process of ageing

Question 1

Chronological age

Answer 1

– age in years the
person has lived (commonly used
objective data). In Australia 65 is the
accepted age for becoming a senior
citizen – today many people are
challenging this determination.

Question 2

Physiological age

Answer 2

–determined by body
function. Although age-related changes
effect every person, it is not possible to
pinpoint when these changes actually
occur.
– It is not a useful method of determining age

Question 3

Functional age

Answer 3

– this refers to a person’s
ability to actively contribute to society &
benefit him/herself & others.
– This is based on the fact that not all
individuals of the same chronological age
function at the same level.

Question 4

Psychological age

Answer 4

— a person’s ability to
adapt that is shaped by emotions,
intellectual capacity and motivation. How
old do you feel??

Question 5

Social age

Answer 5

— Society’s expectation for a particular age group

Question 6

Characteristics common to the frail elderly

Answer 6

• Poor mental & physical health
• Low socioeconomic status
• Predominantly female
• Possibly isolated living conditions
• More & longer lengths of stay in hospital
• More money spent on health care & medication/s

Question 7

define Population ageing

Answer 7

is a phenomenon that
occurs when the median age of a country
or region rises due to rising life expectancy
and/or declining birth rates.
• It is the increase in life expectancy which
causes the ageing of populations

Question 8

define positive ageing (5 principles)

Answer 8

is a strategy to maximise the quality
of life and social recognition of senior Victorians.
5 principles include:
1. Confidence that their rights will be upheld, their autonomy
accepted and their dignity respected.
2. Certainty that they are valued and listened to for their past,
current and future contributions.
3. Opportunities to fully participate in their communities.
4. Access to information, support and services to maximise their
independence and maintain their health and wellbeing.
5. Government services and communities which are responsive to
their particular needs and interests and which recognise the
increasing diversity of our community.