Normally Gerontologists differentiate between the stages of aging by classifying the elderly into "early old age," "advanced old age," or "young-old," and "old-young."
I recently read a refreshing article that talked about classifying older adults based on their degree of physical and mental fitness, rather than strictly on their chronological age. The article defined three groups of older adults, i.e. "Octobers," "Novembers," and "Decembers."
"Octobers" are starting to experience some physical or mental changes but otherwise are in good shape and are socially active. They may be retired, partially retired, or do volunteer work, but they are still vitally involved in society.
"Novembers" have more physical or cognitive restrictions and may prefer to stay in familiar surroundings more often than Octobers, but Novembers are still fairly active. They may need help occasionally to do chores around the house, but for the most part they are able to live independently.
"Decembers" are physically frail, have limited mobility, impaired sensory and motor functions, and may have some cognitive deficits. They can live independently if someone checks on them regularly, perhaps helping with food preparation, light housekeeping or some hygiene functions. Due to their physical and/or mental fraility, Decembers stay close to their homes and familiar surroundings and do not venture far on their own. Because of their limited mobility, Decembers have the highest risk of social isolation.
For those of you who are interested you can read the article at here http://www.everydayergonomics.org/agingergonomics/seasonsofaging.php
I wish I can remain an "October" for a long time!
I recently read a refreshing article that talked about classifying older adults based on their degree of physical and mental fitness, rather than strictly on their chronological age. The article defined three groups of older adults, i.e. "Octobers," "Novembers," and "Decembers."
"Octobers" are starting to experience some physical or mental changes but otherwise are in good shape and are socially active. They may be retired, partially retired, or do volunteer work, but they are still vitally involved in society.
"Novembers" have more physical or cognitive restrictions and may prefer to stay in familiar surroundings more often than Octobers, but Novembers are still fairly active. They may need help occasionally to do chores around the house, but for the most part they are able to live independently.
"Decembers" are physically frail, have limited mobility, impaired sensory and motor functions, and may have some cognitive deficits. They can live independently if someone checks on them regularly, perhaps helping with food preparation, light housekeeping or some hygiene functions. Due to their physical and/or mental fraility, Decembers stay close to their homes and familiar surroundings and do not venture far on their own. Because of their limited mobility, Decembers have the highest risk of social isolation.
For those of you who are interested you can read the article at here http://www.everydayergonomics.org/agingergonomics/seasonsofaging.php
I wish I can remain an "October" for a long time!
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