Elder Abuse

            Elder abuse is a serious problem that affects millions, yet is grossly under reported (Tatara & Kuzmeskus, para. 1). Society’s negative attitudes towards the aging community make it easier for abuse to happen without discovery or interference (Fredrickson, p. 10). The elderly are especially vulnerable because they are dependent on others for survival and many times the caregiver is actually the abuser (Fredrickson, p. 5). What is so surprising about elder abuse is not only the astounding number of victims but also that the abusers in most situations are family members (Fredrickson, p. 2). More awareness of this social problem needs to be raised in order to stop the mistreatment of the elderly.

According to the American Psychological Association, elder abuse is anything that inflicts harm on an older adult (APA, para. 12). The most frequent type of abuse is neglect, followed by physical abuse, financial exploitation, and emotional abuse (Fredrickson, p. 2). Victims of elder abuse are generally older people who cannot meet their own essential needs and have to depend on others to help care for them. Those who are frail, disabled, ill, or mentally impaired are particularly vulnerable to be taken advantage of or abused (Fredrickson, p. 5). However, any aging person is an easy target for mistreatment due to society’s negative attitudes towards the aging. Society stigmatizes seniors as weaker and less significant than the rest of the population. This causes many people to disregard the rights of the aging and treat them as if they were disposable (APA, para. 44).

 Each year “2.1 million older Americans are victims of physical, psychological, or other forms of abuse and neglect” (Fredrickson, p. 2). This statistic is scary enough on its own, however for every case that is reported “experts estimate there many be as many as 5 cases not reported” (Fredrickson, p. 2).  Abuse can cause great suffering to the victim including depression, fear, shame, guilt, physical pain and financial ruin (Wolf, para. 4). Considering the consequences and the frequency of abuse occurring in the older population it is astonishing what little attention is called to the problem.

            When most of us think about elder abuse we likely imagine poorly run nursing homes, a disgruntled hired caregiver, or even a conman swindling seniors out of their life savings. However, in reality the majority of elder abuse actually occurs at the hands of a family member or spouse (Fredrickson, p. 2).  It is hard for most of us to conceive mistreating a loved one or vice versa.  However, caring for an aging family member can cause a great deal of emotional and financial stress and lead the caregiver to act out in unexpected ways. The responsibilities of a caregiver only escalate as the elder grows older and their health deteriorates. “The stress of elder care can lead to mental and physical health problems that make caregivers burned our, impatient, and unable to keep from lashing out against elders in their care” (Robinson, Benedictis, & Segal, para. 21). This is not so say abuse caused by stress is justified in anyway, but I believe it generally does not occur with the vicious intention to hurt the elderly.

            The darker side of elder abuse is when someone, likely a family member, betrays the trust of the elderly and deliberately hurts them. For example, 34-year old Donna Mitchell who stole more than $212,000 in annuities for her ex-husbands 90-year old grandmother in 1999 (Wilson, para. 19).  Or scarier yet a man who was caught leaving his 92-year old father on the side of a highway too die, in 39 degree weather (Cole, para. 1). I believe these incidences do not arise from stress or frustration, but from greed and a malicious resolve to harm. Luckily in both these examples the abusers were caught and charged for their cruelty. However, in most causes the abusers are not exposed and go unpunished (Cole, para. 8).

            A major reason elder abuse remains so invisible is because victims often hesitate to report their mistreatment (Fredrickson, p. 10). Kyle G. Brown, as cited by Harold Cox, points out that many “older adults often feel guilty talking publicly about private matters” (Cox, p. 54). They may feel shameful about their situation and thus keep their suffering to themselves (Fredrickson, p. 10). According to legal advocate, Mary Beals-Luedtka, many “elders may be really aftaid to report because that might be the only person in their life” (Cole, para. 20). Or they are simply protecting their family members from getting in trouble with the law (Robinson, para. 24). They might also “fear retaliation from the abuser… [or] believe that if they turn in their abusers, no one else will take care of them” (Robinson, para. 23). I believe making excuses like these are all natural reactions for a victim to feel in an abusive situation, however, keeping quite only empowers the abuser and perpetuate further cruelty. Perhaps if more awareness is brought to the subject of elder abuse, the victims could feel more confident to come forward and report their abusers.

            Even with the high prevalence of elder abuse, the problem remains widely ignored. Due to societies negative views about the aged, and the fact that family members are generally the abusers, it is no wonder elderly victims hesitate to report mistreatment. Instead many feel they are forced to deal with the abuse and the numerous consequences on their own. My hope is that more awareness is brought to this sensitive subject so that a growing number of victimized elderly with feel that they can come forward and stop their abuse.

 

 

 

 American Psychological Association. (2012). Elder abuse and neglect: in search of solutions. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/pi/aging/resources/guides/

            elder-abuse.aspx

Cox, H. (Ed). (2013). Aging (5^th ed. ). New York, NY. McGraw-Hill Companies Inc.

Cole, C. (2012, June 24). Elder abuse: the silent scandal. AZ Daily Sun.  Retrieved from http://azdailysun.com/news/local/elder-abuse-the-silent-            scandal/article_20e6dee0-66b1-58ba-b937-e4fe94f27fb4.html

Fredrickson, K. (2009, Sept. 28). Elder abuse: assessment and intervention.            Retrieved from http://psycnet.apa.org/journals/amp/54/12/1114/

Robinson, L., Benedictis, T., & Segal, J. (2012, June). Elder abuse and neglect.       Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/elder_abuse             _physical_emotional_sexual_neglect.htm

Tatara, T. & Kuzmeskus, L.M. (1996). Trends in elder abuse in domestic settings.            National Center on Elder Abuse. Retrieved from http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/       ncearoot/main_site/pdf/basics/fact1.pdf

Wilson, T. (2000, April 30). Swindling elderly gets lawmakers’ attention. Los Angeles       Times. Retrieved from http://articles.latimes.com/2000/apr/30/local/me-       24992

Wolf, R. (2000, Jan.). Emotional distress and elder abuse. National Center on Elder           Abuse Newsletter.  Retrieved from http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/main_site/   library/Statistics_Research/Research_Reviews/emotional_distress.aspx

 

Book Review: A Widow’s Story: A Memoir by Joyce Carol Oates

Alyssa Nichols          

Oats,J. C. (2011). A Widow’s Story: A Memoir. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publisher. $14.99 978-0-06-212150-5

            In A Widow’s Story: A Memoir, Joyce Carol Oates depicts the solemn story of her husband’s death and how she coped with her loss.  Her non-fictional work is beautifully written and paints a detailed picture of her love, pain, and loneliness. Through her first hand account she lets the reader peek into the grief and torment of widowhood and how debilitating it can be to lose a beloved spouse. I felt honored that this acclaimed author so bravely allows the reader into her psyche and shares her most intimate thoughts and fears through her suffering.

            The novel begins with Oats describing how her husband, Ray Smith, quite suddenly fell ill of pneumonia, and was hospitalized. Having expected him to recover and quickly return home, Oat’s was shocked when he suddenly died of a second infection he acquired from the hospital. The remainder of the book depicts her initial confusion, self-blame, and grieving, while trying to adapt to life without her husband of 47 years. With great detail the novel develops in a twisting stream of consciousness; including flashbacks of her marriage, literary quotes, and several interspersed thoughts of suicide. The almost rambling tone allows the readers to feel how lost and scattered her thoughts must have been as she tried to adjust to her new identity as a widow. Oats also includes email correspondences between friends and colleges, which added to the personal and utterly revealing feel of her book.

             At its core this is a book about survival, as Oat’s depicts her journey through the stages of grief. She is in denial that her husband is really gone, and imagines, as I expect many widow’s do, that her husband Ray is still alive. She pretends he is in the next room, or perhaps he is still waiting for her at the hospital. She often fantasizes conversations with him, imagining what he would say to her to guide her through this new stage of her life. She shares her anger, as she snaps at her husband’s long time doctor when he suggests “maybe-Ray was just tired. Maybe he gave up” (p. 166).

            Oats artfully illustrates her depression and thoughts of suicide in the form of a basilisk; a legendary reptile said to have the power to cause death with its gaze. “The reptile-thing-the basilisk-has been regarding me all this time with its glassy-bead stare…You know you can end this at anytime. Your ridiculous trash-soul. Why should you outlive your husband” (p. 200) When this basilisk’s appears to her throughout the book as she wonders if she is strong enough to suffer through his loss.

            While I trust that Oats gave an accurate account of her pain as a widow, she received criticism for something she chose to omit from her memoir. Less than a year after Ray’s death she was already engaged to her second husband. Some found it self-serving that she did not include this detail, and believed it took away from the authenticity of the sorrow she wrote about. I however disagree with the critics and am happy she reserved this book as a heartfelt memoir of her loss and not her new love.     In writing this novel, Oats was likely able to explore what she was experiencing and work through her pain. As well as let other widows know that they are not alone in their suffering or self-harmful thoughts. While this book can be related to most by fellow widows it can be appreciated by anyone who has ever been in love or lost a loved one. It will pull at the heartstrings of any reader and likely bring many tears.

The Day of the Dead

            While there are many different cultural traditions about death, El Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a unique way to celebrate the memories of the deceased in joyous way. The customs of this Mexican tradition can be traced back to pre-hispanic rituals and has since been mixed with Catholic influences to become what it is today (Armendariz, para. 2). The Day of the Dead is a way for people to honor and remember their loved ones as well as celebrate the blessing of life (Cruz, para. 4).  It is a connection from the past to the present, and for some people it actually makes the concept of death less freighting (Cruz, para. 7).

            The Day of the Dead rituals originate from Aztec and Mayan celebrations honoring death, the fall harvest, and the new year (King, para. 6). The festivities would last for two-months, the first month honoring the dead children, and the second to remember the deceased adults (Agur, para. 3). The natives were said to wear costumes during the ceremonies, as well as carry skulls, which symbolize death and rebirth (Miller, para. 7). The festivities also included offerings of flowers, food and drink to the goddess of the dead (King, para. 6). “The ritual had been practiced for over 3000 years until the Spaniards” arrived in Mexico (Miller, para. 2). The Spaniards thought these rituals were sacrilegious and mocking death (Miller, para. 9). They could not understand that the natives did not view death as the end of life, but rather a continuation of life’s cycles (King, para. 10). The Spaniards push their own Catholic beliefs on the native population, destroying temples and building churches in their ruin (Agur, para. 7).  The Spaniards tried to implement many changes to what they viewed as barbaric celebration (Miller, para. 11). Eventually traditions merged with the similarly themed Catholic holidays, All Saints’ Day on November 1 and All Souls Day on November 2, evolving into what is now the Day of the Dead (King, para.7). 

            Mexicans believe that during the celebration of the Day of the Dead their deceased friends and family are allowed to return to earth to be with the living for one day of the year (Kenyon, para. 1).  The celebration it is similar to their ancestor’s tradition, honoring the arrival of deceased children’s spirits on November 1, and the next day the spirits of the departed adults (Kenyon, para. 1).  At the heart of this tradition is the Mexican belief of the three deaths. Mexican culture believes the first death as being physical death when the heart stops beating and the body ceases to function (King, para. 13). The second is when the body is laid into the ground and is out of sight (King, para. 14). The final and most undesirable death is when the person is no longer remembered by the living (King, para. 15).  This idea remains at the root of the Day of the Dead tradition, for those who celebrate want to keep the memories of their loved ones alive, and hope that the same is done for them when they are gone (Cruz, para. 4).

            Exact traditions vary slightly in different regions of Mexico, but there are a few elements observed in all celebrations. Families gather together to enjoy food and festivities and “through stories, memories and dreams, the dead return” (King, para. 18). Families invite their lost loved ones home by building them altars. “The altar and its offerings are considered a threshold between heaven and earth, and bring the reunion between the living and the dead into the home” (Ramos, para. 3). The staple offerings placed on alters are water, soap, a towel and a mirror so that the spirits can clean themselves when the return (King, para. 26). They also place personal items of the deceased such as their favorite food and drinks, as well as photographs, candles, flowers and figures of skeletons (King, para. 24). Building altars allows the family time to remember and honor their dead (King, para. 18). In some areas families do not build altars at their homes, but instead decorate the grave of the deceased with offerings and hold all night fiestas at the graveyard (Ross, para. 7). Whether the families gather at home or at the grave site, they believe the spirits of their lost loved ones are at the celebration with them for just that one day of the year (King, para. 17)..  

            Another staple seen in the Day of the Dead festivities is the symbols of skulls or skeletons. While skulls have long represented death and rebirth in pre-hispanic culture, more recently they have taken on a comedic role. Hand crafted skeletons or cookies shaped like skulls are often placed as offerings on altars (King, para. 27). These figures are not meant to be scary or mocking death, but instead friendly and funny characters. “In the early 20^th century, Mexican political caricaturist Jose Guadalupe Posada earned fame by creatively depicting the wealthy as somewhat foppish skeletons in fancy attire” (Turim, para. 11). This satire pointed out that death is an inevitable part of life that will affect all people (Turim, para. 13). His comedic take on skeletons and skulls help make the idea of death less scary for many and further popularized them as symbols in the Day of the Dead tradition (Cruz, para. 7).

             The day of the dead is a unique tradition that despite heavy Catholic influences managed to retain many of its ancient Aztec beliefs and rituals about death. While celebrations vary, the meaning behind the Day of the Dead is universal among those who observe it. The holiday honors and celebrates the lives of those who are deceased in a joyful way. The family gatherings and offerings made to the dead keep the memories of the deceased alive and simultaneously help diminish the fear of dying. As long as those living celebrate the lives of their lost loved ones, the deceased are still alive in their hearts and their minds. The Day of the Dead is a beautiful tradition and I believe other cultures can take note from it in order to help keep their ancestors alive through memories.

 

 

 

 

References

Agur, D. (2003). Day of the dead history. Retrieved from http://www.mexican-fold-         art-guide.com/day-of-the-dead-history.html

Armendariz, J. (2012, Nov. 3). Dia del los muertos event draws living to celebrate             dead.  The monitor daily news. Retrieved from http://www.themonitor.com   /news/local/     article_93178a6c-260e-11e2-8a75-001a4bcf6878.html

Cruz, A. (2012, Oct. 26). Intrigued by day of the dead? What you need to know and         where to celebrate. ABC News. Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/ABC_             Univision/Entertainment/day-dead-dia-de-los-muertos-factsguide/story?id=            17563850#.ULLIJ7T3DoB

Kenyon, C. (2012). Dia de los muertos “Day of the Dead”. Retrieved from            http://mexicanfood.about.com/od/history/a/dayofthedead.htm

King, J. (2012). Los dias de lost muertos (the day of the dead). Retrieved from       http://www.mexconnect.com/articles/1427-los-dias-de-los-muertos-the-            days-of-the-dead

Miller, C. (2012). Day of the dead history. Retrieved from http://www.azcentral. com/ent/dead/articles/dead-history.html

Ramos, K. (2007). Learning about Hispanic cultures through the study of latino and          Mexican holidays, celebrations, and traditions. Retrieved from http://www.    educ.msu.edu/teachglobal/Americas/module1.html

Ross, S. (2012 Nov. 25). Day of the dead. Retrieved from http://www.infoplease.com       /spot/day-of-the-dead.html

Turim, G. (2012, Nov. 2). Day of the dead sweets and treats. Retrieved from         http://www.history.com/news/hungry-history/day-of-the-dead-sweets-and-treats

Ageism and its Negative Effects

Ageism is a serious form of social discrimination and has a severe effect on the self-esteem and wellbeing of seniors. Stereotypes about age are ingrained in us during youth and are further reinforced by society and media. The elderly are the predominant victims of age discrimination and are burdened with the negative effects. With seniors becoming the fastest growing demographic it is surprising that ageism is still so pervasive. As a society we need to look towards ending age discrimination and change the negative attitudes we have about getting older.

            Ageism is a form of discrimination and prejudice against an age group, and is acutely felt by seniors (Ageism, 2009). Ageism involves applying false stereotypes to the elderly, or changing the way one treats older people “in regard to their competence and value in society” (Combating, 2012). It is human nature to want to put things into categories but this can lead people to form incorrect stereotypes about an entire group of people.  It is impossible to generalize the ageing demographic that is made up of such a diverse group of individuals (The effects, 2011). This does not stop our society from categorizing the aged as frail, powerless, dependent, and burdensome.  They are suddenly thought to be past their prime and mentally and physically weaker.

In our society we learn the negative stereotypes about the elderly from those around us and the media strengthens these false notions. Getting older becomes a dreaded stage of life when we see birthday cards and balloons with negative jokes and sayings about aging such as “over the hill”. Television and movies are no better, painting a picture of the aged as sickly and grumpy individuals who are stubborn and set in their ways.   However, “there is a sizeable discrepancy between the actual process of aging and society’s perception of the process” (The effects, 2011). Actress Doris Roberts spoke out against the media’s portrayal of older adults, saying, “My peers and I are portrayed as dependent, helpless, unproductive and demanding rather than deserving. In reality, the majority of seniors are self-sufficient… and [have] the time and talent to offer society” (Dittmann, pg. 50) Most older individuals are vastly differently from how they are stereotyped and are still independent and fully capable of cognitive and physical activities regardless of age.

Age discrimination can be very hurtful to the self-esteem of aging individuals and can even take a toll on their health. Many seniors are treated like second-class citizens by younger generations. They are often talked down to or even made to feel invisible because of their age. A 20-year study on perceived discrimination found that 63% of participants over age 53, reported feeling discriminated against, with the main cause cited being their old age. The study also found that age discrimination quickly leads to feelings of depression and stress and causes lowered mental health as well as lower self rated health (Luo, Xu, Granberg, Wentworth, 2011). In another study psychologist Becca Levy, PhD discovered that when older individuals were exposed to positive stereotypes about their age they showed significantly better memory and balance than those exposed to negative views. What is even more astonishing is Levy found that seniors with positive perceptions of aging lived 7.5 years longer than those with negative views. (Dittmann, pg 50). These findings put the true effects of negative stereotyping for the elderly in perspective. The lower mental and physical expectations held for the elderly can cause seniors depression and lead them to accept the inevitable deterioration of their body and mind. It is devastating when this happens because the individual is participating in a self- fulfilling prophecy (The effects of ageism, 2011).

            There is a great deal that needs to be done in order to change the negative stereotyping of the aging population. The most effective way to reverse society’s bias is to start with early education about aging in order to stop the stereotypes from becoming concrete in young peoples minds. If people learn that life does not stop at middle age and they understand more about the aging process itself perhaps they can relate more to the older generation. I believe the more educated people become about seniors and the adverse effects ageism has, people will soon change the way they treat their elders.

             Ageism is just as dangerous as any other form of prejudice and the effects it has on the older populations health and happiness is astounding. Society needs to break the negative stereotypes that are perpetuated and instead revere seniors for their knowledge and experience. This change will be difficult to make because they are deep seeded in the minds of many. However, change is need and must come about through education and understanding. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

(2012). Combating ageism in care circles: altering perceptions. Parent giving

and elderly care.

Retrieved from http://www.parentgiving.com/elder-care/combating-ageism-in-care-circles-altering-perceptions/

Ageism. (2009)

            Retrieved from http://www.alfa.org/alfa/Ageism.asp

Dittmann, M. (2003, May 3). Fighting ageism. Monitor. Vol 34, No. 5, pg. 50

            Retrieved from http://www.apa.orf/monitor.may03/fighting.aspx

Luo, Y., Xu, J., Granberg, E. & Wentworth, W.M. (2011, Dec 14).  A longitudinal

            study of social status, perceived discrimination, and physical and emotional

health among older adults. Research on Aging.

dio: 10.1177/0164027511426151

The effects of ageism. (2009).

            Retrieved at http://www.essortment.com/effects-ageism-35572.html

 

Vegan Diets Effect on Aging

A well-maintained vegan diet can be beneficial to our health as we age and may help improve overall quality of life. Everything we consume has an effect on our bodies and it is especially important to eat healthy as we get older because a proper diet can help to minimize the symptoms of age related changes (Havala, 2000). By eliminating animal products vegans enjoy better health throughout their lifespan and also have the satisfaction of knowing their diet is less harmful to animals and the environment. Yet eating a vegan diet is a difficult commitment and it is easy for a vegan to miss proper nutrition if they fail to plan out their diet correctly. For those who do adopt this lifestyle their improved quality of life makes their choice well worth the extra effort and planning.

Veganism is similar to vegetarianism in that meat is excluded from the diet, however vegans go a step further and cut out all animal products. There are different reasons people adopt a vegan diet and thus different degrees to which the diet is followed. Some people follow a very casual vegan diet and occasionally indulge in meat or dairy. Those who do break the diet are likely only vegan for the health benefits, not because it has to do with their philosophy. However a strict vegan does not even eat honey, wear leather, or use products tested on animals. They might call themselves an ethical or lifestyle vegan because they extend the vegan philosophy into all areas of their life. There are also many people that consider themselves environmental vegans because they reject animal products on the basis that industrial farming of animals is unsustainable and damaging to the environment (Wikipedia, 2012). According to food writer J. Kenji Lopez-Alt (2012) “the fact that most vegans go vegan for reasons of mortality means that they are by definition going to feel better about themselves and we know that how you feel about yourself mentally can have a drastic impact on how you feel physically” (pg 1). Vegans who chose their lifestyle on strong philosophies will enjoy a great sense of satisfaction and well being throughout their lives from their sacrifice.

While reasons for adopting a vegan lifestyle differ depending on the individual it is increasingly clear that people who eat an appropriately planned vegan diet can improve their health. Many dairy and meat products are high in saturated fat and cholesterol and when eaten in abundance can lead to clogged arteries and other health problems.

By eliminating animal products and increasing consumption of whole foods vegans are generally consuming fewer calories and saturated fats. Their diets are usually higher in dietary fiber, potassium, magnesium, and several antioxidant vitamins. All these factors translate to a decreased risk of heart disease, obesity, stroke, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even some forms of cancer (Craig, 2003).

A vegan diet is increasingly beneficial for older people because as our bodies age our metabolisms slows and it is necessary to consume fewer calories. At the same time our bodies need for essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and vitamin D and B12 can increase. When this happens it becomes vitally important for seniors to refrain from unnecessary calories and saturated fats and eat a nutritious diet to get all the vitamins needed for good health (Havala 2000). Many seniors credit their good health and long lives to their vegan diet, including centenarian Loreen Dinwiddie, who turned 108 last year. She became a vegan 89 years ago in order to maintain good health and she claims her diet “has been instrumental at keeping her feeling youthful and wonderful all these years” (KGW News, 2011).

While the vegan diet can cause several health benefits, it can likewise have severe consequences if the diet is not properly maintained. I know firsthand how easy it is to eat vegan but not actually eat healthy and nutritional foods. It did not take me long after adopting a vegan diet to discover junk food like vegan chocolate cake and non-dairy ice cream. Vegans have to be extra careful that they are eating the right foods because by excluding meat and dairy they are limiting their sources of important nourishment such as protein and calcium. This is not at all to say it is the absence of animal products that cause deficiencies in the nutrition of vegans, it is simply inadequate meal planning (Kovacs, 2012). It is a good idea for a vegan to consult a nutritionist to ensure they know which foods or supplements they need to include in their diet to ensure they can enjoy optimal health and quality of life.

The vegan population still remains relatively small but as people are gaining more knowledge about the philosophy and benefits of this kind of diet it has been gaining more popularity. In a poll taken last year Americans who have adopted a vegan diet has grown to 2.5 percent (Hyams, 2012). By removing animal products from their diet vegans gain several health benefits including extended longevity. They also have the pleasure of knowing that they are helping protect animals and the environment. Whether a vegan is motivated by ethics or health one thing is clear, they will experience an improved quality of life well into old age.

References

(2011, February 14). 108 Year Old Loreen Dinwiddie. Oregon. KGW News.

Craig, W. (2003). Vegan Diets: The Pros and Cons.

Retrieved from http://vegetarian-nutrition.info/updates/vegan-diets-pros-cons.php

Havala, S. (2000, August 20). A Senior’s Guide To Good Nutrition.

Retrieved from http://www.vrg.org/nutrition/seniors.htm

Hymas, L. (2012). How many of us are vegetarian or vegan?

Retrieved from http://grist.org/food/how-many-of-us-are-vegetarian-or-vegan/

Kenji Lopez-Alt, J. (2012, Jan 13). The Vegan Experience.

Retrieved from http://www.seriouseats.com/2012/01/the-vegan-experience-day-     0.html

Kovacus, B. (2012). Vegetarian and Vegan Diet.

Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/vegetarian_and_vegan_diet/

article.htm

Wikipedia. (2012, October 7). Veganism.

Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegan_diet

 

Aging Athletes: Reaping the Benefits Of Staying Active Throughout Life

There are an astonishing amount of aging athletes who refuse to let their age slow them down and continue to stay fit and active into their later years. While so many people tend to become less energetic as they get older, this growing demographic of aging athletes chose to exercise as a way of staying young and ward off aging. These athletes participate in several different competitions including the Senior Olympics and the Master Game Series where those participating are anywhere from 50 to 101 years old (Leet, 2011). There are tremendous health benefits from staying active throughout a life span, and this growing subculture of aging athletes may have found a temporary fountain of youth.

As many people get older they chose to embrace the inevitable aging and deterioration of their bodies. This is understandable considering muscle decline can start as early as age 30 and bone mass begins to decrease after age 40. (Agin, Perkins, 2012) (Wasson, 2012).  It is not surprising then that exercise for aging individuals begins to seem like an unfeasible task as their bodies get weaker and slower. Aging athletes differ greatly from sedentary seniors because they do not view their inevitable physical decline as an obstacle but a challenge. They ignore the negative stereotypes that come with old age and make the conscious decision to stay active for as long as they can. For example look at long distance runner Fauja Singh. At age 101 he became the oldest person to complete a marathon. Although his racing times are increasing over the years he refuses to let his slowing speed keep him from competing and setting world records 93 (Neiyyar, 2012).

The main reason a senior chooses to remain active is to stay young, healthy and independent. As author, and orthopedic surgeon Vonda Wright points out: “How we age is 30 percent genetics and 70 percent under our direct control” (Leet, 2011).  Many seniors realize the health benefits of staying active and take control of the rate they age through exercise. Aerobic and weight training can help strengthen bones and offset the natural decline of oxygen consumption and muscle mass, making continued exercise easier (Mascarelli, 2011).  Exercise has a huge preventative effect on ailments such as heart disease, diabetes, joint problems and Alzheimer’s disease. It can also help improve sleeping, concentration, and help control blood pressure and cholesterol (Llyod, 2012). Staying healthy and mobile later in life helps people retain their independence longer because they are not depending on others for their basic needs.

In addition to the overall physical rewards enjoyed from staying active, many seniors continue their exercise regiment for the psychological benefits. Exercise releases endorphins, which are the “feel good” chemicals in the brain that promote an overall sense of wellbeing.  This helps to combat depression and anxiety as well as promote a more positive attitude and higher self-esteem (Lloyd, 2012). Exercise also gives aging individuals a feeling of empowerment when they accomplish activities that are not expected of someone their age.

The growing numbers of seniors athletes can be seen in all sorts of athletic competitions around the world. In this years London Marathon there were 7000 runners over age 50 and 7 over the age of 80; one of which was Singh (Mosley; Smith, 2012).  But many seniors gravitate to events that are specifically directed to athletes of their age. The Senior Olympics and other organized athletic events for aging athletes have become a growing trend over the last 25 years. They hold competitions in everything from archery to volleyball, and this year there will be ten thousand athletes competing (The Midland Daily News, 2012). For many seniors these events are what give them that extra push to maintain a high level of fitness (Lloyd, 2012). There is also a great sense of community and hope that athletes experience when they compete with thousands of their peers. They are given a chance to not only take control of their aging by staying active, but also form lasting friendships with people that share a similar goal of health and fitness.

After looking at the numerous physical and psychological benefits of continued exercise it is no wonder there is a growing population of aging athletes. These stubborn individuals refuse to let anyone tell them they are too old to accomplish their goals. Through staying active they are taking control of their futures and keeping their bodies and minds as youthful as possible. Many people can learn from them and see that we are never too old to be active and it is not to late too reap the abundant benefits of exercise.