Chapter 17 - Physical and Cognitive Development in Late Adulthood

Question 1

what are stem cells?

Answer 1

undifferentiated cells capable of self-renewal and differentiating into specialized adult cells (they replace somatic (body) cells when damaged)

Question 2

what are the three age categories of being “old”?

Answer 2

• young-old: 60-75
• old-old: 75-85
• oldest-old: 85+

Question 3

define gerontology

Answer 3

the study of aging

Question 4

how are free radicals increased/decreased?

Answer 4

increased:
- fatty foods
- food additives

decreased:
- antioxidants
- vitamins

Question 5

what is a telomere?

Answer 5

a strong of repetitive DNA at the top of chromosomes, serves as a time keeping mechanism

Question 6

what is presbyopia?

Answer 6

farsightedness (more common in older adults)

Question 7

when does sense of smell decline?

Answer 7

rapidly declines at 60

Question 8

what are basic activities of daily living (BADL’s)?

Answer 8

self-help tasks such as bathing, dressing, using the bathroom

Question 9

what happens to a telomere after a replication?

Answer 9

it shortens, once it gets past the threshold length -> disease and death

Question 10

what is cataracts?

Answer 10

clouding of the lens

Question 11

who is considered frail elderly?

Answer 11

seniors who’s mental/physical impairments are so extensive they can’t care for themselves

Question 12

what is macular degeneration?

Answer 12

impacts the retina and central vision

Question 13

there is a ________ in insomnia in late adulthood

Answer 13

30% increase

Question 14

what is a glaucoma?

Answer 14

poor peripheral vision

Question 15

what is the purpose of telomerase?

Answer 15

restores telomeres

Question 16

what kind of sounds are lost 1st in late adulthood?

Answer 16

high frequency sounds

Question 17

what is the Hayflick limit?

Answer 17

the proposal that each species is subject to genetically programmed time limits where their cells can no longer replicate

Question 18

what are instrumental activities of daily living (IADL’s)?

Answer 18

more complex tasks such as cooking, housework

Question 19

what are 3 factors that influence longevity?

Answer 19

1. exercise
2. non-smoking
3. healthy weight

Question 20

what makes IADL’s different from BADL’s?

Answer 20

IADL’s have a cognitive component to them

Question 21

what are the 4 main brain changes in late adulthood?

Answer 21

1. loss of grey matter
2. lower brain weight
3. less synaptic plasticity
4. slower transmission speed

Question 22

define scenescence

Answer 22

the process of deterioration with age

Question 23

is cross linking more/less common in older adults?

Answer 23

more common

Question 24

what are free radicals?

Answer 24

molecules/atoms that possess an unpaired electron (can lead to harmful chemical reactions)

Question 25

what is cross linking?

Answer 25

the formation of undesirable bonds between proteins and fats (they negatively impact the functioning of wrongly bonded molecules)

Question 26

define functional status

Answer 26

individuals ability to perform self-help tasks and other chores of daily living

Question 27

what is the predicted limit of the number of replications per cell?

Answer 27

50

Question 28

what changes in touch are seen in late adulthood?

Answer 28

a reduced sensitivity to hot and cold, can be dangerous