The factors that affect the elderly :

HEALTH PROBLEMS

Memory problems

Memory lost with aging.As we grow older, we begin to lose brain cells a few at a time. Our body also makes less of the chemicals our brain cells need to work. Therefore, the older we get, the more these changes affects our memory.

-Taken from http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/seniors/common-older/124.html
 

Sleep problems

It is common in older people to face sleeping difficulties and everyone faces sleep problems as they grow older. However, it’s not true that one SHOULD face sleep problem as we grow older. As we age, many changes takes place. What changes is in the quality of the sleep. Older people cannot get into the stage four sleep (deep sleep), but still it does not apply to all.

-Taken from http://www.sleepdisordersguide.com/blog/sleepdisorders/sleep-problems-in-elderly/

EMOTIONAL PROBLEM

Disrespect from the younger generations

It’s a question as old as time. Sure there are disrespectful teens. But there are also disrespectful seniors. The reasons can vary greatly from poor upbringing to bad experiences with older folks. That’s why it’s important that we don’t judge an entire generation based upon the actions of a small percentage of its members.

-Taken from Rosebud, http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080620141508AAcjYdL

Sacked from work

Perhaps, because the younger generations are often brought up with the ideas that they are the important role in the society, “the one that is eventually supposed to lead the world”. Thus with that kind of mindset it makes them feel that their on the upper hand, therefore, when working with elderly, they see the elders as “useless”, and not being efficient. On the other hand, with them being young, with their hormones flaring, they expect everything to be immediate.

Elder abuse

A term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult.

Physical Abuse – inflicting physical pain or injury on a senior, e.g. slapping, bruising, or restraining by physical or chemical means.

Sexual Abuse – non-consensual sexual contact of any kind.

Neglect – the failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, health care, or protection for a vulnerable elder.

Exploitation – the illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a senior for someone else’s benefit.

Emotional Abuse – inflicting mental pain, anguish, or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts, e.g. humiliating, intimidating, or threatening.
Abandonment – desertion of a vulnerable elder by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person.

Self-neglect – characterized as the failure of a person to perform essential, self-care tasks and that such failure threatens his/her own health or safety.

Taken from http://www.aoa.gov/aoaroot/aoa_programs/elder_rights/ea_prevention/whatisea.aspx