Exam 2 Flashcards
Distinct Characteristics of aging
- process is common to all people
- everyone ages differently
- process eventually leads to death
- rate of organ aging varies b/c of genes/lifestyle
Causes of Aging
- Heredity
- Lack of physical activity
- Environmental Stress (climate, lifestyle)
- Toxins (exposure to pesticides/pollution)
- Values
- Attitudes
- Beliefs
- Emotions
Biologic Theories
Aging is internal
We age b/c problems w/ cell division
Molecular Theory of Aging
Gene Theory: Juvenile(youth) / Senile (deterioration)
Error Theory: errors in protein synthesis that over time results in impaired cellular function
Hayflick phenomenon
believed that cells double a limited # of times before dying
System Level Theories of Aging
Immunity Theory: Immune decreases in ability (considers aging to be predetermined)
Autoimmunity Theory: body destroys it’s own normal cells
Cellular Theories
- Free Radical Theory: Antioxidants may prevent
- Crosslinkage Theory: chemical reaction occurs that creates an abnormal bond between structures
- Nutrition Restriction Theory
- Wear & Tear Theory
Social/Developmental Theories
influenced by biology & sociology
- Security & Safety
- Environment
- Belonging
- Self Esteem
- Self Actualization
Role Theory
- Identify a person as a social being
* Ability to adapt
Activity Theory
If active = more satisfied in later life
Disengagement Theory
Thought that older people want to be left alone & young people agree
(death is less disruptive to society when elder is disengaged)
Continuity Theory
Personality traits are unchanged over time
problem=assumes that people don’t want to change
Psychological Theories are concerned with:
- developmental tasks over time
- perception
- reaction time
- learning & memory
- personality & coping styles
- mental health
Guidelines for successful aging
- plan for retirement
- do what makes you happy
- accept limitations
- accept support
- maintain faith & positive outlook
- practice good health habits
Ethnic Minorities
- young outnumber the old
- poorer than the white population
- more health problems
- lack of education
Physical Changes of Aging is due to…
1/3 Disuse/inactivity
1/3 Decline from disease
1/3 Actual age related changes
Integumentary System
Skin: decreased sweat glands & fat
Hair: thins
Nails: brittle
Vision Changes
decreased pupil size
can’t see blues/greens/violets
Diseases: Cataracts (most common), Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration
Hearing Changes
Decreased ability to hear high pitched sounds
Nerve & Sensory Cells die
Wax thickens
Touch
Decreased sensory receptors in the skin
Cardiovascular
- Heart is less efficient
- Decreased pulse/flow of blood to heart vessels
- fatty deposits accumulate
- decreased cardiac output
Diseases: Coronary Artery Disease, Myocardial Infarction, Hypertension, Cerebral Vascular Accident
Respiratory System
- lungs smaller/flabbier
- loss of cilia & elastic recoil
- stiffening of rib cage
Disease: Lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Gastrointestinal System
- decreased salivary glands, appetite, taste buds, gastric juices, & enzymes
- loss of teeth & gums shrink
Urinary System
- Decreased filtering ability of kidney to filter urine
- Bladder size decreases
