P5 – Explain the physical and psychological changes which may be associated with
aging.
Menopause
The average age for menopause to occur is 51, this means that the women who
experience it will be in later adult hood, during this stage woman will experience
many different emotions as well as physical changes to their body and appearance.
Why will experience things like weight gain or weight loss, this can be a lot or just a
little, it varies from each person. They will also experience bone deterioration in this
life stage. They are likely to have thinner hair, nails and skin as it loses elasticity. They
are also likely to have unwanted hair growth on their body/face, however the hair on
their head may become greyer as time goes on. They are also likely to experience
problems which are related to their teeth and gums.
Menopause will have an impact on almost every factor in a women’s life. Their
menstrual cycles are likely to change and will eventually stop meaning that they are
unable to get pregnant. They may either experience very heavy periods or just light
frequent periods, but either way the type of periods experienced are likely to be
unusual to the individual. Women who happen to be going through menopause are
likely to experience ‘hot flushes’ and night sweats which can make them feel agitated
and uncomfortable. This is when the body becomes very hot in a short space of time.
The head, neck and chest usually becomes incredibly sweaty so the skin becomes
red. This its self is very likely to cause sleeping problems which could result in the
individual feeling tired a lot of the time. When a person does not sleep very well they
are going to feel tired and weary throughout the day.
Women who are going through menopause may also experience vaginal dryness
which can cause irritation. Women are also likely to experience palpitations, this is
when the heart beat or added an extra beat. It may feel like their heart is racing,
pounding, or fluttering. Therefore, they may become overly aware of their heartbeat.
This sensation is sometimes also felt in the neck, throat, or chest. This is likely to
make them feel worried or anxious. Women also experience joint stiffness as well as
aches and pains. Woken also have a reduced muscle mass.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
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