Exam 1 Flashcards
Gerontology
The scientific study of the effects of time on human development, specifically the study of older people
Social age
Measured by age-graded behaviors, carrying expected status and role within a particular culture or society
Biological aging
Expression of declining functional capacity of most basic structures in cells, which in turn affects functioning of organism
Cellular functioning (theory of aging)
- Changes to cell that decrease ability to replicate attributed to aging
- if reproduction was always perfect then we would never age
Stochastic (error) theories of aging
- Propose that changes at cellular level are random and unpredictable
- include wear and tear theory, cross linkage theory and free radical theory
Wear-and-tear theory of aging
The repeated use and injury of the body over time as it performs its specialized functions causes aging
- wearing out over time because of continued use
- is accelerated by harmful effects of internal (free radicals) and external (pollutants) stressors
- teaching: engage in exercise and muscle training
Cross-linkage theory of aging
Cellular division is threatened as a result of radiation or a chemical reaction
- accumulated damage from errors associated with cross-linked proteins
- teaching: avoid skin dryness and joint stiffening; watch for research related to effects of unsaturated fats and heavy metals on cell health
Free radical theory of aging
Free radical and antioxidants are affected
- accumulation of damage from free radicals occurs faster then the cells can repair the damage
- teaching: avoid environmental pollutants and unnecessary radiation; watch for research on use and presence of antioxidants; avoid stress
Programmed theory of aging
“Biological clock”
- each cell has a preprogrammed life span (the # of replications it is limited to)
- people inherit a genetic program that determines their life expectancy
Immunity theory of aging
The primary organs of the immune system (thymus and bone marrow) are affected by the aging process
- damage is the result of oxidative stress and the ability of lymphocytes to widthstand this stress
- teaching: avoid situations that decrease immune functioning (stress, malnutrition, excessive exercise)
Autoimmune reactions in aging
Cells undergo changes with age -> body perceives these cells as foreign substances -> antibodies are formed to attack and rid body of foreign substances -> cells die
Biological theories of aging
- Cellular functioning
- Stochastic theories: wear and tear, cross lonckage, free radical
- nonsotchastic: programmed aging, gene, immunity
Sociological theories of aging
- role theory
- activity theory
- disengagement theory
- continuity theory
- age stratification theory
- social exchange theory
- modernization theory
Role theory of aging
Age norms
- based on the assumption that chronological age implies roles
- socially and culturally constructed expectations of behavior at times in ones life and in pre-establishes roles
Activity theory of aging
- aging is based o the individuals ability to maintain an active lifestyle
- looked at ones level of activity and productivity
Disengagement theory of aging
- widthdrawal of elders from their roles and activities earlier in life that were necessary to allow transfer of power to younger adults
- viewed as necessary for the maintenance of social equilibrium
- widthdrawal was seen as successful aging (nowadays not so much)
Continuity theory of aging
Ones ability to maintain and continue previous behaviors roles or to find suitable replacements
age- stratification theory of aging
goes beyond the individual to age structure of society
- “ cohort effects”
social exchange theory of aging
based on consideration of cost-benefit of social participation
- as one ages they have fewer and fewer economic resources to contribute to society -> results in loss of social status, self-esteem and political power
modernization theory of aging
status and value of elders were lost when their labors are no longer considered useful, their knowledge is no longer pertinent to society and they are no longer accepted because of their age
- non material aspects of exchange
psychological theories of aging
- jung’s theories of personality
- developmental theories ( erikson, peck)
- maslows hierarchy of human needs
jung’s theories of personality theory of aging
personality is either extroverted (orientated toward external world) or introverted (oriented to subjective inner world of individual)
- aging is a movement from extroversion to introversion
- person is able to move from a focus on outward achievement to one of acceptance to the self.
developmental theories of aging
Erickson: predetermined order of development and specific tasks associated with specific periods in ones life course; one must overcome each age specific task to move onto the next stage
Peck: expanded erikson’s work; achievement results in ego integrity
maslow’s hierarchy of human needs theory of aging
combines bio-psych-social needs of individual
- top of the pyramid is self-actualization, bottom is basic needs (food and shelter)
healthy aging
is multidemential and is uniquely defined by each individual
- wellness is a concept, not a condition
Steps for health behavior change
- precontemplation- what pt thinks of making the potential change
- contemplation- has ideas of change, considers the positives and the negatives, may take a long time
- preparation- intention to change unites with plan of action, concrete steps to be taken within 1 month
- action- actual steps taken to modify behavior, person feels empowered and in control of life, takes one day at a time
- maintenance- becomes 6 months after action, prevention of relapse
tai chi training
- positive impact on BMI, systolic blood pressure and heart rate
- fall occurrences reduced
- ## improved cardiovascular performance, decreased falls and increased functional ability
biofeedback
feedback from body’s internal processes
- by observing monitoring devices, a person can learn to influence HR, circulation and muscle tension
- explores mind-body connection
- learned skill in stress control
autogenic training
total body biofeedback or self regulation without machinery
-combination of yoga and autosuggestion
general changes in the older adult
- # of cells is gradually reduced
- total body fat increases
- lean body mass is reduced
- bone mass decreases
- intracellular fluid is decreased resulting in less total body fluid (ECF remains constant)
effects of aging on the SKIN
-hair loss, grey hair, wrinkles
- deepening hollows around eyes, armpit, intercostal and subclavian spaces
- elongated ears, double chin, baggy eyelids
-reduced sweat gland activity
-loose 20% of thickness
-liver spots on skin
- diffuse alopecia occurs in both genders
- nails become more britle, flat and concave; cuticle becomes less thick and wide
ABNORMAL: pressure ulcers and cancer
effects of aging on the CARDIOVASCULAR system
- decrease in SA cells(gest replaced by fatty cells that cause an increased risk for arrhythmias)
- Av node and bungle of his lose conductive cells
- murmurs due to weakened valves
- thickened and more rigid heart valves and walls
- increase in BP ( systolic rises, need more pressure to push blood through heart due to more rigid valves)
- size of heart is unchanged!
- increase in peripheral resistance
- reduced elasticity and lumen
- have no cardiac reserve (fight or flight responses take longer to get back to normal)
ABNORMAL: heart disease, murmur, hypertension, hypotension, CHF, Atherosclerosis, Dysrhythmias, Thrombosis
how the aging heart responds to stress
- tachycardia in the elderly will last for a longer time
- stroke volume may increase which elevates BP
- resting HR is unchanged
effects of aging on RESPIRATORY system
- increase in dead space and residual capacity
- decrease in tidal volume, CO and vital capacity
- ribs and cartilage become stiffer, limits chest expansion
- loss in elastic recoil
- inefficient gas exchange
- increased resistance to air flow
- decreased muscle strength, cilia and cough reflex
- nose elongates downward and can restrict airflow
- stiffening of larynx and tracheal cartilage (mens voice increases, womens voice decreases)
-PO2 declines - chemoreceptor function altered or blunted
ABNORMAL: COPD, asthma, emphysema, loss of alveoli function, lung cancer