The Effect of Age on Taste Essay -- Senses Aging Essays

The Effect of Age on Taste The sense of taste has to be one of the most important human senses. It gives an individual the ability to recognize consumables that are encountered on a regular basis such as a favorite steak platter or a favorite wine. However, when that individual reaches a particular age the sense of taste deteriorates, which can result in potentially dangerous conditions such as malnourishment or susceptibility to diseases. This problem of taste loss due to aging needs to be studied more because it can effect both the physical and mental health of many elderly people. When elderly individuals try to live life with a weakened ability to recognize certain food flavors or any other consumable item, their dietary needs can be greatly affected. A certain number of foods are not going to taste good enough to satisfy the appetites of the elderly, so they might resort to using unhealthy eating habits. For example, they could lose the motivation to eat certain foods such as vegetables or meats and increase the consumption of foods that are low in nutritional value such as candies or pastries. This shift can result in health problems such as a loss in bone mass, a weakened immune system, weak muscles, and high blood pressure. Elderly citizens need to acquire a specific amount of nutrients in order to maintain a healthy life style. Spence (1989) mentioned that diets which maintain adequate levels of vitamins and minerals and also consist of 50 to 55% carbohydrates, 12 to 15% proteins, and 25 to 35% fats are recommended for persons over the age of 50. In order for the elderly to live up to a healthy diet, they need to consume nutritious foods that will taste good to them. The problem with this situation is how to h... ...ews, 50 (12), 72-75. Miller, J. (1988). Human taste bud density across adult age groups. Journal of Gerontology, 43 (1), 26-30. Schieber, F. (1992). Aging and the senses. In J. E. Birren, R. B. Sloane, & G. D. Cohen (Eds.), Handbook of mental health and aging. San Diego: Academic Press Inc. Schiffman, S. (1977). Food recognition by the elderly. Journal of Gerontology, 32 (5), 586-592. Schiffman, S. (1994). Changes in taste and smell: Drug interactions and food preferences. Nutrition Reviews, 52 (8), 11-14. Schiffman, S. (1997). Taste and smell loss in normal aging and disease. Journal of the American Medical Association, 278 (16), 1357-1362. Spence, A. P. (1989). Biology of human aging. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Spitzer, M. E. (1986). Taste acuity in institutionalized and non institutionalized elderly men. Psychological Sciences, 43 (3), 71-74.

The Best Ideas Arise from a Passionate Interest in Commonplace Things

The best ideas arise from a passionate interest in commonplace things Mankind has demonstrated a profound ability to draw inspiration from even the most mundane situations and surroundings. Throughout history, the commonplace has often spurred uncommon achievements for impassioned thinkers including Archimedes, Leonardo da Vinci and Isaac Newton. In modern times, the scientific community increasingly gleans groundbreaking ideas from the natural world in the emerging field of biomimicry.Archimedes’ eureka moment in the bath is the stuff of legend, but it is unlikely the great mathematician and inventor would have delivered the famed remark without pursuing his profound interest in hydrodynamics and the intertwined relationships of buoyancy and displacement. On one hand, water was (and remains) a ubiquitous presence for the seafaring Greeks. Likewise, anyone who has watched a child in the bathtub can relate to the simple joys it affords.Archimedes eponymous principle, however, t ook a natural interest in water and floating bodies several steps further to determine whether a crown was made of solid gold and better define the laws of physics. Leonardo da Vinci, the archetypal Renaissance Man, was unquestionably inspired by commonplace things throughout his feverishly productive life. One must look no further than the genius’s manuscripts and notebooks for evidence that da Vinci was intensely curious about some of the world’s most ordinary elements.Studies of the human body, certainly among the most familiar of forms, are likely the master’s most replicated composition. Perhaps it is no coincidence the Italian’s Vitruvian Man pen-and-ink sketch ranks among the most well-known and reproduced drawings in the world. Whether Leonardo’s passion and interest in reproducing the human body contributed to his other innovations and inventions beyond art is difficult to assess, but one thing is certain: da Vinci’s unquenchable th irst for knowledge of his earthly surroundings was inextricably tied to his ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.The unlikely course of events that lead Isaac Newton to formulate the theory of gravity offers an example of a revolutionary idea spurred by something as banal as a piece of fruit. â€Å"What is the invisible force that causes an apple to fall to the ground? † the great thinker wondered. While some have disputed the veracity of Newton’s apple incident, there is no doubting the role the everyday world played in conjunction with Newton’s observant and contemplative mind.While the laws of motion took years to fully devise and compose, there is perhaps no better illustration of the nascent brilliance the human mind is capable of revealing when awakened by the natural elements. Many of the world’s leading contemporary minds continue to find inspiration in their environs. Over the last decade, the scientific community has become m ore willing to turn to nature for answers to difficult questions. As it turns out, potentially outstanding ideas have often been tested and confirmed or rejected by the flora and fauna all around us through natural selection, according to pioneers in the biomimicry field.Proponents of biomimicry have studied humpback whale flippers as a means to improve wind turbine performance and plant leaves as a model for â€Å"green cleaning† process that some paints and building materials now incorporate. Clearly there is much still to be learned from nature. It has been a long time coming, but it appears many in the world are prepared to accept that the best ideas arise from a passionate interest in commonplace things. Perhaps necessity is not the true mother of invention – history demonstrates that inquiring minds and Mother Nature herself more often inspire greatness.

Limits To Freedom Of Speech - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 4 Words: 1284 Downloads: 10 Date added: 2019/05/17 Category Law Essay Level High school Topics: Freedom of Speech Essay Did you like this example? Literature has always been tricky. At times, people find certain books to be offensive or inappropriate. People will even go to great lengths to challenge or ban books just because of differing opinions. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Limits To Freedom Of Speech" essay for you Create order Limiting free speech has been a constant and continuous argument throughout history. One side argues that certain pieces of writing should be banned or censored due to words, content and themes that are either viewed as inappropriate, controversial or contain language that is no longer acceptable. Violence, profanity, racial terms, and sexual content are some examples. The other side strongly believes that the First Amendment should be upheld regardless of the what the content is and how it is presented. Freedom of speech should not be limited. The First Amendment is defined as the freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and protest. It is said that freedom of the press is more important than freedom of speech because it can reach a bigger audience therefore making it more dangerous. (The First Amendment, 2:10 2:40 ). When something is written down and out for everyone to see, it can have more power and be more far reaching than the spoken word. However, freedom of speech is not absolute. Some limitations of free speech are, you are not allowed to harm others to get what want, you cant deceive someone or threaten them, you cant misrepresent the truth, and you cant abuse someone. (The Limits of Free Speech, 0:50 1:16) These limits are designed to protect people and set moral boundaries for the overall well-being of humanity. Topics such as, science, religion, morality, and social issues as well as art and even personal gossip (Ms.Griffin) can be talked about freely. It is important to note that typically, par ents challenge materials more often than any other group. (Ms.Griffin) People tend to challenge books that make them feel uncomfortable. Parents can be reactive to sensitive topics, such as sexuality, cursing and violence. At times, a word or part of a book can make a whole group uncomfortable and thats when things get complicated. Some may claim that harsh and cruel subjects should not be covered in books. These subjects can range from racial slurs to sexual content. Books for teenagers have become dark, graphic, and gruesome to an unprecedented degree. (Young Adult Literature) While this statement can ring true, it shouldnt be an excuse to get rid of the books all together. If a teen feels that he or she can handle the content presented in a book, they should be able to read it. As stated in the previous paragraph, parents are the ones who usually feel that particular books should be banned. They may be trying to protect their kids but at the same time they are arguing to remove classics such as Huckleberry Finn and The Outsiders. Such books provide horrible role models for young people and encourage bad behavior. (Young Adult Literature) Arguably, there can be awful people described in books but like it or not, teens make decisions on their own terms. A book is not going to influence their decision t o curse or to have sex. In addition, books directed toward teens that include topics such as sex, drugs and alcohol are describing typical situations in teen life. Getting rid of books that include these subjects, in a way, would deny that teens go through serious challenges. A teenagers life is in no way flawless or cookie cutter perfection. Therefore books shouldnt try to cover up the imperfections. Further insight about this argument is that books should not be limited to describing situations where everything is always joyful. Many of the best works of literature have very serious aspects to them. However, certain people feel that classics should be altered in a way to make them less offensive and cruel. This misguided act would be damaging to the original text. Critics of editing classic books insist that changing an authors original words changes the intent. (Editing The Classics) Undoubtedly, altering one word or phrase could change the whole context of the dialogue. Another good point is that a book should not be removed from a shelf just because of someones opinion.Opponents contend that great works of art should not be changed simply because somebody finds them uncomfortable look at. (Editing The Classics) Consequently, one persons opinion shouldnt affect the majoritys view. If a book truly makes someone uncomfortable, then they can choose not to read it. For example, if a parent feels that a book is too harsh for their child to read, they can decide to not buy the book rather than try to get it banned from everyone. Critics of limiting free speech feel that humans have the intelligence to figure out the real intent of a written work. Critics argue that readers should be smart enough to discern the true meaning of a text by themselves without an editor filtering it for them. We, as people, should be able to see deeper meanings and read between the lines. For instance, its typical for evil and crude characters to curse. The cursing can help give voice to a significant part of their personality. Curse words are also commonly used to portray strong emotions. For this project I read the book Angus Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging. I enjoyed the book and would have never thought it would have been a book that was challenged. I think of the book as a cheesy teen story. Surprisingly, the book was considered scandalous by a parent and consequences followed. Retained with limited access at the Maplewood Middle School Library in Menasha, Wis. (2008). The coming-of-age novel, which has sexual content, was found offensive by a parent. In addition to retaining the book, board members voted unanimously to adopt procedures intended to secure and record parental consent before limited access books are released to students. (Newsletter on Intellectual Freedom) Yet the sexual content within the book is quite mild. Georgia, the main character, makes out with boys like many teens do. She argues with her parents and curses sometimes. Georgia and her friends discuss lesbianism and she even considers it to solve her boy problems. All of these thin gs can occur during a teens life. There is no shame in any of it. Georgias actions are similar to many of my peers. There are two sides to every argument. The topic of freedom of speech inspires disagreements and debates. Those who support censorship cite books that include themes such as violence, sexual content, cursing, racial slurs, age inappropriateness and controversial ideas. Carelessly, certain people believe that because one person/group becomes uncomfortable with a book, it should be booted off shelves. In contrast, others believe that freedom of speech is everyones right, regardless of content. Parents are are usually responsible for the banning of a book. While they believe they are protecting their kids, they are essentially censoring them from the real world. A book can evoke empathy and connections, even allowing a teen to feel like they are sharing the same experience as a character in a book. As a result, they feel like they have someone to relate to. During a time when many young people can feel misunderstood, books can help the feel like they are not alone. Editors shouldnt have to alter books just to please an opinion. It would change the intent of classics completely. If someone is sincerely bothered by a book they should step away and choose not to read it then go on their way. Their opinion should not impact everyone else. All in all, free speech should not be limited. There is no point is censoring books that so importantly reveal society truthfully.