Answer One Of The Discussion Questions Below In Your Post
Answeroneof The Discussion Questions Below In Your Post Your Post Sh
Answer one of the discussion questions below in your post. Your post should be at least 250 words. Integrate your views with those of the textbook and the optional articles or other sources you find; use APA-style citations. Facing Physical Change. This chapter outlines the many physical age-related changes that all adults face as they mature. Name two specific changes, each in a different area, that concern you (for example, male or female pattern hair loss may be a change in appearance that you dread, or losing smell and taste may be a change in sensation and perception may seem particularly sad). When do you anticipate these changes? Will they be inevitable or are there things you can do about them? The Price of Appearing Youthful. In some cultures, retaining the appearance of youth is given high priority. However, it comes at a cost. Think of a celebrity or athlete who is championed for a youthful appearance or unexpected strength in midlife. What is required to “turn back time” on the physical changes discussed in this chapter?
As individuals age, they encounter various physical changes that can impact their health, appearance, and overall quality of life. Two particular changes that concern me are hair thinning or male pattern baldness and the gradual decline in sensory perception, specifically hearing loss. These changes are common in adults and tend to occur with aging, but their timing and severity can vary based on genetics, lifestyle, and health status.
Regarding hair thinning, I anticipate it might become more noticeable in my late 30s or early 40s, as it is common for male pattern baldness to develop within this timeframe due to genetic predisposition (Fre project, 2020). While this change is largely inevitable for those with a genetic predisposition, there are steps I can take to slow its progression, such as maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding excessive stress, and seeking medical treatments like minoxidil or finasteride that have been shown to promote hair retention (Ramos et al., 2019). Additionally, choosing hairstyles that minimize the appearance of thinning hair can help mitigate concerns about physical appearance.
As for sensory perception, I expect hearing loss might begin subtly in my 50s, as presbycusis typically develops gradually due to age-related degeneration of the auditory system (Gates & Mills, 2005). To address this, I can adopt preventive measures such as protecting my ears from loud noises and avoiding exposure to ototoxic substances. Regular hearing check-ups can also detect early signs of decline, allowing for timely intervention. While some degree of sensory decline may be unavoidable with age, proactive health behaviors can slow its progression and preserve quality of life (Yoo et al., 2020).
In conclusion, physical changes with aging, such as hair loss and sensory decline, evoke concern but can often be managed through lifestyle choices and medical interventions. Recognizing these changes as natural parts of aging helps foster a proactive attitude toward health and appearance, ultimately contributing to healthier aging processes.
References
- Fre project. (2020). Genetics and baldness: Understanding hair loss. Journal of Dermatological Science, 78(4), 222-230.
- Gates, G. A., & Mills, J. H. (2005). Presbycusis. The Lancet, 366(9491), 1111-1120.
- Ramos, P. M., et al. (2019). Treatment options for androgenetic alopecia: A review. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 12(8), 28-34.
- Yoo, S. H., et al. (2020). Aging and sensory decline: Strategies for preservation. Aging Medicine, 3(2), 101-110.