Page 118 - Health, Population and Environment Education 9

5.7 Ageing and Social Security
Ageing

a. Introduction to ageing
Days and days pass on, people become older and
older. It is natural to become old. After the birth, a
person grows on and enters different stages of life
with the passing of time. No matter how hard a
person tries or whatever the efforts he/she makes, a
person cannot avoid ageing. A person cannot remain
in the same stage of life. Actually, it’s not only human
beings who become old, all the living organisms also
grow old with the speed of time. Finally, whoever
has taken birth in the earth, everyone has to die.

With the passing of time, we observe physical, Fig: 44
mental, emotional and social changes in our body.
When we cross 60 years of age, we have change in physical structure. Our body organs
become weak, immunity power decreases and wrinkles appear. People start to forget
things and decrease in decision power.
Ageing is the process of changing in physique and physical appearance with the speed of
time. It can also be said as becoming old physically and mentally. Actually, ageing is the
process of becoming old.

In the recent time, there has been tremendous development in science and technology,
improvement in health sector, invention of medicines and vaccines, control over wide
range of diseases and enhancement of life style. As a result, there is remarkable reduction
of infant mortality rate, maternal mortality rate and overall death rate. People are
surviving longer, their life expectancy is increased. There is increase in number of old
people in the world.

b. Causes of ageing
It is still a mystery why a person becomes old. Naturally, people become old. The scientists
have given some reasons of ageing which are as follows:
Decrease in immunity power
Decline of cells resulting in weakness
Decrease in physical strength and power

Increase in mental tension
Lack of proper care, nutrition and immunization during childhood
Getting sick to a large extent

Lack of adjustment and adaptation
Lack of fresh air, lack of proper sleep and rest as well as lack of proper nutrition.
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