The combination of a rise in longevity and an ageing society creates a complex mix of issues. This confusion can impede policy development and social change, and lead to adverse individual and social outcomes. To ensure healthy longevity, societies must change fundamental notions about age and aging. This includes a major shift in health policy, prevention measures involving many other sectors, a shift from intervention to preventive health care, and a strong focus on healthy longevity for all.
Biological changes
During the course of longevity and aging, a number of biological changes occur. Some of these changes are related to genetics and other factors that influence the aging process, while others are due to environmental factors. Some of these changes include reduced strength and capacity, loss of sexual strength, organ failure, and the development of wrinkles and furrows on the skin. The body also becomes less mobile as you get older.
These changes are referred to as "biological" because they occur naturally and over time. They can be large or small, noticeable or not so obvious. These changes are caused by various factors, including natural selection, mutation, gene flow, non-random mating, and genetic drift. The phenotypes (expressed physical traits that can be seen) of these changes are what scientists study.
Psychological changes
During the course of longevity and aging, there are many psychological changes. These include changes in a person’s behavior, emotions and perception of their environment. One of the most pronounced changes is that people generally become happier as they age. This is the result of better mental health, says Susan Turk Charles, PhD, a researcher at the University of California, Irvine.
Another change is that older adults exert more emotional control than younger adults, according to Laura Carstensen, PhD, of Stanford University. This is because they understand that time is limited and therefore focus more on goals that are more emotionally rewarding. Research on aging and mental health is important because it can help people cope with the effects of aging. It can also give them a better understanding of what causes imbalances in the aging process and how to prevent them. This is especially true for people who are prone to depression and other mental disorders.
Social changes
Social change is a change in the way society works, ranging from small changes in individual lifestyle choices to massive transformations of whole societies. Throughout history, sociologists have grappled with how to best explain these changes. The 19th-century philosopher Charles Darwin developed the theory that societies evolve in much the same way as biological organisms do. He believed that societies went from tiny, simple structures to more complex ones as people specialized in certain roles.
However, this approach ignores the fact that humans can change their behavior in ways that are not based on their genetic make-up. As humans develop and grow, they create new technologies, change the way they live, and adapt to environmental conditions. Some of the biggest social changes in our history have been a result of human intervention. These include the civil rights movement, LGBTQ rights, feminism, and environmentalism.
Economic changes
Longevity and aging can lead to significant economic changes, including slower economic growth, lower labor force participation rates, higher labor costs, and a resulting loss of capital. These changes can also impact consumer spending and government budgets. Countries are faced with the challenge of figuring out how to take care of elderly citizens, especially as the number of people reaching retirement age increases. This may include allowing immigrants into the country in order to provide health care and pensions, or rearranging the laws that govern the working-age population.
The resulting economic effects are not necessarily harmful, but they do require that policymakers respond early to these changing conditions. For example, governments must increase the legal age of retirement or make changes to pension and defined contribution systems to encourage workers to continue working.
