ASSOCIATION “PARENTS FOR CHILDREN” CAMPIA TURZII

The young age is the time to learn the wisdom, the old age is the time to apply it.

World Health Organization considers that the old age is a whole life process which starts even before you are born. From a biologic perspective the old age is believed to be a result of interactions between genetic factors., of surroundings and the life style which impacts the longevity.

- The old age is defined as the last period of a life, as a normal stage in our existence which is determined by slowing down of the physiological functions, a progressive limitation of the ability to adapt. - In fact, old age is a reverse image of development, according to the dictionary.

Old Age at the human society level A major problem of the modern society is marked by the “grizzled” of the Global population, blamed on the decrease of births and the increase of mortality in older people.

Romania is in top 5 members countries of EU( together with Slovakia, Poland, Latvia and Slovenia) which will reach the fastest aging in the next decades. Average of the age of population will be 46 years old in 2030, 52 years old in 2060, from 39 years old in 2011.

demographic (decrease of the Global population) social (aging influences the social life at the individual level); economic ( the demographic aging reflects in the rate increase in economic and aging dependency) Old Age at the human society level

Old Age at the individual level Common languages: - the stage that follows the youth; - aging; - maturity.

Old Age at the individual level Classifications of the old age: 1. transition stage: from 65 to 75 years old; 2. old age: from 75 to 85 years old; 3. gold age: above 85 years old American concept on old age: 1. old-young: from 65 to 75 years old;; 2. old-old: above 75 years old.

The Forms of Aging Biological aging:  Major changes in human body which cause vulnerability. Psychological aging:  Major changes at the psych level: mind, perception, reaction, memory… Social aging:  Society sees old age as a disease: incapacity, irritability, loss of decision making, causing, depression, izolation and dependence on others.

old age is a personal degradation and a continuous fight of chronic diseases. even though it is unusually in elderly, some are able to keep their physical functions at a normal level at the age of 80.

1. changes in attention, loss of concentration, lost of perceptions and short terms memories ( usually long term memory is more accurate, detailed and well stored in the mind); 2. changes of the mind with loss of ability to react at external stimulus, lost of flexibility, adjustment disorder, conservative behavior, but increase synthesis ability and organizational skills increase; 3. disharmonious traits are increased with age.

- retirement and/or the loss of the role in the family; - the loss of the social respect (in individual perception) - communication skills with family and society decrease - the dependency on others.

What are the specific needs of an elderly ? King Lear was screaming: “I need patience, people … “

OLD PEOPLE - traffic

financially and material : care; communication; understanding; recognition and respect; LOVE!!!!!!

Active aging What does active aging means? It means to keep our health, positive spirit and active influence in our society, keep our independence as much as we can. All these will increase the quality of life of the elderly.

Active aging Active aging according to World Health Organization in 2002, represents the optimize process of opportunities to maintain of health, personal participation and security, with the goal to improve the quality of life in the aging process. Active aging allows elderly to reach the maximum potential in physical, mental and social health, that allows an active life in society. “ Everyone wants to live long, but nobody wants to be old” (Jonathan Swift)

Active aging According to these, EU promotes measures for: Keeping the good health for longer time; Independent life style; Maintaining the rights, dignity and the respect for elderly.

Active aging To reach these goals we need the understanding and cooperation between generations. We all should know our places and responsibilities in society for a better adaptation to aging.

In the end it is not the years in a life, but the life in the years.” ( Abraham Lincoln) Happiness does not mean to have what you want, but wish what you have!