Biopsychosocial Factors in Late and Very Late Adulthood

Introduction

Human development is broken up into several stages. Moreover, after 65 years old, there are two more: late adulthood and very late adulthood. Physical, psychological, and social changes happen during this time. These changes affect overall well-being (Curran & Leavey, 2020).

Biological Factors

Our physical aspects change as we get older. Moreover, the most noticeable is in our muscles. They slowly deteriorate over time, along with bone density decreasing. Our senses also fade out, making us more prone to falls and injuries (Farrington & Jolliffe, 2023). These things impact how mobile we are, which is a blow to our independence and quality of life. On top of these changes, our organ function also declines. Moreover, that can lead to chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues occasionally.

Genetics is critical in an individual’s vulnerability to certain age-related health conditions. A good example is when there is a family history of certain diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer, which increases the risk of developing it. It is essential to understand one’s genetic predisposition so one can plan proactively, detect early on, and adopt preventative measures for their health. Genetic research and advancements in personalized medicine are crucial for tailoring medical care to fit an individual’s unique genetic makeup. This helps reduce the impact of genetic risk factors and overall health and well-being later in life. As a result, you have to take a holistic approach to address biological factors in late adulthood. This means combining lifestyle modifications, healthcare, and genetic considerations to ensure that individuals can grow old gracefully while maintaining their overall well-being and independence as much as possible.

Psychological Factors

Late and very late adulthood is like a multifaceted rock. Inside, there are levels of cognitive, emotional and mental wellbeing. Cognitive changes like memory decline and processing speed reduction are regular (Russo-Netzer & Littman-Ovadia, 2019). However, the extent can be drastically different for some people. The same goes for impact. Coping with this in cases of cognitive impairment or dementia is a big challenge, even psychologically. Emotional well-being can also change from person to person; sometimes, it is contentment, wisdom and life satisfaction. For others, it is sadness, anxiety and a feeling of hopelessness as they face the harsh reality of aging. In these stages, resilience plays a significant factor in all of this. How someone adapts to change has the power to control the way they view life itself. These challenges can be met with cognitive training programs and psychotherapy services that help you navigate this part of your life and develop a positive mindset that will not crumble at the sight of danger.

Social Factors

When an individual enters late and very late adulthood, their ability to socialize takes a hit like a boxer in the last round of a match. This seriously impacts their well-being since they are more likely to isolate themselves from society. As people age, they reach a point where they lose the connections they have created over the years. Whether it is friends or family, this loss can make them feel lonely and depressed. The availability of social solid support systems becomes crucial during this stage. Society attitudes and stereotypes about aging make it harder for seniors to adjust, known as ageism. The negative stereotypes and discrimination can affect self-esteem, mental health, and access to opportunities that could improve their quality of life. Initiatives that promote well-being in late and very late adulthood should prioritize combatting social isolation and creating inclusive communities. Another big focus should be challenging beliefs rooted in ageism so that older individuals can maintain meaningful social connections and a sense of belonging in society.

Interplay of Factors

In late and very late adulthood, an interplay of biopsychosocial factors creates a dynamic and multifaceted process. These factors do not work alone; instead, they influence one another. For example, physical health may greatly influence psychological state and social interactions. Physical well-being can impact how resilient someone is mentally. Better health may lead to improved cognitive function and emotional wellbeing wellbeing. Likewise, it could also affect who they interact with socially, as people with good health are more likely to engage in social activities and maintain relationships. On the other hand, if a person has poor health, this can also have a cascading effect on the mind — leading to depression or anxiety — which limits them from engaging in social activities, thus creating increased social isolation. This is why it is so important to consider all three domains when supporting those in late and very late adulthood because enhancing just one domain positively affects others.

Promoting Wellbeing

Trying to encourage well-being in adults who are very old and older should consider these biopsychosocial factors. Biological factors can be addressed by encouraging a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and preventive healthcare measures. Individual changes can be helped by cognitive training and counseling, so it can help to provide that psychological support. Social isolation is at its peak during this time, so finding ways to combat that is important.

Conclusion

The interplay of biopsychosocial factors significantly influences someone’s development and well-being as they reach late adulthood. We must recognize the complex relationship between these factors when we provide support and care for the elderly. Creating a society where they thrive and feel good will require a holistic approach that addresses all aspects. Understanding their challenges and opportunities in this stage of life can contribute to a more age-friendly society, leading them to greater well-being.

References

Curran, E., Rosato, M., Ferry, F., & Leavey, G. (2020). Prevalence and factors associated with anxiety and depression in older adults: Gender differences in psychosocial indicators. Journal of Affective Disorders, pp. 267, 114–122.

Farrington, D. P., Piquero, A. R., Jennings, W. G., & Jolliffe, D. (2023). Offending from childhood to late middle age: Recent results from the Cambridge study in delinquent development. Springer Nature.

Russo-Netzer, P., & Littman-Ovadia, H. (2019). “Something to live for”: Experiences, resources, and personal strengths in late adulthood. Frontiers in Psychology, 2452.