Chapter 16 Flashcards
Describe Erikson’s integrity versus despair" stage. How does this relate to reminiscence
therapy (and what is this)?
varies depending on whether older person has
- valuable knowledge
- control key family or community resources
- are allowed to engage in useful functions for as long as possible
generally greater in collectivistic cultures
normal aging: psychological function peaks in early midlife, plateaus, and then declines through
the early eighties
pathological aging: greater than average decline, with mild cognitive impairment in early old age,
Alzheimer’s or chronic disease that impairs daily functioning later
successful aging: individuals whose physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development is
maintained longer and declines later
- proper diet, active lifestyle, mental stimulation, positive coping skills, good social
relationships and support, absence of diseaseDescribe Erikson's "integrity versus despair" stage. How does this relate to reminiscence
therapy (and what is this)?
life review
looking back at one’s life experiences, evaluating them, and interpreting /
reinterpreting them
reminiscence therapy:
form of therapy where people discuss past activities + experiences with
another individual or group
What does activity theory have to say about aging and life satisfaction?
activity theory: the more active + involved older adults are, the more likely they are to be satisfied
with their lives
suggests that many people would achieve greater life satisfaction if they continue their middle-
adulthood roles into late adulthood
- stripping this from them → MUST find substitute roles that will keep
them active and involved
According to socioemotional selectivity theory, how do social networks change with age?
socioemotional selectivity theory: motivation changes as a function of time horizons. basically
motivations and their meanings change depending on one’s perceptions / thoughts towards time
become more selective towards social networks as you get older
- spend more time with individuals they have had rewarding relationships with
How do people's relation to positive and negative emotions change?
older adults felt +++ emotions with family, ++ with established friends, and + with new friends
goals are either knowledge-related or emotional
- older adults feel as though there is less time in their lives → more
motivated to spend time pursuing emotional satisfaction
According to selective optimization with compensation theory, how do older adults age
successfully?
selective optimization with compensation theory: successful aging is linked to selection,
optimization, and compensation
1. selection: older adults = less capacity + functionality loss. requires a reduction in
performance
2. optimization: can maintain performance through continued practice and new
technological advancements
3. compensation: tasks require a capacity beyond the current level of the older adult’s
performance potential. they compensate through high physical or mental demands
Discuss the relationship between socioeconomic status and well-being into old age.
SOC is a great system because it allows researchers to see how people can manage + adapt to
their own losses
poverty = risk factor for decline in mental health
people at lower levels of socioeconomic status end up being diagnosed with a psychological
disorder
Summarize research on divorce and remarriage. In late adulthood, how are men and
women impacted differently, and why?
58% of U.S adults over 65 → married. there was a significant gender
difference
older adults who have a partner are usually happier and live longer than adults who are single
marital satisfaction was greater in older adults than middle-aged adults
majority of divorced older adults were women, as men were more likely to remarry
- some older adults experience negative social pressure about remarrying
- adult children are usually supportive / encourage remarriage
attachment anxiety decreases– avoidant attachment in women has led to higher levels of social
isolation
Discuss relationships between older adults parents and their adult children. Who is
providing what kind of care?
80% of older adults have living children
adult children can coordinate + monitor services to assist their parents, who could be disabled or
ill
- ex. direct assistance
even when aging parents had health problems, children described positive changes in their
relationship
pros: love, reciprocal help, shared values
cons: isolation, family conflicts, abuse, neglect, or caregiver stress
adult daughters are more likely to be involved in the lives of aging parents
How does social support affect the physical and mental health of older adults?
friendships are less problematic + less negative than in younger years
friends can contribute to longevity and better marriage quality, improving physical health, mental
health, and life satisfaction
more pleasant, more discussions about less stressful experiences
social convoy model of social relations: individuals go through life embedded in a personal
network of individuals whom they give + from whom they receive support
social integration: extent to which individuals are involved in social exchanges with others
- high levels = less depressed, more physical engagement, more positive mood, less lonely
volunteering! → increased socializing, a constructive activity that leads
to better health + cognitive functioning
According to research, how does respect for older adults vary depending on culture?
varies depending on whether older person has
- valuable knowledge
- control key family or community resources
- are allowed to engage in useful functions for as long as possible
generally greater in collectivistic cultures
normal aging: psychological function peaks in early midlife, plateaus, and then declines through
the early eighties
pathological aging: greater than average decline, with mild cognitive impairment in early old age,
Alzheimer’s or chronic disease that impairs daily functioning later
successful aging: individuals whose physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development is
maintained longer and declines later
- proper diet, active lifestyle, mental stimulation, positive coping skills, good social
relationships and support, absence of disease
