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Old people

• Laura Carstensen - research at Stanford university's Life-span Development Laboratory, and Stanford Center on Longevity.
• International Federation on Aging—informs and promotes positive change for old people globally
• Age UK—UK charity supporting those in old age in the UK and in developing countries
• HelpAge International—UK-based international charity supporting older people in developing countries. Sister organisation of Age UK (above)
• People 'get happier as they age'

(Social Security)http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/retirement.htm ('How Old Do You Feel? It Depends on Your Age')http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/30/health/30aging.html?_r=1&ref=health

Will Taylor, (1853–1941) was a land speculator and the founder of North Bend, Washington in February 1889.

William H. Taylor was born in Iowa on February 12, 1853 to a large family. In 1872 his family moved to the Snoqualmie Valley. William Taylor took a job peeling potatoes and washing dishes in the cookhouse at the Newcastle coal mines, near Issaquah. After that, he went to Fall City to help clear land. Later he worked as logger near the mouth of the Skykomish River.

He returned to the upper Snoqualmie Valley to work for Lucinda Fares. Later, he worked for Lucinda's uncle, Jerimiah Borst, the father of the Snoqualmie Valley. He built several cabins and worked odd jobs.

In 1876, he moved to California to work a short stint in a mine. He married Molly Beard and he and his new wife traveled north to work on Borst's farm for six years. Later, they built their own home, a boarding house and a trading post for travelers passing over the Snoqualmie Pass. They raised six children. In the 1890s, the Taylors separated. Will Taylor then re-married Ella Hyman, who was a widow with one daughter.

From 1888 to 1891, Taylor served as a county commissioner.

When the Seattle, Lakeshore & Eastern Railroad arrived in 1889, the railroad required a railroad town near the Snoqualmie Pass. He platted his town as 'Snoqualmie'. Another nearby town was platted 'Snoqualmie Falls' while Taylor was out of town. To avoid confusion, railroad officials had rules against nearby towns sharing similar names. They forced what is now North Bend to change its name and made Snoqualmie Falls drop Falls from the town's name to become Snoqualmie.^[1] Taylors plat was named Mountain View, but the Post Office Department objected to the name Mountain View and the town was named 'North Bend' after the Northward turn of the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River.

He served on the school board, opened a general store, cleared an abundance of land and built many homes. He was an early conservationist who planted trees to replace those he felled.

In 1931, at the age of 76, he helped build a trail up Mount Si. Taylor died on January 9, 1941, and was buried at the foot of his wonderful mountain.^[2]

References[link]

Cory Redding

Cory Redding at M&T Bank Stadium Dec 2011
No. 90     Indianapolis Colts
Defensive End
Personal information
Date of birth: (1980-11-15) November 15, 1980 (age 31)
Place of birth: Houston, Texas
Height: 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) Weight: 295 lb (134 kg)
Career information
College: Texas
NFL Draft: 2003 / Round: 3 / Pick: 66
Debuted in 2003 for the Detroit Lions
Career history
Detroit Lions (2003–2008) Seattle Seahawks (2009) Baltimore Ravens (2010–2011) Indianapolis Colts (2012–present)
Roster status: Active
Career highlights and awards
Honorable mention All-Big 12 (2000) 2× First-team All-Big 12 (2001–2002)
Career NFL statistics as of Week 15, 2011
Tackles 302 Sacks 25.5 INTs 1 Stats at NFL.com

Cory Bartholomew Redding (born November 15, 1980) is an American football defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas.

Redding has also played for the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens.

Early years[link]

He was born in Houston, Texas, the son of Carl Benjamin Redding and Mary Zerlene Brantley.

Redding played football at North Shore High School. In his senior year in 1999, he was named USA Today's Defensive Player of the Year and was a consensus All-American choice.^[1] He also excelled in track and field, winning the state Class 5A title in the discus as a junior and senior (career best toss of 193'9").

College career[link]

Redding played college football for the Texas Longhorns at the University of Texas. During his four years there, he was a two-time All-Big 12 Conference selection and played in every game, including a string of 35 consecutive starts on the defensive line.

He finished his collegiate career with 201 tackles (123 solos), 21 sacks (174 yards) and 53 stops (third on the school's career-record list) for losses of 249 yards.

Professional career[link]

Detroit Lions[link]

In the 2003 NFL Draft Redding was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 3rd round (66th overall).

He became the starter at left defensive end prior to the 2004 season. In 2005, he played in all 16 games and set a career high with 42 tackles (29 solo). He emerged in 2006 as one of the best inside pass-rushers in the NFL after moving from defensive end to tackle.

On February 22, 2007, the Lions placed the franchise tag on Redding and he was designated as the team's non-exclusive franchise player. On July 16, the Lions and Redding agreed to a seven-year, $49 million contract. The deal included over $16 million in guaranteed money. The move came amid a bit of controversy, as it made Redding the highest paid defensive tackle in the league.^[2]

Redding was placed on season-ending injured reserve with injuries to his knee and groin on December 12, 2008.

Seattle Seahawks[link]

On March 14, 2009, Detroit traded him and a 2009 fifth-round draft pick to the Seattle Seahawks for linebacker Julian Peterson.^[3] He was expected to play defensive end on 1st and 2nd downs and play defensive tackle on 3rd downs for extra pass rush.

Baltimore Ravens[link]

Redding signed a two-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens on March 22, 2010.^[4]

Redding intercepted a tipped pass by Drew Brees in a week 15 game against the New Orleans Saints on December 19, 2010 to help seal a big win for the Ravens. It was his first career interception.

In a divisional playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 15, 2011, Redding scored his first career touchdown after recovering a fumble by Ben Roethlisberger.

Indianapolis Colts[link]

Redding signed with the Indianapolis Colts on March 14, 2012.^[5]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Seattle Seahawks bio