Ageing Flashcards
46.42.2 The effects of the normal process of human ageing (a) sensitivity and acuity of the sensory system, (b) muscular strength:
The sensitivity and acuity of the sensory system decreases
- Older pilots may be working closer to their bodies maximum ability
- Flexibility is lost, they may have difficulty dealing with a trim malfunction and neck movement restriction effects lookouts
46.42.2 The effects of the normal process of human ageing (c) resilience and reaction times
Both decrease due to loss of muscular ability and loss of memory
46.42.2 The effects of the normal process of human ageing (d) sleep/wakefulness patterns
Many elderly people find it harder to get back to sleep after a disruption, and are more affected by light and noise
- To combat this older pilots need more time between shifts as their body wont recover as quickly as younger pilots
- Need to be more aware of fatigue
46.42.2 The effects of the normal process of human ageing (e) cognitive and mental function
Both decrease and can lead to forgetfulness, decreased ability to maintain focus and decreased problem solving capacity
46.42.2 The effects of the normal process of human ageing (f,g,h) acquisition, retention and retrieval of information and rate of processing
And what is fluid vs crystallised intelligence
With age, your memory declines, retrieval of information may be slower, and your reaction time will be longer. It also takes more time to learn and acquire new skills
•Fluid intelligence is the ability to think and reason
abstractly and solve problems, this declines with age
•Crystallised intelligence (learning from past
experiences) is maintained as we age and accumulate new knowledge and understanding
46.42.2 The effects of the normal process of human ageing (i) insight and self-awareness of your individual capabilities
Age related impairments happen gradually, and pilots learn to adapt and compensate for these over time. Each one in itself can be worked around. You can continue to fly safely and enjoyably if you are aware of how ageing will affect your abilities, and take steps to minimise this.
•There comes a point where all of these minor impairments add up to cause a significant decrease in your performance as a pilot.
34.42.2/46.42.4 Methods by which age-related changes in memory and speed of information processing can be moderated by older pilots
Currency is important, if you don’t fly often, it is important to fly dual with an instructor more often.
- Thinking ahead and anticipating will minimise reactive situations
- Using a checklist and writing down clearances will overcome memory issues.
- It is important to plan ahead and be organised on the ground.
34.42.4/46.42.6 Changes that would indicate early dementia or age related cognitive impairment in another pilot (8)
- Recent memory loss that affects day to day functions •Difficulty performing familiar tasks •Problems with language •Disorientation to time and place •Poor or decreased judgement •Problems with abstract thinking •Misplacing things •Changes in mood or behaviour, personality and loss of initiative.
