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 assistanceaids or appliances to assist us with physical care needs. We may require access to convenient health and leisure facilities, practicle help and access to assessment of need.
intellectual needs
Intellectual needs are all the needs an adult requires to keep their brain working effectively. Intellectual needs change as we grow and develope. 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 developement 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. I 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 inturn 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.
Social and Emotional
Emotional needs are experienced when we are made feel happy for a particular reason eg affection, good relationships, fulfillment, love and feeling respected. We all like to be liked and loved. Emotional needs change as we grow and develope. We experience many different emotions in direct response to different situations in our lives..eg happiness and excitement, or saddness and worry. It is important in all stages of life to have the ability to cope with many different situations that life may throw at us and respond emotionally as necessary to each different situation. This is something we are all continually learning on a day to day basis regardless of what stage in life we are in. Often we need support and comfort from others to help us with an emotional response. In later adulthood our emotional responses may be effected by our cognition, our expectations and our physical and emotional wellbeing.
Social needs are important to everyone at all stages of live. These are the aspects of our life that enable us to develop and enjoy good relationships and freindships with others. We may seek the company of friends relatives and family and attend social functions or activities. Some may choose to observe social activity rather than to participate . However it is important that we all have choice and have a feeling of belonging, identity and social inclusion. At later adulthood stage of life we may require assistance to attend to our social needs as we may experience social isolation due to our living arrangements /accommodation/housing, loss of family contact either from bereavemnt, hospitalisation or a loved one /partner going into a care home setting. We may also have the less social contact with others if our friends or family have moved on or are busy with their own family or group of friends. I later adulthood we should have access to Health and Social and care professionals who could assist with providing support and provision of social contact and stimulation.