lecture 4: psychology of aging Flashcards
how many adults live independently
- 85% of adults age 65 and older do not show significant declines in memory ability and are able to live independently
Natural memory loss occurs faster if they have…
- sleep apnea
- hypertension
- depression
- anxiety
- diabetes (falling is a big concern)
- hypothyroidism
- medication side effects
- deficiency in vitamin B12
what are the recognized positive aspects of elderly
- increased wisdom
- experience
- expertise
what are the 4 phases of growth and development in 2nd half of life
1) Re-evaluation, exploration, transition
2) liberation, experimentation and innovation
3) recapitulation, resolution and contribution
4) Continuation, reflection and celebration
describe re-evaluation, exploration, transition phase
- early 40s through late 50’s
- confront mortality for the first time
- plans and actions are shaped by a sense of personal discovery
- increasing bi-lateral brain involvement supports a more balanced perspective on life
describe liberation, experimentation, and innovation phase
- late 50’s through early 70’s
- an “if not now, when?” feeling that brings a sense of liberation to plans and activities
- feeling free to speak one’s mind and act according to needs
- retirement in part or total gives time for trying new things
describe recapitulation, resolution and contribution phase
- late 60’s through 80’s
- motivated to SHARE acquired wisdom
- plans and actions shaped by desire to find meaning in life, a summing up
- often feeling compelled to attend to unfinished business or unresolved conflicts
describe the continuation, reflection and celebration phase
- late 70’s through end of life
- plans and actions shaped by desire to restate and reaffirm major life themes
- desire to live well to the end
- positive impacts on family and community
What are some things to consider about older adults
- older people use both sides of the brain for tasks that younger people use only one side to accomplish
- the mind grows stronger from use and from being challenged
- our personalities, creativity and psychological concept continues to develop throughout life
- developmental intelligence is expressed in deeping wisdom, judgment, perspective and vision
- cultural stereotypes have huge influence on the personal acceptance of age-related changes in appearance
- loss of strength and endurance and changes in joints have important psychological consequences (self-esteem)
- sensory changes - vision - trouble getting around
- hearing changes - communication, loss of independence, social isolation, irritation, paranoia, depression
Will they talk to you about the tuff stuff?
- older people may be hesitant to talk with you about sensitive subjects
- -> urinary incontinence
- -> sexuality
- -> mental health problems
- FEAR OF LOSING THEIR INDEPENDENCE
how do you approach someone who doesn’t feel comfortable talking to you
- many people your age experience…..
- some people taking this medication have trouble with
- FEEL, FELT, FOUND
- i am going to ask you a lot of questions some that might seem silly, please don’t be offended.
common meds and memory
- benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- Claratin (loratadine)
- Ativan (lorazepam)
- Abien (zolpidem)
- Halcion (triazolam)
- paxil (paroxetine)
- *AFFECT THE MEMORY and vision of elderly**
define delirium
- acute reversible state of agitated confusion, it is marked by disorientation without drowsiness, hallucinations or delusions, difficulty in focusing attention, inability to rest or sleep and emotional, physical and autonomic overactivity
define sundowning
- confusion or disorientation that increases in the afternoon or evening, it is a common finding in patients with cognitive disorders (dementia) and tends to improve when patient is reassured and reoriented
Delirium vs Dementia
DELIRIUM — DEMENTIA
ABRUPT onset—SLOW develop
Nonprogressive — progressive
short duration — many years
fluctuating – rare altered consciousness
precise time onset — uncertain date/time onset
