The 3 phases of old age and their physical and psychological changes

Old age is, in many aspects, the vital stage in which although many capacities are diminished, full psychological maturity is consolidated.

On the other hand, the lack of understanding on the part of the majority of adults who do not belong to this age range has meant that to some extent all human beings who are going through old age are seen as belonging to the same category, as if it were the same to be 70 years old than 92.

Next we will see what they are the 3 phases of old age, and what are their psychological and physical effects.

• Related article: "The 9 stages of human life"

The three phases of old age

The elderly is a vital stage that, partly because of the increase in life expectancy, covers a process of evolution that can be very long, with many variations and many variables to take into account account.

That is why it is useful to talk about the phases of old age, since they offer a rough categorization about special needs, common behavior patterns and the biological characteristics of these stages.

In summary, the stages of old age are as follows.

Pre-age: 55 to 65 years

Pre-age is the prelude to the vital stage in which several of the bodily functions are diminished in a more or less drastic way their ability to continue working as they had been doing before.

Physical changes

In this stage sleep patterns are often disturbed, significantly reducing the number of hours you need to sleep each night. It is also common for alterations in fat retention and a slower and heavier type of digestion to appear. Muscle mass, on the other hand, tends to atrophy significantly.

In women, predictability comes around the end of menopause, which generates a series of hormonal alterations that affect both through physical symptoms and other emotional ones linked to how this event is experienced.

Psychological changes

In this phase of old age, contrary to what is believed, neither is used to suffering a crisis nor does the level of happiness decrease. However, it does change the mindset.

Specifically, it is common for a melancholic thought pattern in which life begins to be seen through memories, what was lived in the past. Comparisons between what happened years ago and the here and now are very frequent.

On the other hand, those with an active family life may be exposed to the empty nest syndrome, for which the sons or daughters leave home and loneliness and, sometimes, boredom appears.

• Related article: "The 4 psychological changes in old age (memory, attention, intelligence, creativity)"

Old age: 65 to 79 years

“Pure” old age is the stage of life in which the weakening of functions is consolidated biological techniques as a psychological style based on reviewing the past and experimenting with regards.

Physical changes

Postural problems and weakening of bones appear, which can cause pain or even that great efforts cannot be made. Digestion problems, in many cases, are accentuated, as well as the risk of experiencing various types of cancer.

In addition, both vision and hearing often suffer, which in turn leads to a psychological risk: isolationSince it takes more effort to relate to others or even participate in conversations.

From 75 years of age, on the other hand, people already meet the profile of a geriatric patient as long as they of any significant problem in your quality of life such as mental deterioration or the inability to live in a autonomous.

Psychological changes

In this stage, the decline of an important aspect of mental processes is consolidated: the level of intelligence. More specifically, it is fluid intelligence, which has to do with mental agility and the generation of new knowledge starting from scratch, which is most affected, while crystallized intelligence is much better preserved in most healthy adults of this age.

Old age: 80 years and older

Old age is the last stage of old age, and involves a qualitative change in both physical and psychological evolution.

Physical changes

In this phase postural alterations and brittle bones and joints they are accentuated, which can lead to significantly reduce people's autonomy. The rest of the health problems also continue their progression, becoming significantly more frequent in this phase.

Psychological changes

In this phase, the danger of social isolation is accentuated, given that, on the one hand, the number of friends declines due to the frequency with which deaths occur, and on the other hand lack of autonomy it tends to make outings and encounters more rare. Free time is usually occupied with relatively contemplative activities, such as reading or gardening.