Summary

Public health standards, medical treatment and nutrition has increased longevity. Even those with a fatal disease often live years of productive life after their diagnoses thanks to powerful pharmaceuticals and advanced surgical procedures. Prolonging productive years also prolongs years of infirm. The elderly often feel ashamed of their declining physical abilities. Even doctors are often disinterested in the aged unless they can fix something. No matter how much care and attention a person gives to his personal health, aging trumps everything and physical decline is inevitable. Teeth soften and arteries harden. The walls of the heart thicken and shortness of breath occurs. Muscle weight decreases by 25% by age 80 which is largely responsible for weakness. Muscles, like those in the hand, lose their dexterity and decreases the ability to handle tasks that require small motor skills. Brains shrink and glands become dysfunctional. Memory and judgment...