EBRR Class Report: Getting to Know Your Healthy Aging Body.
Begin: 9/10/2023
Finish: 10/18/2023
Title: Getting to Know Your Healthy Aging Body.
Author: The Change Company
Why I chose to take this class:
This is a Productive Activity (PA) class offered by BOP. This class teaches us about what happens to our body as we age and what we can do to slow the aging process.
What I learned from this class:
Aging is the process go growing old. As adult age they become vulnerable to injury, illness and death. Age related changes include: graying or loss of hair, weakened muscles, wrinkled skin, and diminished sense of hearing and vision.
How aging occurs:
One important mechanism involved in aging is the damage that accumulates in cells from unstable molecules called free radicals. These molecules are produced from the natural biological process as the body works to maintain a constant temperature and level of functioning. The human body has many biological defense mechanisms designed to prevent or minimize free radical damage and repair damage caused by free radical that occurs. Over time, the damage caused by the free radical accumulates and contribute to the aging process. The aging process is influenced by a number of factors: genetics, disease and lifestyle.
The Bones and Aging:
A drop in Calcium level is the most noticeable result of aging, and occurs more in women than in men due to postmenopause reduction in estrogen levels. As a result the bones become brittle and more likely to fracture. Decrease Calcium levels exacerbate curvature of the spine, leading to poor posture, increased risk of falls, and extra pressure on key joints. Inactivity is a major contributor to Osteoporosis, and weigh bearing exercise can retain bone mineral density, so regular exercise is encouraged.
The Joints and Aging:
The most obvious is the decreased range of motion caused by stiffening of the connective tissue around them, in combination with muscles losing their elasticity. The production of Synovial fluid decreases and become more viscous, so the cartilage that covers the ends of the bone can actually tear and lose fluid, reducing the cushioning effect when the joint move. These changes not only restrict movement but can also cause pain. Previous injury is one of the causes for these changes, but leading a sedentary lifestyle can also be a significant cause. In the spine, the disk between the vertebrae that are made of cartilage begin to lose the fluid and increase Calcium deposit, so the ability to soften movement in these vital joints is somewhat impaired. These combined changes lead to reduced movement, in the ankle, knees and hips. But can be overcome through regular activity.
The Muscle and Aging:
The changes in muscles over time are similar to the changes in bone: there’s a progressive loss of tissue with advancing years, but the general decline is more associated with inactivity rather than age.
Cardiovascular system and aging:
Most of the changes that occur, including decreases in the heart muscle performance, the efficiency of the blood vessels to transport Oxygen and ability of the skeletal muscle to use Oxygen are due to inactivity rather than age.
Seeing and Hearing with Age:
Aging is linked to degeneration in both sight and hearing ability. The lens loses elasticity, making it harder to focus, and the Iris muscle weaken, so the amount of light entering the retina is reduced. In terms of hearing, the ability to detect higher-pitch tones becomes difficult, but other sounds can be a problem if there is a high level of background noise. Also it is a contributory factor in balance issue.
How to Take Care of Our Health As we Age:
- Add physical activity into your daily routine.
- Manage your stress.
- Maintain a healthy relationship.
- Mindful and healthy eating.
- Get adequate sleep.
- Take care of your health and annual check up.
How will this class contribute to my success upon release:
This class provide me with the knowledge about aging, the disease associated with aging and how to take care of our Health as we age. This knowledge will be used by me, and shared my wife,family, friends and the communities that I will volunteer my teaching and mentoring services.
