Envelhecimento: Um processo multifatorial

Abstract

Common sense designates the psychologist the most proficient professional to work with sexuality. Rarely, though, we are Ageing is a process of the normal development involving structural, functional and chemical neurobiological changes. The organism is affected also by environmental, cultural and social factors, as quality and style of life, diet, idleness, exercise, which are closely linked to healthy or pathological ageing. The objective of this theoretical paper is to stress some important issues about healthy and pathological ageing, based on recent research in neuroscience, which hallmarks the necessity of early diagnosis and intervention. In conclusion, growing older does not necessarily mean to get ill. Preventive measures can maintain the elder in healthy conditions for long, both in the physical and the cognitive domains and keeping his/her autonomy in life. However, in the presence of some dysfunction, early diagnosis and intervention can provide better quality of life for the patient and his/her family. © 2009 Departamento de Psicologia - Universidade Estadual de Maringá.