Older And The Aging Process example essay topic

Below, I will describe many factors that are related to development and aging. First, I will talk about how getting older is not a time to sit out, and think life is over. Second, I will define primary and secondary aging. Third, I will talk about how a good healthy diet can help with many diseases in relation to development and old age.

Lastly, I will talk about how technology will help many individuals to live a long and health life. Many times when people think of getting older and the aging process they tend to think of turning gray and sitting in a rocking chair watching their life pass them by. This stereotype is slowly being changed thanks to the developments that are being found in research showing that by staying physically and mentally active can help delay some of the onsets of the aging process and help up to live more fulfilled and healthy lives. We all know that aging is inevitable and a natural aspect of life, defined as the gradual loss of the body's ability to respond the environment. Although there are no ways of preventing the aging process from occurring, or finding the so-called 'fountain of youth', there are ways to slow down the process and prevent someone from becoming old.

As stated in this chapter, despite good health and the absence of disease, primary aging refers to the normal and intrinsic process of biological aging that are generally programmed and that takes place with the passage of time (Lemme 346). As many already know, and as stated by the author in chapter 9, eating right and maintaining an active lifestyle with exercise are the two main ways to lead a prolonged and productive life. These two ideas generally go hand-in-hand; meaning one without the other is not as affective as both are together in slowing the aging process. Providing the body with the necessary proteins, vitamins, enzymes and minerals are essential in forming the building blocks which give one energy and strength to maintain a workout regimen which is essential for biochemical reconstruction, or the building, and strengthening of the muscles. However, secondary aging refers to age related declines that are pathological and results from extrinsic factors and behaviors (Lemme 346). As the author mentioned, physical fitness seems to decline with how sedentary our lives become.

Of course, the genetic limits that are placed on our bodies as we age force us to find less strenuous activities but that does not mean there is no hope for our physical health, as we grow older. One may ask, are there any ways in which exercise helps us other than just with our general health improvement? In fact, exercise seems to make us stronger and more self-confident while also improving one's overall health, especially as we age. Exercise also tends to give us the physical energy to work more productively, and probably more importantly it gives us the physical energy to play more often.

As we can see in this chapter (9), the many changes endured by those going through the transitions of adolescence to young adulthood are not isolated to entirely obvious behavioral changes. Sleep undergoes change during this time as well. The changes in sleep are often unnoticed and taken for granted, but sleep is an activity which will take up a third of our life. It is also important to our health and thus needs to be investigated. As technology and knowledge continue to advance, so will life expectancy. With increased efforts, doctors will probably find methods to keep people living well into their 80's and 90's.

For now what we do have are reliable ideas that, when practiced, will keep us healthy and happy for many years. In summary, if we exercise, watch what we eat, take necessary vitamins, and manage stress, there won't be too many outside factors that would interfere with slowing our aging process and allowing us to live healthy lives.