Lesson 9: Late Adulthood Flashcards
What age range is considered late adulthood?
Late adulthood includes individuals aged 65 and older.
What is the “Graying of America”?
It refers to the increasing proportion of the U.S. population aged 65 and older, significantly impacting healthcare, housing, and social security.
By 2050, what proportion of Americans will be aged 65 or older?
Almost one in four Americans.
How has life expectancy changed for those turning 65?
In 2015, someone turning 65 could expect to live 19 more years, 5.5 years longer than in 1950.
Which countries have the highest proportions of older adults?
Japan, Germany, and Italy.
What is the difference between lifespan and life expectancy?
Lifespan is the maximum age a species can reach, while life expectancy is the average age individuals of a population are expected to live.
What is the global life expectancy at birth as of 2015?
71.4 years.
Why do women tend to live longer than men?
Biological advantages, such as protective effects of estrogen, and behavioral factors like fewer risky behaviors.
What is Healthy Life Expectancy (HLE)?
The average number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
What region has the lowest HLE globally?
The WHO African Region, at 52.3 years.
What are the three age categories in late adulthood?
Young-old (65-84), oldest-old (85-99), and centenarians (100+).
What defines the “young-old” category?
Adults aged 65-84, characterized by relative health, social engagement, and independence.
Who are the “oldest-old”?
Individuals aged 85 and older, often with more chronic illnesses and higher care needs.
How many centenarians were there worldwide in 2015?
Nearly half a million.
What is unique about centenarians’ health?
Many have delayed onset of chronic illnesses until their 90s or later.
What are programmed theories of aging?
Theories suggesting aging follows a biological timetable influenced by genetic expression.
What is the cellular clock theory?
It proposes that aging is due to cells’ inability to divide indefinitely, limited by telomere shortening.
How do free radicals contribute to aging?
By damaging cells and tissues through oxidative stress.
What does the immune system theory suggest about aging?
Aging is linked to a decline in the innate and adaptive immune systems, making the body more vulnerable to diseases.
How does hormonal stress theory explain aging?
Chronic stress and cortisol release damage the hypothalamus and lead to metabolic issues.
What happens to body composition as people age?
Lean tissue decreases, fat increases, and bones lose density.
How does vision change in late adulthood?
Common issues include cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
What is sarcopenia?
The age-related loss of muscle mass and strength.
What causes cataracts?
A clumping of proteins in the lens of the eye, leading to clouding and reduced clarity.
How does hearing decline in late adulthood?
Conditions like presbycusis and tinnitus are common, affecting the ability to hear high frequencies and clarity.
Why is a healthy diet important in late adulthood?
It improves mental acuity, immune strength, energy levels, and chronic disease management.
What is the MyPlate for Older Adults?
A dietary guide recommending a balanced intake of fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein-rich foods for seniors.
How does loss of taste and smell affect nutrition?
It can lead to reduced appetite and overuse of salt or sugar.
What factors contribute to poor nutrition in late adulthood?
Changes in sensory functions, dental issues, and limited access to healthy foods.
What percentage of adults aged 75+ have chronic conditions?
Over 90%.
How can older adults maintain good nutrition?
By eating nutrient-dense foods and using spices or herbs to enhance flavor.
What is osteoporosis?
A condition where bones become fragile and prone to fractures.
How does arthritis impact older adults?
It causes pain, stiffness, and mobility limitations, increasing the risk of depression.
What are the most common chronic illnesses in late adulthood?
Arthritis, hypertension, and heart disease.
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a progressive lung disease causing breathing difficulties.
How can osteoporosis be prevented?
Through a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking.
What is shingles?
A reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, causing painful rashes and potential complications.
What role does exercise play in healthy aging?
It reduces sarcopenia, improves cardiovascular health, and maintains independence.
Why is social engagement important in late adulthood?
It enhances mental health, reduces loneliness, and improves quality of life.
How can the risk of shingles be reduced?
By receiving the shingles vaccine, especially for those aged 60 and older.
What is the primary cause of brain volume reduction as people age?
Shrinkage of neurons, fewer synapses, and shorter axons contribute to brain volume reduction.
What does the Scaffolding Theory of Aging and Cognition propose?
It suggests that the brain adapts to neural atrophy by building alternative connections to maintain performance.
What is ACTIVE, and what did it demonstrate?
ACTIVE is a cognitive training study for older adults, which showed improved cognitive functioning even five years later.
What environmental factors are associated with Parkinson’s disease?
Brain injury, toxins, industrial chemicals, carbon monoxide, herbicides, and pesticides are linked to Parkinson’s disease.
What are common sleep disorders in older adults?
Sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, and REM sleep behavior disorder.
How does exercise benefit sleep in older adults?
150 minutes of weekly exercise improves sleep quality and reduces risks for certain diseases.
What stereotypes affect older adults’ perception of their sexuality?
Older adults are often viewed as asexual or genderless.
What chronic illnesses can impact sexual functioning in older adults?
Arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and dementia.
How do memory changes vary between semantic and episodic memory in older adults?
Episodic memory declines more significantly than semantic memory.
What is implicit memory, and how does it change with age?
Implicit memory involves skills and habits, showing minimal decline with age.
What are prospective memories, and how do they change with age?
Prospective memories are future-oriented tasks, with time-based memories showing more age-related decline.
How does recognition memory compare to recall memory in older adults?
Recognition memory remains strong, while recall memory declines with age.
What is the Age Advantage in memory?
Older adults excel in tasks that leverage their expertise or acquired knowledge.
What is processing speed theory?
It attributes cognitive decline in older adults to slower information processing speeds.
How does inhibition theory explain cognitive changes in aging?
It suggests older adults struggle to suppress irrelevant information.
What compensates for declines in fluid intelligence with age?
Crystallized intelligence and pragmatic intelligence compensate for declines in fluid intelligence.
What factors contribute to wisdom in older adults?
Wisdom arises from life experience, openness, and a focus on generativity.
How does Alzheimer’s disease affect the brain?
It causes neuronal death, plaques, tau tangles, and brain shrinkage.
What is vascular neurocognitive disorder?
It involves blockages in cerebral blood vessels, leading to localized brain damage.
How does neurocognitive disorder with Lewy bodies differ from Parkinson’s disease?
Cognitive and motor symptoms occur simultaneously in Lewy body disorder, unlike in Parkinson’s.
What is the typical age for retirement in the United States?
The average retirement age is 65.
What are bridge jobs?
Part-time jobs taken between a career and full retirement.
What is the widowhood mortality effect?
It is the increased risk of death following the loss of a spouse.
What is stereotype threat, and how does it affect older adults?
It refers to the fear of confirming stereotypes, which worsens performance in older adults.
How does poverty vary among older adults based on demographics?
Older women, minorities, and unmarried individuals are at greater risk of poverty.
What percentage of older adults live alone?
Approximately 28% of men and 54% of women aged 65+ live alone.
What is the Convoy Model of Social Relations?
It describes social connections as layered in closeness, with closer relationships persisting longer.
What is Socioemotional Selectivity Theory?
It proposes that older adults prioritize emotionally meaningful relationships.
How does marriage affect older adults?
It provides emotional support and stability, which can enhance well-being.
What are the stages of retirement according to Atchley?
Remote pre-retirement, immediate pre-retirement, honeymoon, disenchantment, and reorientation phases.
What is the primary reason for delayed retirement?
Economic necessity, including insufficient savings and pensions.
How does generativity continue in late adulthood?
Through volunteering, mentoring, and raising grandchildren.
What are virtual volunteering opportunities for older adults?
Activities like mentoring online or providing support remotely.
What is the impact of friendships on older adults’ health?
Friends provide emotional support, which reduces depressive symptoms and promotes well-being.
How does loneliness differ from solitude in older adults?
Loneliness involves unmet social needs, while solitude is a fulfilling self-awareness.
What percentage of older adults live in institutions?
Only 3.2% of adults 65+ live in institutions.
What is Erikson’s final psychosocial stage?
Integrity vs. despair, reflecting on life with acceptance or regret.
What does the Activity Theory suggest about aging?
Staying active leads to greater life satisfaction and health.
What challenges do grandparents face when raising grandchildren?
Financial, health, and emotional challenges, often due to traumatic circumstances.
What are some stereotypes about older adults?
They are often seen as mentally and physically declining, which affects their self-esteem and societal views.
