5) Ageing

Question 1

At what ages does dementia prevalence increase?

Answer 1

75

Question 2

What do cross sectional studies show about intelligence and ageing?

Answer 2

Gradual decline in IQ, accelerating after 80

Question 3

What do longitudinal studies show about intelligence and ageing?

Answer 3

Decline doesn’t occur in all areas at the same rate

Question 4

What components of intelligence are more stable with age?

Answer 4

Highly learnt skills and general knowledge

Question 5

What is the developmental model of personality ageing?

Answer 5

Derives from psychoanalytical theory

Emotional conflicts at different ages decide personality

Question 6

What are Erikson’s life stage conflicts?

Answer 6

Young adult - intimacy v isolation
Mid-adult - generation v stagnation
Old age - integrity v despair

Question 7

What is the trait model of personality ageing?

Answer 7

Personality described in terms of constituent traits, stable over time

Question 8

What are the two models for ‘successful’ ageing?

Describe them

Answer 8

Disengagement model - disengagement form social involvement as an adaptive mechanism
Activity model - successful ageing requires maximal engagement in all areas of life

Question 9

What social factors can affect ageing?

Answer 9

Family - increased geographical mobility
Death and bereavement
Acknowledging mortality
Retirement - loss of social network