WJEC GCSE Health and Social Care, and Childcare

Physical change in later adulthood (65+) The normal ageing process causes gradual changes in a person’s physique and the way their body works. By later adulthood a person is likely to have: • reduced heart and lung function • reduced mobility due to muscle wastage, stiff joints and brittle bones • reduced sensitivity to the cold, to taste and to smell • some loss of hearing (quiet and high-pitched sounds) • eyesight changes due to loss of elasticity in the lens of the eye • weaker and more brittle bones ( osteoporosis ) • loss of height as the spinal discs become thinner and posture becomes bent. The effects of ageing mean that older people do have less strength and stamina than earlier in life. This doesn’t mean that older people are inactive or disabled by these physical changes. In fact, being physically active helps many older people to remain in good physical health and stay fit. Alfie Jones is 53 years old. He lives in mid Wales with his wife Audrey (aged 47) and daughter, Janine (aged 19). Alfie is concerned about his health and well-being . He stopped playing football in his leisure time and put on 7 kilograms (15 pounds) in weight last year. Alfie has also started going bald and says he gets physically tired more easily than he used to. Audrey has told him he should stop smoking cigarettes as he has recently developed a bad cough and gets breathless when he mows the lawn at home. Alfie has also started wearing reading glasses at work as he can no longer read his computer screen or documents without them. He has now made an appointment with his GP (General Practitioner or family doctor) for an ‘Over 50s Health Check’ as he is worried that his health is failing. 1. What life stage are Alfie and Audrey in at this point in their lives? 2. Identify two physical changes that Alfie has experienced recently that are a part of normal ageing. 3. Which aspect of Alfie’s recent physical health experience is not a part of normal ageing? Explain why he should see his GP about this. 1. What does the term ‘physical growth’ mean? 2. How does a percentile chart help a health visitor to assess a child’s physical growth? 3. Explain what puberty is and how it changes boys’ and girls’ bodies. 4. What is the menopause and who does it affect? 5. Describe three physical changes that occur in later adulthood as a result of normal ageing processes. Case study Check your understanding Alfie’s health is now affected by the ageing process. Normal ageing Natural physical changes that happen over a person’s life. Mobility The ability to move freely in a coordinated way. Osteoporosis A medical condition in which the bones become brittle. Well-being A state characterised by health, happiness and prosperity. Key terms 17 2 Understanding physical growth