Chapter 17 - Physical and Cognitive Development in Late Adulthood Flashcards
what are stem cells?
undifferentiated cells capable of self-renewal and differentiating into specialized adult cells (they replace somatic (body) cells when damaged)
what are the three age categories of being “old”?
- young-old: 60-75
- old-old: 75-85
- oldest-old: 85+
define gerontology
the study of aging
how are free radicals increased/decreased?
increased:
- fatty foods
- food additives
decreased:
- antioxidants
- vitamins
what is a telomere?
a strong of repetitive DNA at the top of chromosomes, serves as a time keeping mechanism
what is presbyopia?
farsightedness (more common in older adults)
when does sense of smell decline?
rapidly declines at 60
what are basic activities of daily living (BADL’s)?
self-help tasks such as bathing, dressing, using the bathroom
what happens to a telomere after a replication?
it shortens, once it gets past the threshold length -> disease and death
what is cataracts?
clouding of the lens
who is considered frail elderly?
seniors who’s mental/physical impairments are so extensive they can’t care for themselves
what is macular degeneration?
impacts the retina and central vision
there is a ________ in insomnia in late adulthood
30% increase
what is a glaucoma?
poor peripheral vision
what is the purpose of telomerase?
restores telomeres
what kind of sounds are lost 1st in late adulthood?
high frequency sounds
what is the Hayflick limit?
the proposal that each species is subject to genetically programmed time limits where their cells can no longer replicate
what are instrumental activities of daily living (IADL’s)?
more complex tasks such as cooking, housework
what are 3 factors that influence longevity?
- exercise
- non-smoking
- healthy weight
what makes IADL’s different from BADL’s?
IADL’s have a cognitive component to them
what are the 4 main brain changes in late adulthood?
- loss of grey matter
- lower brain weight
- less synaptic plasticity
- slower transmission speed
define scenescence
the process of deterioration with age
is cross linking more/less common in older adults?
more common
what are free radicals?
molecules/atoms that possess an unpaired electron (can lead to harmful chemical reactions)
what is cross linking?
the formation of undesirable bonds between proteins and fats (they negatively impact the functioning of wrongly bonded molecules)
define functional status
individuals ability to perform self-help tasks and other chores of daily living
what is the predicted limit of the number of replications per cell?
50
what changes in touch are seen in late adulthood?
a reduced sensitivity to hot and cold, can be dangerous
