1.

Introduction
First and foremost ageing is the process of growing old. It is defined as the
gradual biological impairment of normal function, probably as a result of changes
made to cells known as mitotic cells, such as fibroblasts and post-mitotic cells,
such as neurons and structural components such as bone and muscle. These
changes would consequently have a direct impact on the functional ability of
organs such as the heart, kidney and lungs, biological systems such as the
nervous, digestive and reproductive system and ultimately the organism as a
whole.

The following is a description setting out five criteria’s for ageing, as proposed by
Strehler(1962). They are cumulative effects, Universal, Progressive, Intrinsic and
Deleterious.

Moreover Ebersole & Hess (2001) state that “The realisation that ageing is the
greatest challenge one will ever face is a reality for the very old. For some, the
challenge is exciting; for others, a test of the human spirit”(p. 2).

Similarly Butler, Lewis & Sutherland cited in Eliopoulis, 2001 says that ageism is
“the prejudices and stereotypes that are applied to older people sheerly on the
basis of their age…”

Buckingham & DuGas (1993) provide the definition of ageing:-

“Ageing is a complex process of natural biological evolution. Because of its
highly complex nature, ageing is one of the most challenging, unresolved
problems of biology. Emotionally, ageing has a strong impact on most people
because of the much deterioration in physical appearance and body functions.
The human body maintains itself from inception through maturation and
reproduction but then progressive deterioration occurs with an ever-increasing
probability of death. The last phase of this process is called ageing.”

"The ageing process is of course a biological reality which has its own dynamic,
largely beyond human control. However, it is also subject to the constructions by
which each society makes sense of old age.