Old age consists of ages nearing or surpassing the average life span of human beings,
and thus the end of the human life cycle. Old people have limited regenerative abilities
and are more prone to disease, syndromes, and sickness than other adults. The medical
study of the aging process is gerontology, and the study of diseases that afflict
the elderly is geriatrics
The boundary between middle age and old age cannot be defined exactly because it
does not have the same meaning in all societies. People can be considered old because
of certain changes in their activities or social roles. Examples: people may be
considered old when they become grandparents, or when they begin to do less or different
work - retirement.
Physical Changes
There is often a general physical decline, and people become less active. Old age
can cause, amongst other things:
Wrinkles and liver spots on the skin
Change of hair colour to gray or white
Hair loss
Lessened hearing
Diminished eyesight
Slower reaction times and agility
Reduced ability to think clearly
Difficulty recalling memories
Depressed mood
Lessening or cessation of sex, sometimes because of physical symptoms such as erectile
dysfunction in men, but often simply a decline in libido
Greater susceptibility to bone diseases such as osteoarthritis