Gerontology is the multidisciplinary study of the aging process and older adults, concerning physical, mental, and social changes between maturity and death. Geriatrics specifically studies health and diseases in later life, aiming to promote health and prevent/treat diseases and disabilities in elderly. The aging process involves cumulative changes in organs and tissues over time due to genetic and environmental factors, leading to decreased function. Key factors include non-functional cell buildup, DNA damage triggering cell death, and reduced antioxidant defenses. Maintaining good nutrition through a moderate diet, social interaction, daily exercise, and relaxation can help elderly attain longer, healthier lives.

1. Human
Development
OLD AGE AND DEATH

2. What is AGING?
• Aging is a continuous, complex,
and dynamic process that begins
with birth and ends with death
• unless we die, each of us will
grow old and experience the
effects of aging

3. The Aging Process
• cumulative changes in an
organism, organ, tissue or cell
leading to a decrease in functional
capacity
• associated with degenerative
changes in the skin, bones, heart,
blood vessels, lungs, nerves, and
other organs and tissues
• governed by genes that bring out
an overall change in the physical
make up of the body

4. Factors affecting Aging
1. Body creates non-functional cells
leading to more rapid deterioration
2. Cellular damage that causes the
shortening of DNA, triggers a process
called apoptosis also known as
programmed cell death
3. Cellular down regulation of our natural
oxidative enzymes such as superoxide
dismutase and catalase making
antioxidants defenses less efficient as
we age

5. Gerontology
the study of aging processes and
individuals as they grow from
middle age through later life and
older adults
• it is a “Multidisciplinary” field,
concerning the physical, mental,
and social aspects of life
• concerned with the changes that
occur between maturity and death
and with the factors that influence
these changes
•

6. Geriatrics
• the study of health and disease in
later life
• deals with prevention and
treatment of diseases once
assumed to be inevitable in the
elderly
• aims to promote health and to
prevent and to treat diseases and
disabilities in older adults

7. Trends in the Longevity of Life
Life
• Healthy Nutrition Tips
-Studies about the healthiest and
longest-living elderly show that these
individuals have moderate diets
comprised of mainly fresh vegetables
and herbs, along with whole grains and
small amounts of meats and fats. This is
an obvious nutrition ideal for many, but
for seniors, changing nutritional needs
make it even more important to choose
healthy foods.

8. • Many elderly individuals take medications
that can affect nutrient intake. It's a good
idea for all seniors to talk with their
doctors about diet once a year. A doctor
can help seniors to sort out which
medications may deplete vitamins or
lesson nutrient absorption.
• An often overlooked point when it comes
to proper senior nutrition is company
while dining. Elderly individuals who
always eat alone often eat quickly and
more irregularly than seniors who eat with
friends and family.

9. • Family and Community Interaction
- Improving daily life for seniors can be
as easy as inclusion. A common variable
among long-living seniors is that all of
these seniors live in areas that consider
family and community important.
Integration of the generations, frequent
get-togethers with friends, and inclusion
in community events make people feel
needed, wanted, and cared for

10. • Daily Exercise and Relaxation
-Seniors can reap many benefits from
staying active and by learning relaxation
techniques. Regular exercise can be as
easy as a daily 10-minute walk. Although
increasing the time spent exercising daily
will also increase the benefits. Just like
any other individual, seniors should
always check with their doctors before
staring a new exercise routine

11. • Daily Exercise and Relaxation
-Some of the benefits of regular
exercise for seniors include:
Greater flexibility and endurance.
Greater lean body mass.
A better sense of balance, fewer
falls, and broken bones

12. Questions
1. Differentiate Gerontology from
Geriatrics (5pts)
2. Give the different signs and
symptoms of aging (5pts)
3. What are the things to be
consider in attaining longer,
healthier lives? (5pts)

13. Thank You 
Prepared by: Ariadne Cara Santos