Chapter 17 Flashcards
Late adulthood
the final stage of development, beginning at the age of 65
life span (longevity)
the maximum amount of time a person can live under optimal conditions
life expectancy
the amount of time a person can actually be expected to live in a given setting
ageism
prejudice against people because of their age
cataract
a condition characterized by clouding of the lens of the eye
glaucoma
condition involving abnormally high fluid pressure in the eye
presbycusis
loss of acuteness of hearing due to age-related degenerative changes in the ear
osteoporosis
a disorder in which bones become more porous, brittle, and subject to fracture, due to loss of calcium and other minerals
sleep apnea
temporary suspension of breathing while sleeping
programmed theories of aging
view of aging based on the concept that the process of aging are governed, at least in part, by genetic factors.
telomeres
protective segments of DNA located at the tips of chromosomes
immunological theory
a theory of aging that holds that the immune system is preset to decline by an internal biological clock
cellular damage theories of aging
views of aging based on the concept that internal bodily changes and external environmental insults, such as carcinogens and poisons, cause cells and organ systems to malfunction, leading to death
wear-and-tear theory
a theory of aging that suggests that over time our bodies become less capable of repairing themselves
free-radical theory
a theory of aging that attributes aging to damage caused by the accumulation of unstable molecules called free radicals
cross-linking theory
a theory of aging that holds that the stiffening of body proteins eventually break down bodily processes, leading to aging
normal aging
processes of aging that represents a gradual decline of systems and body functions, enabling people to enjoy health and vitality well into late adulthood
pathological aging
aging in which chronic diseases or degenerative processes, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, lead to disability or premature death
arthtritis
inflammation of the joints
ostearthritis
a painful, degenerative disease characterized by wear and tear on joints
rheumatoid arthritis
a painful, degenerative disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the membranes that line the joints
dementia
a condition characterized by deterioration of cognitive functioning
Alzheimer’s disease
a severe form of dementia characterized by memory lapses. confusion, emotional instability, and progressive loss of cognitive functioning
explicit memory
memory for specific information, including autobiographical info, such as what you had for breakfast and general knowledge, such as state capitals
implicit memory
automatic memories based on repetition and apparently not requiring an y conscious effort to retrieve
retrospective memory
memory of past events and general knowledge
prospective memory
memory of things one has planned for the future
