Ageing is normal. In the process, the body’s cells gradually become depleted because those that deteriorate are not replaced. There are distinct physical changes which occur as we get older. These changes, on their own, do not lead to ill health. The extent and effect of the changes will vary greatly between individuals.

An elderly person can expect some or all the following:

  to need less sleep;

  to need less food (but will still need nutritious food);

  to have difficulties with digestion (can be improved significantly by correct diet);

  to be more susceptible to infections (depending on how healthy the person is);

  to be less strong (can be negligible in a fit and healthy person);

  to be more forgetful of recent events (not to be confused with Dementia);

  to take longer to work out complex problems;

  to have difficulties with sight or hearing; and,

  to want less fluid and/or to have difficulty excreting fluid.

At the same time, a normally ageing person does not necessarily:

  become incontinent;

  become senile or demented or stop functioning sexually;

  get sick a lot or be ill all the time; and,

  feel depressed, useless or lonely.

Although some loss of memory is normal in an ageing person, it does not indicate dementia. There are different conditions which cause dementia, the most common being Alzheimer's Disease, which affects 5% of people at age 65, and 20% of people over 80.

Ageing is a normal part of the life cycle. It is not a disease and most aged people live full, independent lives. However, many diseases and debilitating conditions occur more frequently in older people. These conditions should be recognised and treated, not accepted as ‘just part of growing old’.

Around 90% of Australians over the age of 60 are free of any significant disability for which they need help with personal care or getting about. About 60% are free of any disability which handicaps them or prevents them looking after themselves.

Often illnesses which are not life-threatening cause the most handicap. In older people conditions that reduce mobility are a major problem. Major causes of handicap in older people are:

  problems with bones and muscles (e.g. arthritis);