Issues Related to Aging

With aging, the ability to do daily activities (functional ability) declines to some degree in every person. Also, older people, on average, tend to have more disorders and disabilities than do younger people. But the changes that accompany aging are more than just changes in health. Social issues (such as living arrangements or type of work) influence an older person's risk and experience of illness.

Social Issues May Include:

Familial and marital or companion status
Living arrangements
Financial status
Work history
Education
Typical daily activities (for example, how meals are prepared, what activities add meaning to life, and where problems may be occurring)
Need for and availability of caregivers
History of trauma, losses, and coping strengths
History of substance use and legal issues
The older person's own caregiving responsibilities (because older people who are caring for family members may be reluctant to report their own symptoms lest any resulting medical procedures or hospitalization interfere with caregiving)