The 3 Phases Of Old Age: Physical And Psychological Changes

What is old age? What three phases of old age do we find and what characterizes them? According to Orosa (2014), cited in an article by Martínez et al. (2018), old age is an abstract concept, considered a stage of life. On the other hand, authors such as María del Carmen Amaro (2016), have considered it a socio-anthropological construction.

Broadly speaking, we can say that old age, also called third age, is the last period of life, which follows maturity. At this stage we are already advanced in age and, although some capacities diminish, full psychological maturity is also consolidated.

The 3 phases of old age

We find three phases of old age: old age , old age proper and old age. We are going to know what changes occur in each of these three phases, on a physical and psychological level.

We are talking, yes, of general changes, which do not always have to occur in the same way (or at the exact same age) in all people.

Phase 1: anticipation

The first of the phases of old age is called early age, and ranges from 55 to 65 years, approximately. In women, this phase usually comes with the last period, that is, with the arrival of menopause.

It is the phase prior to old age itself, in which bodily and mental functions gradually decline.

Physical

On a physical level, sleep disturbances may appear. Sleep hours decrease and fat retention may also appear. Digestion becomes slower and heavier, and muscle mass atrophies.

Psychological

On a psychological level, melancholy may appear recalling moments in one’s life. It is common to compare the present with the past. On the other hand, the empty nest syndrome (when the children leave home) is also experienced in the case of having children.

At this stage, moments of loneliness and boredom may also appear, especially if the person retires early or is widowed.

Phase 2: old age proper

The second of the phases of old age goes, approximately, from 65 to 79 years. It is “pure” old age, where the weakening of biological functions is consolidated. It is also common to review the past and re-experience memories.

Physical

On a physical level, all kinds of changes appear. The bones weaken, postural and muscular problems arise that cause pain … And making great efforts is usually no longer possible. Digestion problems also appear, and the risk of suffering from some types of cancer increases.

The senses also suffer, especially vision (for example, with cataracts) and hearing (deafness). This can contribute to a greater evil: isolation.

Psychological

In the psychological field, in this stage it is usually consolidated, as in the corporal sphere, the decline of the mental processes. The crystallized intelligence is at its maximum capacity (everything learned); In contrast, fluid intelligence, related to mental agility, is usually at its lowest point.

In addition, it is at this stage that the risk of dementia begins to be more likely (from the age of 65). Specifically, in the case of Alzheimer’s, one of the most common dementias, we know that it increases dramatically with age.

According to the DSM-5 (APA, 2013), at age 65 the prevalence of Alzheimer’s dementia is 0.6% in men and 0.8% in women; at 85, 11% vs. 14%, and at 90, 21% vs. 25%.

Phase 3: old age

In this last stage, from the age of 80 and on, qualitative change at a physical and psychological level is important.

Physical

The fragility of the bones and joints predominates ; this, added to other physical changes, can reduce the autonomy of the person.

The elderly in this stage can sometimes continue to live alone, and at other times it is already very difficult. Other health problems also appear that make the person more sensitive in this phase.

Psychological

Finally, on a psychological level, in old age, mental health problems may arise with more probability, such as depression, due to loneliness and other factors.

There is also a greater risk of social isolation, due to two reasons: friendships that are diminishing due to the death of friends and the lack of autonomy that makes it difficult to leave home.

Two great ways to grow old

Although each person ages in their own way, in each of these three phases of aging that we have seen, we find two great ways of aging: naturally, or physiologically, and pathologically. What does each shape consist of?

Physiological aging

In this case, degenerative processes or diseases do not prevent the person from adapting to their environment. These changes are part of its natural evolution.

Thus, the person ages in a “positive” way, despite the changes they may experience. In short: it adapts little by little to your situation.

Pathological aging

On the other hand, pathological aging is that which occurs when degenerative processes and diseases make it difficult for a person to adapt to their environment. More serious and disabling diseases also appear.

Final reflection on old age

Did you know that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), between 2000 and 2050, the proportion of the planet’s inhabitants over 60 years of age will double? Thus, in the course of this half century, we will go from 605 million to 2 billion people of this age or more.

As we have seen, the third age or old age encompasses different phases that people go through. Old age is a vital stage and also a physiological process where physiological, social and psychological changes appear.

Aging is a gradual process, that occurs naturally and dynamically, and that we cannot avoid. There are people who experience a better quality of life in old age, and this depends on several factors: social support, personality, personal resources, social resources, presence or absence of psychological disorders, etc.