Health, Behavior and Optimal Aging Essay Example

Health, Behavior and Optimal Aging Essay Example Health, Behavior and Optimal Aging Paper Health, Behavior and Optimal Aging Paper The authors presented a Life Span Development Perspective to help people better understand the process of aging. The experiences and thought patterns of individuals as they accumulate through the years have an important impact in their latter behavior and psychological makeup. If these experiences were processed and internalized well, then the aging individuals could engage in what the authors call Optimal Aging. The health of aging individuals are deteriorating. They no longer have the strength and the vigor they used to have. This could become the source of discontent and frustration if they are not able to handle the process of aging. But as they realize the importance of growing old and they relish what they have done through the years, they can maintain positive behavior and avoid the negative emotions and frustrations so often associated with the process of aging. The rate of aging can also be affected by certain psychosocial factors. The immediate environment of the aging individuals such as the family, the presene of caregivers and the existence of a supportive community can help them deal with the realities of aging and they can still enjoy the company of their friends and their relatives. On the other hand, the process of optimal aging can not be dealt with by an individual alone, it should be with the help of others. Through optimal aging, the individuals going through the process of aging could enjoy adulthood and the late years of life without feeling worthless. If they can engage in physical and social activities suited to their age, they can live meaningfully and happily. Reference Aldwin, CM, Spiro, A, Park, CL (2006). Health, Behavior and Optimal Aging: A Life Span Development Perspective. In Birren, JE Schaei, KW. Handbook of the Psychology of Aging (6th edn). California: Elsevier Academic Press.