Gerontolofy and Me

Gerontology is the study of aging - a very complex and fascinating process which we all experience. It is complex because it encompasses the physiological, social, emotional, cognitive, and economic aspects of growing old. There is significant increase in the number of old people. With age come problems which are physical, social and pschychological. The old age causes many problems to the individual. They have different needs. They have to be understood by others and worked to solve the problems or at least ease them.

As more people come to that age group, it is greater responsibility of the society to help them in every aspect. Old people are more prone to diseases and injuries. Healing takes long time. They are dependent on others many times. By the better understanding og gerontology, I will be able to think in broad aspect. I will be in a position to formulate plan and measures to delay and reduce the effect of aging.

The course of gerontology will empower me to understand the different aspects of aging. One of the aspect is physical aspect. With back ground of physical therapy, I will be able to better understand the physical aspect of old age. Impaired mobility is a major health concern for older adults, affecting fifty percent of people over 85 and at least a quarter of those over 75. As adults lose the ability to walk, to climb stairs, and to rise from a chair, they become completely disabled. The problem cannot be ignored.

Therapy has to be designed to improve mobility in elderly patients is usually built around diagnosing and treating specific impairments, such as reduced strength or poor balance. It is appropriate to compare older adults seeking to improve their mobility to athletes seeking to improve their split times. People in both groups perform best when they measure their progress and work toward specific goals related to strength, aerobic capacity, and other physical qualities. Someone attempting to improve an older adult's mobility must decide what impairments