Unit 12
Aging

This unit looks at aging and its myriad interactions with health. Aging causes many changes in the body, particularly an increased susceptibility to disability and disease. While there are many theories to explain these changes, there is little doubt that good health practices can help to counteract some of them.

Objectives

After completing this unit, you should be able to

1. define aging, and discuss various concepts related to it.
2. describe the impact a growing elderly population has on a society.
3. describe the theories of aging.
4. describe challenges associated with increasing age.
5. identify and describe major physiological changes that occur as a result of aging.
6. describe strategies for “successful” aging.