Aging
From Wiki4CAM
Aging is a progressive deterioration of physiological function, an intrinsic age-related process of loss of viability and increase in vulnerability. In humans aging is characterized by a complex phenotype. [1] Aging has also been defined as the collection of changes that render human beings progressively more likely to die. [2] One hallmark of aging in humans and many other species is an age-related increase in mortality rates. Aging is a gradual deterioration of physiological function with age, including a decrease in fecundity. [3] It also includes the intrinsic, inevitable, and irreversible age-related process of loss of viability and increase in vulnerability. [4] Clearly, human aging is associated with a wide range of physiological changes that not only make us more susceptible to death, as described above, but that limit our normal functions and render us more susceptible to a number of diseases.
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Pathologic and Physiological Age-Related Changes
In humans, our body's functional decline tends to begin after the sexual peak, roughly at age 19 and perhaps some functions decline even sooner. Contrary to demographic measurements of aging, that show mortality rates increasing exponentially, the human functional decline is linear. [5] Succinctly, aging is characterized by changes in appearance, such as a gradual reduction in height and weight loss due to loss of muscle and bone mass, a lower metabolic rate, lower reaction times, declines in certain memory functions, declines in sexual activity and, in women, menopause, a functional decline in audition, olfaction, and vision, declines in kidney, pulmonary, and immune functions, declines in exercise performance, and multiple endocrine changes. [6] [7] However, apart from presbyopia, or farsightedness, which is caused by the continuous growth of the eyes' lenses and appears to be universal of human aging (Finch, 1990, pp. 158-159; Hayflick, 1994, p. 179), and menopause, no single age-related change is inevitable.
The phenotype of human aging is one in which practically any system, tissue or organ can fail. This indicates an intrinsic phenomenon affecting the whole organism and leading to the "weakest link" failing, resulting in death. Interestingly, studies in supercentenarians--i.e., people over 110 years of age--suggest that these individuals age uniformly. In other words, what makes supercentenarians unique is the fact they do not have one debilitating organ or system that results in death; they do not have a "weakest link." Supercentenarians are nonetheless extremely frail and debilitated, showing multiple pathologies. [8] Likewise, one "autopsy study" in centenarians revealed that all, even those described as healthy before death, had an acute organic failure causing death. These results also suggest that the idea that people can die of "old age" is incorrect. [9]
Clearly, the incidence of a number of pathologies increases with age. These include diabetes, heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and kidney disease. Also note how the incidence of some pathologies, like sinusitis, remains relatively constant with age, while that of others, like asthma, even decline. Therefore, it is important to stress that aging is not merely a collection of diseases. With age we become more susceptible to certain diseases, but, as described above, we also become more likely to die, frailer, and endure a number of physiological changes, not all of which lead to pathology.
How to cope up with aging?
Old age is the last stage in the life span and with the change from middle age to old age it envisages a series of adjustments, in behaviour and thinking to meet the demands of a waning existence punctuated by disease, disability and disbelief. Central to coping with personal ageing is the acceptance of its reality. Happy ageing consists of adjusting to the demands of the stage and using the time and resource available beneficially to oneself and others. The role of maintaining good physical and mental health and cultivating appropriate attitudes towards it, is a requirement that can hardly be overstressed. Empirical studies have shown the significant contribution of several variables to successful ageing. [10]
2. Keep busy: The key is to make psychologically feel that they are active. It would help in keeping the physiology active as well.
1. See the tradeoffs: Let's face it; it's better to be younger than older. But getting older means you have more time and ability to realize the benefits of your mind. You can't cut the grass as easily, or maybe even at all, but you can still read the classics. (Today, thanks to technology and the competitive marketplace, we have books on tape/cd as well as large print books). You can pursue interests you never thought you'd have. There's television, the Internet, and all kinds of things that don't require so much physical stamina, but do make use of your intellect.
3. Never assume you're too old to do anything, unless the facts prove it. For some old people, the attitude of "I can't" takes over because they feel they can do less than they really can do. If you try to do something (especially something physical) and you simply cannot do it, that's one thing; but if you assume you're too old to benefit from reading good books; sending opinions to newspapers or politicians; joining a cause that's important to you; doing consultation in your old field or even doing odd jobs in new businesses; or tending to pets ... then you're cheating yourself out of possible fun things. It's prejudicial "agism" but applied to yourself, rather than someone else doing it to you.
4. Don't think of yourself as old. Think of yourself as simply you. Well-functioning elderly people often tell me, "I look at this person in the mirror sometimes and I think, 'Who is this man with wrinkles?'" This happens because the older person doesn't dwell on his age. He doesn't sit around thinking of himself as old. He doesn't deny it, but he doesn't make it the center of his existence either. Consequently, it's momentarily surprising to be reminded, in a very blunt way, of his age when he looks in the mirror.
Needless to say, all of these psychological techniques presuppose at least a minimal state of physical health. Some of this is genetic, but a lot of good health is made possible by more sensible decisions in your 40's, 50's and 60's. In many ways, coping with aging is made possible by decisions you're making in your life right now. Don't forget that. [11]
CAM Therapies for coping up aging
Ayurveda
Homeopathy
Many homeopathic medicines are being successfully used to cope up with senility. It may not be possible to make them totally free from all the complaints, but it helps to provide a better quality of life to them. Homoeopathy eases their routine life and offers peace and solace to them.
Many a time ageing causes poor response to medicinal substances, irrespective of which system of medicine. In such instances “low potency” of homoeopathic medicines may be needed to induce the “vital force”.
Frequently Used Remedies for Senile conditions
Ambra grisea It is indicated for symptoms of both extremes of life, childhood and senility. In senility, it is useful in nervous affections, general functional impairment and premature senility. Weakness in the morning, in bed, especially in the upper part of body, with confusion in head; sensation as if eyes had been tightly closed.
Aurum metallicum Aurum metallicum is a frequently prescribed remedy for old age problems. It is a remedy of considerable value in hypertrophy of the heart, with tendency to fatty degeneration and wandering pains. It is sometimes with palpitation and irregular pulse, and with feeling as if the heart would cease beating.
Baryta carbonica Like Ambra grisea, it is also for both first and second childhood. It is indicated for old, cachectic but fatty people, those who suffer from gouty complaints. It is helpful in senile dementia. Apoplectic tendency is seen frequently in old people. Complaints of old drunkards, headache of aged people, who are childish, are the other characteristics. Other conditions of old men when degenerative changes begin in cardiac and cerebral vascular tissues. It is also indicated for enlarged prostate and indurated testes.
Cineraria Maritima Many stalwarts and authors from Boericke and Clarke to contemporary physicians, have mentioned about this drug for its employment in cataract. It is prepared from the “juice” of the plant. The method adopted is to instil one drop, four or five times a day, into the eye affected, and to keep this up for several months. The juice does not appear to produce any inflammation: a slight burning sensation, which lasts for about two minutes, follows its application. A study claimed 60% success in both arresting and curing cataract with this drug (Experimental Research in Cataract with Cineraria Maritima, British Homoeopathic Journal, Vol. LIX, No. 2, April 1970). Effectivity of this drug in prevention and treatment of cataract has also been confirmed by animal experimentation in Philadelphia, USA. Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy recommends this drug for cataract.
Coca Suitable to old people with weariness and shortness of breathing. This remedy is also for the exhaustion of brain and nervous system from physical and mental strain and for those who suffer from dizziness, dyspnoea and exhaustion. Decay of teeth.
Crataegus oxyacantha It is another remedy for senility, especially for senile heart. Acts upon the heart as a restorative tonic produces a quieting and strengthening influence. It dilates the coronary vessels, reducing peripheral resistance and thus lowering the blood pressure. This remedy in five-drop doses of the tincture will often bring excellent results in chronic dilatation of heart. The indicative symptoms are angina pectoris – pain in region of heart and under left clavicle. Said to have a solvent power upon crustaceous and calcareous deposits in arteries. Extreme dyspnoea on least exertion, without much increase of pulse. It is also used to enhance poor memory by improving the circulation of blood with in the head.
Ginkgo biloba In low potency or mother tincture this remedy is useful Alzheimer’s disease and other senile problems. Studies claim it is effective in the treatment of arterial insufficiency in limbs and brain. It is also indicated as an analeptic (stimulating effect on central nervous system). It improves memory and concentration and prevents life threatening clots by inhibiting platelet-activating factor. Another indication in low or medium potency is insomnia between 2am and 3am. Acts against allergy and reduces inflammation.
Kalium carbonicum Recommended for fleshy aged people with dropsical and paretic tendencies, backache and weakness. It is also for weak heart and anaemia. It improves wasting of muscles and tissues. It is also useful in the diathesis of uric acid and urea.
Selenium metallicum Involuntary dribbling after urinating or when walking, or after stool. Urine red, with a coarse red sandy sediment. Characterized by emaciation and weakness, with irritability.
Therapeutics of some frequent senile problems
Development of senile cataract: Calcarea fluorica, Cineraria maritima (eye drops of juice/succus), Magnesium carbonicum, Silicea Gangrene: Carbo vegetabilis, Kreosotum, Secale cornutum Incontinence of urine with senile degeneration of the prostate: Iodium Premature senility: Acidum phosphoricum, Ambra grisea, Conium maculatum, Lycopodium, Moschus Senile asthma: Baryta muriatica Senile dementia: Baryta carbonica Senile emphysema: Lobelia inflata Senile erysipelas: Lachesis Senile prostate: Ferrum picricum, Conium maculatum, Baryta carbonica, Rhus aromatica Senile pruritus: Calcarea phosphorica, Natrum silicatum Senile trembling: Cocainum muriaticum Senile sub-acute bronchial catarrh with periodical fever, generally agg. at night: Chininum arsenicosum Senile pneumonia: Digitalis Purpurea Senile heart: Crataegus oxyacantha, Arsenicum iodatum, Strophanthus hispidus
References
- ↑ Glossary
- ↑ Medawar, P. B. (1952). An Unsolved Problem of Biology. H. K. Lewis, London
- ↑ Partridge, L., and Mangel, M. (1999). "Messages from mortality: the evolution of death rates in the old." Trends in Ecology and Evolution 14(11):438-442
- ↑ Comfort, A. (1964). Ageing: The Biology of Senescence. Routledge & Kegan Paul, London
- ↑ Strehler, B. L. (1999). Time, Cells, and Aging. Demetriades Brothers, Larnaca
- ↑ Craik, F. I. M., and Salthouse, T. A. (1992). Handbook of Aging and Cognition. Erlbaum, Hillsdale
- ↑ Spence, A. P. (1995). Biology of Human Aging. Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ.
- ↑ Coles, L. S. (2004). "Demographics of human supercentenarians and the implications for longevity medicine." Ann N Y Acad Sci 1019:490-495
- ↑ Berzlanovich, A. M., Keil, W., Waldhoer, T., Sim, E., Fasching, P., and Fazeny-Dorner, B. (2005). "Do centenarians die healthy? An autopsy study." J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 60(7):862-865
- ↑ Ramamurti PV., Coping with ageing, Indian J Med Res. 1997 Oct;106:376-80
- ↑ Coping with Aging
