This includes decisions about what to eat, whether or not to smoke and drink or use recreational drugs, and the amount of exercise and rest one gets. Some of the psychosocial factors associated with the aging process are related to society's attitude toward the elderly. The term ageism has been coined as a result of concern for the rights of older persons. Ageism refers to negative feelings about and behaviors directed against an older person simply on account of age. Until recently, when older adults have become less of a minority in our society, there has been a negative bias against this segment of our population.
Old age brings certain physical changes as a normal aspect of aging.
They may be discomforting, even limiting, but they are not necessarily incapacitating. The body has less strength and less endurance as it ages, and needs more repair work. Its speed of reaction and its agility are slowed. The basal metabolism, or rate of energy production in the body cells, is gradually lowered, so that people tire more easily, and are more sensitive to weather changes. Sexual desire and ability decline although they need never entirely end for either sex.