Busting the Stereotype of Neuro-Physical Decline
Physical activity is an important moderator of cognitive decline related to age. Depending on the mode of exercises and the intensity, the blood flow increases. This increases the ability of the blood vessels to respond normally hence reducing occurrences of vascular dysfunction. Interventions for increasing physical activity amongst the aged have yielded good results. This is because the aged are now able to improve their brain growth thus causing a decline in brain disorders and memory loss. As a result, this has contributed to the improvement of cognition n relatively older adults (Bherer & Liu-Ambrose, 2013). Continuous physical activities such as aerobics enable the aged to maintain their fitness. This also demonstrates an increased brain growth and functional plasticity among the aged patients who are diagnosed with early dementia and other health disorders. Physical exercises, therefore, have played a major role in cognitive development among the aged as it has helped in reducing some of the behavioral and psychological symptoms. Some of the psychological symptoms controlled by physical exercises include agitation, stress and wandering. As all of these symptoms are controlled, self-acceptance amongst the aged is increased hence resulting in an increase in self-esteem among them (Bherer & Liu-Ambrose, 2013).
It is therefore recommended that health education should be tailored to individuals needs. Older adults ought to be trained on both specific and general concepts and medical issues. This will ensure that the aged get information that will enable them to make right decisions basing on their circumstances (Reichstadt et al, 2010). Following this learning process, the aging will be able to adapt to the age-related changes hence allowing them to have a smooth transition. This understanding of the varying theories of aging will allow caregivers, family and the aged to understand the process of aging and the necessary transition to undertake. This transition and adaptation to changes with age will enhance the well being of the aging.
References
Bherer, L., Erickson, K. I., & Liu-Ambrose, T. (2013). A review of the effects of physical activity and exercise on cognitive and brain functions in older adults. Journal of aging research, 2013.
Reichstadt, J., Sengupta, G., Depp, C. A., Palinkas, L. A., & Jeste, D. V. (2010). Older adults' perspectives on successful aging: Qualitative interviews. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 18(7), 567-575.
