Lecture 2 - Theories of Aging, Physiological Systems, Aging Perspectives

Question 1

Neuroendocrine Theory of Aging

Answer 1

Fx reduction in neurons and their associated hormones as central to aging; HPA axis is the primary regulator

Question 2

Immunological Theory of Aging

Answer 2

Fx capacity and fidelity of immune system decreases with age (strong increase of age associated increase in autoimmune disorders)

Question 3

Free Radical Theory

Answer 3

looking at how cellular damage occurs by free radicals –> damages cells and tissues

Question 4

Life-span development theory

Answer 4

ontogenetic development (development from embryo to adulthood) is biologically and socio-culturally constructed

• no age/stage is supreme
• events at each stage affect future development

Question 5

Selective optimization with compensation (life-span development theory)

Answer 5

central focus is managing dynamics between gains and losses as one ages

Question 6

What are the fundamental mechanisms for managing adaptive development later in life (according to the selective optimization with compensation theory)?

Answer 6

1. Selection (as one gets older there are more restrictions in their life)
2. Optimization (how to allocate resources to optimize resources to engage; achieve the goals they want to achieve)
3. Compensation (use of alternative methods to be able to achieve the activities)

Question 7

What are the interrelated life-span trends that contribute to human development? (Three principles)

Answer 7

1. Evolutionary selection benefits decrease
2. Need for Cultural resources increase
3. Efficacy of cultural resources decrease

Question 8

Trajectories

Answer 8

stable patterns of behavior or health across time (hard to change the course of)

Question 9

Transitions

Answer 9

changes in social roles or responsibilities (ex: divorce, parent, job role changes)

Question 10

Turning Points

Answer 10

transitions that are major changes in ongoing social role trajectories; life takes a different direction (major change that might affect future paths)

Question 11

Cultural and Contextual influences

Answer 11

events and externalities that shape and constrain the process of change and adaptation (historical events, influences from peers)

Question 12

Timing in lives

Answer 12

the interaction between the age or stage of the life course and timing of event or transition (ex: growing up during the great depression)

Question 13

Linked Lives

Answer 13

dependence of the development of one person on the presence, influence or development of another (ex: spouse’s eating habits –> affect you)

Question 14

Adaptive strategies

Answer 14

conscious decisions that people make to improve their health or well-being or social norms that frame the way decisions are made to adapt to external changes

Question 15

Ignoring Talk

Answer 15

Talking and not expecting a response back; talking to your associate and the older adult is right there, not addressing the older adult

Question 16

Task Talk

Answer 16

interacting with the older adult and only talking about the task at hand -> forgetting about the meaningful activity

Question 17

Elderspeak

Answer 17

infantile, overly sweet talk, patronizing speech, simplified talk