In the US, the age set of category for the elder is 65 years of age, however, onsets of health (esp. physical and functional) would, at certain cases, begin to appear at the age of 50. Let us view, in general what exactly happens as we age? Decrease of muscle mass, capillary density, mobility, and nerve conduction are just some examples. And then there is the increase of fat content, relaxation time (laziness � immobility leads to muscle atrophy), and connective tissue build up in the body (stiffening or affecting healing processes and overall body development. Thus, strength and muscle performance decrease with age and this means the cardiac muscle as well.
When you really think about it, the heart plays one of the most important roles in functional capability. Once the cardiac muscle begin to loose their strength/performance, less amounts of oxygen are being supplied to the body and thus affecting the entire body systems; since most of the body�s energy production (of ATP) is through an aerobic environment, less oxygen will lead to reduce ATP production and eventually lead to weakness, fatigue, and, literally, a decrease of almost everything in your body (both physiological and anatomical).
In �Driving Miss Daisy,� the scene when she was reversing and then wrecked the car in the process was a portrayal of how age begins to disrupt motor and coordination skills (as opposed to being younger). But of course, there could be other factors aside from decreasing physical and physiological factors to aging; psychologically or socially, for example, could have such an impact. Although some elderly know and understand their functional limitations, they try not to let it slow them down and try to be as productive as possible (not to mention trying to ignore the fact that they are getting older and functionally limited. Like in �Grumpy Old Men,� some of the characters still had some �children-like behavior.� They tried to do silly pranks on each other that they were still capable of doing (my father was like that). However, if there were any issue or concern that the elderly face is in their quality of life�it would be death or the fear of dying. Both movies seemed to have this topic involved. Isolation and the loss of control of their physical capability are just some fears associated with aging and death. Like in the ending of �Driving Miss Daisy,� health care providers could provide comfort, security, and attention to the elderly to at least allow them to enjoy life as much as possible. Although death is ultimately impossible to prevent, health providers could reduce the fear and insecurities of the geriatrics.
