Last stage of human life
Old age is the last stage of the life of living beings before death occurs and is an inevitable consequence of the passage of time.
Since we came to the world, each day that passes, in some way it could be said that we grow old, the issue is that in those moments there is talk of growth, maturation, meanwhile, there will come a time in that development and growth that the curve will begin to incline downwards and a stage of decline and natural psychophysical wear and tear will follow, which will not only leave its traces on the physical but also on the psychic, obviously this situation will vary according to life experiences and the ways of being of each one.
Adults reduce their activity and age-related health problems begin
As a consequence of the phenomenal advances that have occurred in the field of health, old age has been considerably extended throughout the world, that is, life expectancy has been greatly lengthened, for this sector of the population. Although this period is characterized by the termination of the work activity that was being carried out, or the reduction of it, it is a reality that there are also many older adults who continue to work and perform as usual.
Now, the normal thing is that at this stage of life health problems grow and expenses in it increase as a consequence.
Nor can we ignore that this stage, and as we will see later, has been conceived in various ways throughout history and of course also with differences from one culture to another.
The illness will play a relatively important role at this stage, as it is common for physical impairments to appearIn some cases they will be complex, in others less, but there will always be the odd ailment that bothers you.
The osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, osteoarthritis, diabetes, and cataracts are some of the most typical conditions of this time.
It is because of this situation that in most of the world, between the ages of 60 and 65, when the stage of old age begins, individuals can retire from their professions or occupations and thus spend more time at home, resting, spending time with others. grandchildren, among other activities. The pension that the state grants to those who pass old age is the one that will allow them to meet their expenses without having to work, although of course, we know that in some countries it turns out to be so low that if you do not have the contribution of a family member, a child, for example, it is quite difficult to make ends meet.
The devaluation of the elderly faces the valuation of them in ancient times
Unfortunately, at present, the elderly, the old, as they are popularly called, are not considered and valued as they should be. There are exceptions, of course, but a great majority of people tend to move away from their relatives who are in old age because they are bored, because they are sick, among other reasons that lead to that estrangement. Of course, this family attitude has an absolutely negative impact on the elderly, who will feel discriminated against and very lonely.
For example, it is important that from here we disseminate the importance of accompaniment to the elderly, especially those who are alone because their spouses have died. Visiting them regularly, taking them out for a walk, inviting them to a meeting, are some ways to make them feel loved, needed and that of course they are not alone.
Something totally different from what we just mentioned happened in ancient civilizations, since in them old age was honored and recognized as a stage full of wisdom.
In Ancient Rome, the Pater Familia was the oldest male in the family, the grandfather, great-grandfather, who held important powers, being something like a king within the family structure.
Paradoxically, and as we have been commenting above, just as the state does not economically recognize retirees, the consumerist and productivist society in which we live does not preach by example and on many occasions the real value they have and is not attributed to grandparents. the contribution that they have given to the community in a timely manner during their youth and are seen as a burden.
One of the most notable contingencies that occur in this stage is that the person knows, feels, that he is closer to death and then this fact generates a series of sensations and experiences with which it is difficult to be triggered. deal if it has not been well planted in life and with the corresponding family support.
Geriatrics and Gerontology, disciplines that understand about old age
There are two disciplines that deal with the problems that arise in this stage of life; the Geriatrics, which is responsible for the prevention, cure and rehabilitation of the diseases of the elderly and for its part, Gerontology, which addresses the sociological, psychological, demographic and economic aspects related to the elderly.
