Psychophysiological changes

According to the laws of nature, as people age, their physical (physiological) state changes first, followed by psychological changes.

Elderly people(NCT) is a valuable asset to society because, throughout their lives and work, they have accumulated a wealth of experience. However, as they age, they experience psychological and physiological changes to adapt and adopt a lifestyle appropriate to their age.

Physiological changes

As people get older, their reflexes slow down.

Unlike when they were younger, older adults often have very slow reflexes, including in communication. When needing to discuss something, they listen and absorb information very slowly, and it takes a long time before they can give an answer. Therefore, when communicating with older adults, we need to be patient, speak slowly and clearly so that they can hear and give accurate answers. In cases where they are hard of hearing, we need even more patience.

In daily life, due to their slow movements and reactions, elderly people need a lot of time for anything involving movement and preparation, including eating and traveling. Therefore, it is necessary to inform them as early as possible before eating or traveling so they can prepare. It is crucial to avoid any gestures or words that might make them feel hurt or upset.

Older people tend to forget things very quickly:

However, it is necessary to distinguish between the normal slowness and forgetfulness of the elderly and dementia, as slowness and forgetfulness are normal physiological issues in older adults, while dementia is a disease caused by damage to the central nervous system.

Prone to illness:

Due to the aging of bodily organs and a weakened immune system, the elderly are often susceptible to illnesses such as colds and pneumonia, especially pneumonia, which is particularly dangerous for older adults as it can trigger cardiovascular diseases and has a high mortality rate. Because of significant physiological changes, the elderly's immune response to illness is less robust, resulting in less pronounced symptoms and a higher risk of serious illness compared to younger people. Therefore, careful attention, care, and observation are necessary to detect any changes in the elderly promptly, allowing for timely care and treatment.

Often falls:

This is a very dangerous characteristic of the elderly because their legs are weak and their balance is impaired. Therefore, preventing falls for the elderly is a matter of utmost concern, such as avoiding having them go up and down stairs and ensuring that the house is not arranged in a way that hinders movement. For the elderly, falls are extremely dangerous, especially fractures, and a fractured femoral neck is a particularly frightening prospect.

Changes in mindset

Besides physical and physiological changes, psychology is also a crucial issue for the elderly because, in the stages of life, old age is a period when people no longer need to work to build a better life but rather enjoy the fruits of their labor. Furthermore, the elderly begin to feel less useful than before and become excessively anxious, leading to psychological disturbances such as depression, anxiety, or suspicion.

Older adults always want more care and attention:

Having lost their former abilities, such as being unable to drive, cook, or take care of their personal hygiene, and becoming dependent on others, they experience excessive anxiety and constantly demand attention and care from their children. They also easily become irritable when their children are negligent in meeting their needs.

I'm very afraid of being lonely.

Elderly people often feel abandoned and forgotten due to the disconnect between their youthful and old-age activities. Therefore, they are easily disappointed and tend to become dependent on their children. We need to treat them with sensitivity to avoid making them feel neglected or mistreated.

Or you worry too much:

This is a psychological characteristic of the elderly, due to their slow thinking and feelings of dependence and reliance on others. They often worry about things that are sometimes unnecessary. Because of this anxiety, they tend to repeat requests, demands, or questions, which can frustrate and irritate their children, grandchildren, or close relatives if they don't understand the elderly person's psychology.

Easily moved to tears or feeling sorry for oneself:

NCT is very prone to feelings of inadequacy, believing herself to be "useless." Therefore, when her needs or requests are not fully or promptly met by her children, she easily feels disheartened and resentful because she has spent most of her life caring for and worrying about her children, hoping for their gratitude in her old age, but her wish has not been fulfilled.

Prone to depression:

When faced with unfulfilled dreams and dissatisfaction with their lives, NCTs are highly susceptible to depression and may become irritable and harsh towards their children.

Furthermore, a primary concern for the elderly, whether expressed openly or not, is death. Some are very open to discussing this topic and make clear arrangements for their own funerals, while others are very superstitious and fear bad luck.

According to Health & Life - NT