Chapter 17

Question 1

Late adulthood

Answer 1

the final stage of development, beginning at the age of 65

Question 2

life span (longevity)

Answer 2

the maximum amount of time a person can live under optimal conditions

Question 3

life expectancy

Answer 3

the amount of time a person can actually be expected to live in a given setting

Question 4

ageism

Answer 4

prejudice against people because of their age

Question 5

cataract

Answer 5

a condition characterized by clouding of the lens of the eye

Question 6

glaucoma

Answer 6

condition involving abnormally high fluid pressure in the eye

Question 7

presbycusis

Answer 7

loss of acuteness of hearing due to age-related degenerative changes in the ear

Question 8

osteoporosis

Answer 8

a disorder in which bones become more porous, brittle, and subject to fracture, due to loss of calcium and other minerals

Question 9

sleep apnea

Answer 9

temporary suspension of breathing while sleeping

Question 10

programmed theories of aging

Answer 10

view of aging based on the concept that the process of aging are governed, at least in part, by genetic factors.

Question 11

telomeres

Answer 11

protective segments of DNA located at the tips of chromosomes

Question 12

immunological theory

Answer 12

a theory of aging that holds that the immune system is preset to decline by an internal biological clock

Question 13

cellular damage theories of aging

Answer 13

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

Question 14

wear-and-tear theory

Answer 14

a theory of aging that suggests that over time our bodies become less capable of repairing themselves

Question 15

free-radical theory

Answer 15

a theory of aging that attributes aging to damage caused by the accumulation of unstable molecules called free radicals

Question 16

cross-linking theory

Answer 16

a theory of aging that holds that the stiffening of body proteins eventually break down bodily processes, leading to aging

Question 17

normal aging

Answer 17

processes of aging that represents a gradual decline of systems and body functions, enabling people to enjoy health and vitality well into late adulthood

Question 18

pathological aging

Answer 18

aging in which chronic diseases or degenerative processes, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, lead to disability or premature death

Question 19

arthtritis

Answer 19

inflammation of the joints

Question 20

ostearthritis

Answer 20

a painful, degenerative disease characterized by wear and tear on joints

Question 21

rheumatoid arthritis

Answer 21

a painful, degenerative disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the membranes that line the joints

Question 22

dementia

Answer 22

a condition characterized by deterioration of cognitive functioning

Question 23

Alzheimer’s disease

Answer 23

a severe form of dementia characterized by memory lapses. confusion, emotional instability, and progressive loss of cognitive functioning

Question 24

explicit memory

Answer 24

memory for specific information, including autobiographical info, such as what you had for breakfast and general knowledge, such as state capitals

Question 25

implicit memory

Answer 25

automatic memories based on repetition and apparently not requiring an y conscious effort to retrieve

Question 26

retrospective memory

Answer 26

memory of past events and general knowledge

Question 27

prospective memory

Answer 27

memory of things one has planned for the future