What does it mean when someone claims an elderly person has “died of old age”?
Officially, there is no such thing as of “dying of old age” but rather it is a term used to generalise an elderly person’s death. While it sounds peaceful, there are numerous causes and factors.
Following the announcement that Queen Elizabeth II died of “old age” it has lead people to wonder what the term actually means.
HOW DOES A PERSON DIE OF OLD AGE?
“Dying of old age” is almost an umbrella term, it essentially means an older person as died as a result of an illness or event including pneumonia or a heart attack. However, such issues are common among elderly people as cells can no longer repair themselves and immune system health declines – which in turn impacts brain function and mobility.
Common medical problems among older people also include low or high blood pressure and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s.
Many illness associated with elderly people are typically more survivable by a younger, healthier and stronger person. For example, falling over and injuring themselves can lead to a hospital visit were they are at risk of an infection their body can no longer fight off.
Dying of old age is also commonly associated with dying while sleeping. However, Dr Rosenfeld told ABC News: “The reason that many older people quietly die in their sleep is because their swallowing systems don’t work, they inhale food, fluid, saliva into their lungs, they catch pneumonia and they die.”
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF DYING OF OLD AGE?
Signs that a person is coming to the end of their life can be subtle or overlooked, but there are some key warning signs to look out for.
Including a change in appetite, digestive system slows down, increased sleeping, anxiety and depression, confusion, sensory changes – eyesight and hearing, breathing pattern changes, blotchy skin and glassy eyes.
In addition, a significant decrease in weight, dehydration, changing vital signs including heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure being to drop.
WHAT AGE IS CONSIDERED DYING OF OLD AGE?
There is no definitive indicator of what defines “dying of old age” as doctors may not always know the precise cause of death due to a multitude of health conditions which elderly people often suffer with.
However, the general age ranges between 80 to 100-years-old.
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