Chapter 25

Later adulthood (65+ years in often a stage in life that people look forward to in regards to retirement, financial security, family help and contact. It is a time in life whereby we avail of time to spend with our friends and family and take part in activities that we were unable to find time to do earlier in life. However this can be a time in life when physically our bodies physically deteriorate and the aging process takes its toll. Mobility, general physical health, bodily function and agility may start or have become compromised and less responsive and effective. We may experience pain or impairment in our physical wellbeing. As a result we may require assistance aids or appliances to assist us with physical care needs. We may require access to convenient health and leisure facilities, practical help and access to assessment of need.   

Our intellectual needs are just as important as we age. They are all the needs an adult requires to keep their brain working effectively. Intellectual needs change as we grow and develop.  By later adulthood our intellect has developed but we need to use, expand and maintain it.  As human beings we are always on a journey of learning and development and therefore we require our intellect to aid us and help us achieve.  In later adulthood  we require our intellect  which helps us not only with day to day decisions but for continuing education, mental activity motivation and stimulation. In later adulthood our brain may be subject to less functioning ability and may be effected by disease process. However this can also happen in Adulthood, but is rare. In later adulthood intellect can become impaired which may in turn compromise cognition/memory and mental functioning. This will require those in later adulthood to have access to specialist assessment and care provision provided by health and social care professionals.