Chapter 3: Physical, Psychological, and Social Change Flashcards
Why is aging considered multidimensional?
It involves biological, psychological, and social factors that interact over time.
How do individual and structural factors shape aging outcomes?
Genetics, personal lifestyle choices, and social factors (e.g., SES, gender) all contribute to aging experiences.
What is the difference between the medical model and social model of disability?
The medical model views disability as a biological problem, while the social model focuses on how societal barriers create disability.
What is frailty, and can it be reversed?
Frailty is a condition involving physical weakness and vulnerability to disease. Some aspects, like muscle loss, can be reversed with exercise and proper nutrition.
What is embodied habitus? Provide an example.
Embodied habitus refers to cultural tastes and preferences related to the body. Example: Using Botox to appear youthful.
How does aging affect memory and what are the 2 types?
Episodic memory (specific events) declines, while semantic memory (facts and vocabulary) remains stable.
What is cognitive vitality?
The ability to maintain cognitive function and adapt to changes in aging.
What is “successful aging,” and what are its critiques?
Successful aging means maintaining high physical, psychological, and social function. Critiques include its focus on personal responsibility and ignoring structural inequalities.
types of external changes when aging
skin, look, feeling old
types of internal changes when aging
biological systems like muscle mass and heart, CNS, Motor performance, sensory processes, cognitive processes, intelligence, learning, memory, personality
what are arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis?
losing elasticity of artery walls and narrowing of artery walls (restricts blood flow)
physical literacy
motivation, confidence and physical ability of understanding the need to maintain physical activity throughout life
competence vs intelligence
competence is adaptive behaviour unique to specific situation
intelligence is verbal comprehension and reasoning
2 types of intelligence
fluid: neurological capacity/ adjust thinking to specific situation
crystallized: product of education and experience
3 stages of memory
- info received and temporarily stored
- if info is important and not interrupted by stimuli it goes to short term memory
- long-term memor
episodic vs. semantic memory
episodic: retrieval of info acquired at specific time and place
semantic: common knowledge, vocab and concepts
2 cognitive styles
field-dependent: more aware of social environment and more people oriented, behaves as society deems normal
field-independent: analytical, less constrained by “normal” behaviour
creativity vs. wisdom
creativity is younger and is influenced by socialization, health, energy, motivation
wisdom is older and expert knowledge of life that helps judgement
Ulysseans
older people who accomplish creative work
ways people inherit personality
trait approach: heredity, interactions develop personal traits
situational, behavioural and state perspective: behaviour determined by social situation and learn to behave appropriately
stability of personality: intra-individual variation, can change
What did Eric Erikson say about aging?
older people more concerned with leaving legacy and reciprocity and leadership
self-concept
subset of personality, outcome of motivations and attitudes
5 major factors in personality development
neuroticism (negative emotions)
extroversion (extrovert)
openness (ability to open up)
agreeableness (perceived as kind)
conscientiousness (responsible and careful)
sexuality as an elderly person
ability to have sex changes, and desires shift from intercourse to cuddling and intimacy
