Physical ageing can be seen with the naked eye and under a microscope, but ageing of the mind is not so easily seen, Brain tissue certainly ages - from early adult life brain cells are steadily lost. It has always been assumed that the mind also ages, and that there was a pattern of changes in mood, behaviour and thinking which were typical of ageing. Three features were said to be particularly marked - decreasing intelligence, increasing rigidity of thought and decreasing sexuality - but it is now realized that this has been greatly over-emphasized.

It is true that certain aspects of intelligence, such as the ability to retain new facts , deteriorate with age. Because intelligence (IQ) tests concentrate on such aspects of intelligence, it has been claimed that IQ falls dramatically with age;. However, there are many other aspects of intelligence than those measured, and some do not fall away so quickly with age; in fact some improve, especially the sense of proportion and judgment, which we call wisdom. As we grow older we are less able to acquire knowledge, but our wisdom allows us to make better use of that which is in store.

Elderly people are often slower and more cautious in making decisions which involve change. However, research suggests that the unwillingness of some elders to change is not so much due to the age of their brain or mind, but simply because they have long established habits.

Ageing and life stresses result in structural and functional changes which appear throughout the later years of the life span.

Changes are degenerative in nature and the age at which they appear and their rate of progression are unique to the individual. Chronological age and the degree of change do not necessarily correspond.

Therefore care of the elderly must focus on the person as an individual and be concerned with maintaining health and the quality of life.