Biomedical Influence On Aging

When we are minor children, we cannot wait to get older, so we can be independent. As we become senior adults; we fear losing our independence, leaving our home, and becoming ill. The sad truth is, the older we become, the more dependent we are on others. Even though medical science is now able to prolong the quality and length of our lives; we will still grow old and die (Gawande, 2014). After caring for children, parents hope that when they are older, their children will care for them. However, in a society where everyone is busy living their lives, seniors are sometimes inadvertently neglected.
The biomedical influence on aging can be as minute as needing a cane, and as serious as having a heart attack. Though most middle age people are familiar with the adage; once a man, twice a child. All are aware that wearing diapers is fine for babies, but not adults over the age of 65. As we age, we lose many of the functions that are associated with daily …show more content…
In contrast, some cultures incorporate seniors into their social life, by choosing a younger family member to live with them (Gawande, 2014). When this happens, the chances of the senior being victimized is greatly reduced. However, the opposite is true as in the case of Alice. After living alone for many years, Alice who was in her 80’s, agreed upon a set price for a job she wanted done in her yard. When the work was finished, the worker’s quoted her a higher price; she argued with them for a while, but when they threatened her, she wrote them a check for the amount they asked. After giving them the first amount, they returned many times until they had intimidated her into giving $7,000 (Gawande, 2014). Though the men were eventually caught and arrested, instead of feeling relieved, Alice felt sad that her advanced age had made her a