chapters 16-17 (60+)

Question 1

what is ageing vs ageism and successful / optimal ageing

Answer 1

• ageing: differs between cultures in terms of ethnicity, education, SES, occupational status
• ageism: stereotyping and discrimination against old people, positive (sweet, caring, pleasant, wise, respectful, authoritative) and negative (slow, feeble, cranky, grumpy, unattractive)
• optimal ageing: psychological adjustment and wellbeing across lifespan
• successful ageing: greater satisfaction of life, actively engaged in life

Question 2

describe changes in physical development (cellular vs programming)

Answer 2

• senescence: degenerative phase of ageing, more vulnerable to disease and mortality
• cellular theories: processes take place within / between cells, lead to breakdown of cells, tissues, organs
• programming theories: maximum lifespan to be predetermined by genes in each species
• physical functioning: loss in efficiency of body systems (cardiovascular / respiratory), sensory changes (olfactory, visual, auditory) and sexual functioning

Question 3

describe health promoting factors / chronic illness

Answer 3

• improved health: sleeping 7-8 hours nightly, eating breakfast, seldom snacks, controlling weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, non-smoker for life
• chronic illness: medical condition that cannot be cured only managed
• risk factors: genetic disposition, obesity, cancer, arthritis, personality characteristics, pain, stress

Question 4

describe changes in psychological development / mental health

Answer 4

• mental disorders: underestimated, undertreated, stoicism limits reporting, caused by chronic pain / illness
• depression: most common, loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep disturbance, lethargy, agitation, loss of interest in otherwise pleasurable activities, worthlessness, guilt / self reproach, suicidal behaviour
• elder suicide: increase later in life, period effects (unique stressor) or cohort effects (group stressors)

Question 5

describe changes in cognitive development

Answer 5

• losses: fluid abilities (performance at new tasks, processing speed and abstract reasoning)
• gains: crystallised abilities (verbal abilities, general knowledge and wisdom)
• alzheimers: degeneration of brain cells, affects memory, learning and judgement
• risk factors: age, gender, vascular conditions, low education, head injury and biological susceptibility
• memory: anticipatory dementia, some processes change more than others, working (age), episodic (steady decline), semantic (largely intact) or procedural (least change) memory

Question 6

describe changes in personality development

Answer 6

• harvard grant study: positive life adjustment to controllable factors (healthy living, good education) and uncontrollable (ancestry, upbringing, depression)
• berkeley study: longitudinal study (55 years), intellect (decline), agreeableness (increase), satisfaction (stable), extroversion (decline) and energy (least stable
• erikson’s integrity vs despair: resolution of conflict, wisdom, increase agreeableness, marital satisfaction and companionship (leads to ego integrity) vs loss of health / loved ones, despair

Question 7

what is the activity vs disengagement theory (successful ageing)

Answer 7

• activity: older have same psychosocial needs, withdrawal from society, optimal ageing is one is active, substitute activity are required
• disengagement: older people have increased preoccupation with self / decreased investment in society, withdrawal of individual and society, optimal ageing from psychological distance from society, decreased social interaction expected

Question 8

describe intimate relationships

Answer 8

• marriage: marital satisfaction increases, provides support, emotional and sexual intimacy, interdependence and belonging, companionship and confidante
• widowhood: expectedness of death / caregiving experiences, impacts physical, mental, economic and social well being
• homosexuals: attitudes have changed, long term relationships frequent, content, fear of rejection
• siblings: companions, confidantes, caregivers, friends, emotional support, share memories
• friends: age homogeneous, men (friends decline, less desire)
• sexuality: remain important, decline in sexual activity associated with biological (hormonal, illness, medication), psychological (attitude) and social (availability) factors

Question 9

describe work / career stages and factors that affect retirement

Answer 9

• later career age (55-retirement): remain productive, maintain self esteem, prepare for retirement
• factors influencing: demographic, personal characteristics, work features, health and financial security is important, new options available (leisure, community involvement, education)
• atchley’s phases of retirement: preretirement, honeymoon, immediate retirement routine, rest / relaxation, disenchantment, reorientation, retirement routine, termination of retirement

Question 10

describe variations of accomodation

Answer 10

• ageing in place: remain at home, familiar surroundings / support networks, housing modifications
• nursing homes: restricted freedom, low personal control / social interaction / mental stimulation
• retirement villages: care, support, entertainment and sense of community, enhance life satisfaction

Question 11

describe their leisure and reminiscing

Answer 11

• leisure: participation reduces risk of dementia, community involvement and religion, women (passive, social, expressive) and men (active, less expressive and organised)
• reminiscing: recall of past experiences, obtain ego integrity, prevent despair / accepting end of life, life satisfaction, sense of wellbeing
• reasons for reminiscing: identity, problem solving, boredom reduction, bitterness revival, conversation, teach / inform, intimacy maintenance, death preparation