The way we age isn’t the same as it used to be. On the most simplistic level, if you look at images of people in their forties from forty years ago, compared today, the people of today look far younger overall. But that’s just one part of it. So, let’s look at some of the different elements that are going to impact how people are aging and how this is going to impact you.
Living Longer
First, it’s important to be aware that people are living a lot longer than they used to. These days, society is often obsessed with the idea of cancer and it’s true that health issues like this are becoming a lot more common. However, you also have just as much chance of living up until 90 with no health issues at all. That doesn’t mean that you’ll have the best quality of life though. That’s why it’s important to think about elements including diet and exercise. This is a great way to not just look young but feel young well into your later years.
Less Financial Support
Unfortunately, as we age there is more stress and pressure on the governments trying to support the ageing communities. While everyone has a pension, some are worth more than others. You may have a private pension that you can rely on, which will take some of the pressure off you needing to access financial support. However, if you do need help and assistance then there are people who you can call.
More Health Challenges
Ageing is inevitable, it happens to everyone at some point. However, as the life expectancy rises, so does the risk of developing more health challenges. This could be anything from cognitive decline, needing memory care, to a low immune system putting people more at risk of contracting illnesses like influenza or pneumonia.
Of course, with age doesn’t just come the rise in one singular health condition. There are often comorbidities in the elderly, for instance high blood pressure and the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
The pressure on doctors surgeries and hospitals is quite intense and something healthcare systems just aren’t used to. The more people who use these services, the more stretched they are. Which means you may have quite a long wait for any medical interventions you need during your lifetime.
Technology
Lastly, technology has come a long way since the invention of the first computer and mobile phone. Elderly people are now walking around with smart phones and no longer rely on speaking to family members from a phone attached to the wall. This is a wonderful way elderly people can stay in touch with their families. Meaning a lower rate of the elderly suffering from loneliness.
However, this isn’t the only way technology is helping as we age. Technology can be incredibly empowering for people who want to age in place and not go into care homes. Smart home technology is one way this can help, as devices like smart speakers can call people and order any shopping that is needed.
We do hope you found this article helpful and it gave you plenty of information on how the way we age is constantly changing, sometimes for the better and yes, sometimes for the worse.
