Module 1: Introduction to Aging, Biohacking, and Gerontechnology Flashcards
Ageism
-the systematic stereotyping of and discrimination against people because they are old
What are people aged 75-84 considered to be
-old-old
What are people 85+ considered to
-oldest-old
What are people 100+ considered to be
-centenarian
What are people 110+ considered to be
-super-centenarian
Successful aging
-requires a combination of physical health and functional ability, high cognitive functioning, and active involvement with society
Self-efficacy
-reflects confidence in the ability to exert control over ones motivation, behaviour, and social environment
Well-being
-the state of being happy, healthy, or prosperous
Resilience
-the ability to thrive under difficult situations, turning adversity into a catalyst for growth and emotional well being
Positive aging
-characterized by being adaptable and proactive in coping with change
Lifestyle of older adults
-many older adults live on a fixed income such as a pension etc, which can mean that owning a car or travelling for outdoor leisure activities may be in a luxury
Major sources of income for older adults
-canada pension and social security
-other pensions
-assets such as interest-bearing savings and checking accounts, investments, home equity, and personal property
-employment earnings
-welfare
What are encore careers
-refers to new retirement jobs
-places an emphasis on working by choice and for enjoyment
What is gliding out
-phased retirement, may be offered to some older employees as a way to slowly transition from the workplace to retirement
What are examples of age related discrimination
-failure to be offered training
-change in status from senior manager position to managerial position with less authority
-transfer to a dead end job
-gradual demotion by taking away job responsibilities
-poor evaluations for same quality of work
Age norms
-serve to open up or close off the roles that people of a given chronological age can play
Socialization
-lifelong process by which individuals learn to perform new roles, adjust to changing roles, relinquish old ones, and become integrated into society
Role discontinuity
-means what was learned at one age may be useless or in conflict with role expectations at a later age
Social theories of aging
-modernization and aging theory
-life course perspective
-social constructionism
-feminist gerontology
Modernization and aging theory
-suggest that factors in the current economic and societal structures have changed the way younger generations value older adults
Life course perspective
-attempts to bridge structural/societal level and individual psychological level factors that affect human development
-this theory acknowledges that age cohort and historical time, location, agency, and relationships all affect the experience of aging
Social constructionism
-is the idea that the knowledge and meaning are socially created and thus not an objective representation of aging
-this interpretation means that aging is defined as a problem by cultures and society, rather than by biology and the biological changes that occur
Feminist gerontology
-the view that the experiences of women are often ignored in understanding the human condition
-this theory states that sex and/or gender is a primary factor when considering the implications of aging
Goals of hacking
-permanently destroying data, software, or hardware in attacks
-procuring information and access
disrupting computer activity
What is biotechnology
-originally used to refer to the use of living organisms to enhance crops, fuels, medical treatments and other tools
-has been extended to include the development of drugs
Biohacking
-biological experimentation done to improve the qualities or capabilities of living organisms especially by individuals and groups working outside a traditional medical or scientific research
Examples of biohacks
-simple tweaks like keto diet or intermittent fasting
-computer chips implanted in the body
-gene editing
Examples of biohacking
-nutrigenomics
-DIY biology
-grinders and makers
Nutrigenomics
-science of how food interacts with individual function and health
DIY biology
-a type of biohacking spearheaded by people with education and experience in scientific fields
Grinders and makers
-grinders are a biohacking subculture that hack their own bodies in a number of different ways including through implantation
-makers create things, using technology like 3D printing, and are often self-taught
Nootropics
-ginko biloba
-methylene blue
Ginkgo biloba
-seems to show protective effects against diseases like Alzheimers
-may have antoxidant and anti-cancer effects
Methylene blue
-has the ability to protect the brain against some neurodegenerative disorders, along with cases of traumatic brain injury
DIY biology
-area of biohacking that can involve diet, drugs, electronic technology, software, DNA, and genes
Grinders
-often integrate technology into their bodies to try to improve their health or function
Makers
-extend beyond the scope of DIY biologists with the use of technology
-they often intersect with hacker culture, with the creation of new technological devices as well as tinkering with existing ones
What can wearables be used for
-receive biofeedback, to better understand their bodys physiology
-receive calendar and appointment reminders
-track physical activity to address fitness goals
-provides social media updates
Issues that can arise from using wearables
-have potential to be used for surveillance via GPS monitoring or just by test/email/phone contact with or without the older adults permission
-may not have fully accurate data collected
Role of sensors
-detect when the refrigerator, medicine cabinet, or other door is open or closed
-detect if the stove is on or if the water is left running
-record activity in bed including respiration, heart rate and movements
-detect stumbling and/or falls
-video recording of a room
Cost effective method of monitoring
-home monitoring systems are considered cost effective for care providers
Issues with AAL systems
-collect data on the activities of older adults under surveillance, including what they do in the bedroom
