Late Adulthood

Question 1

common misconceptions about late adulthood (2)

Answer 1

• dementia = normal part of aging (it’s not!)

- most elders need to live in nursing home (false)

Question 2

2 types of aging

Answer 2

1. primary

2. secondary

Question 3

primary aging

Answer 3

• genetically influenced aging, unavoidable

- trigger of primary aging = debated

Question 4

secondary aging

Answer 4

• avoidable aging

- results from our choices / environmental exposures

Question 5

types of theories of primary aging (4)

Answer 5

1. “wear and tear” theory
2. DNA theories
3. Cellular theories
4. Programmed cell death theories

Question 6

“wear and tear” theory

Answer 6

aging is caused by time and exertion

Question 7

holes in “wear and tear” theory (2)

Answer 7

• body is good at repairing wear + tear

- slowing down/taking it easy doesn’t decrease the effects of aging

Question 8

Cellular theories (2)

Answer 8

• Hayflick limit

- Free radical theory

Question 9

Programmed cell death theories

Answer 9

cells are designed to self destruct, which causes negative diseases associated with aging such as alzheimers & osteoporosis

Question 10

DNA theories

Answer 10

specific genes are responsible for aging (just don’t know which ones)

Question 11

Hayflick limit theory

Answer 11

• human cells can divide up to ~20x, then begin dying

- that cell death –> aging

Question 12

Free radical theory

Answer 12

accumulation of free radicals (from environmental contaminants) causes aging