Physical and Cognitive Development in Middle Adulthood Flashcards
What is osteoporosis?
Loss of calcium from bones, leading to increased fracture risk
Begins at about age 30, accelerated during menopause due to decreased estrogen and progesterone
What can prevent osteoporosis?
- Getting enough calcium during early adulthood
- Regular weight-bearing exercise
- Bone mineral density test
Identifies osteoporosis before serious damage occurs
What age increases the risk of osteoporosis in women?
Over age 65
For men, the risk increases over age 70
Which gender has a higher risk of osteoporosis?
Women
Women have considerably higher risk than men
How does body frame and weight affect osteoporosis risk?
Small body frames and being underweight or obese increase risk
Body composition plays a significant role
What is presbyopia?
Normal loss of visual acuity with aging, especially the ability to focus on near objects
Deteriorates rapidly in the 40s and early 50s
What is presbycusis?
Normal loss of hearing with aging, especially of high-frequency tones
Progresses more slowly than presbyopia
What health-related quality of life (HRQL) trend is observed in middle adulthood?
Remains high and stable until about age 70, when it begins to decline
Includes measures of physical, mental, and social health
What is the impact of physical activity on longevity?
Promotes longevity
Conversely, sedentary lifestyles increase health risks
At what age do notable scientists typically publish their best work?
About age 40
Many continue to publish significant research into their 50s
What is the general trend in cognitive tasks between middle-aged and younger adults?
Middle-aged adults activate a larger area of brain tissue and respond more slowly
However, they can perform equally well in intense situations
What is the climacteric?
The years of middle or late adulthood when reproductive capacity declines or is lost
In men, this process is gradual compared to women
What are the phases of menopause?
- Premenopausal phase
- Perimenopausal phase
- Postmenopausal phase
Each phase has distinct hormonal and physical changes
What is the relationship between menopausal status and major depressive disorder?
No direct connection
Negativity may stem from overall life stressors rather than menopause itself
What factors contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)?
- Diet
- Smoking
- Blood pressure
- Weight
- Cholesterol
Each factor has specific contributions to CVD risk
What effect does smoking have on cancer risk?
Substantially increases the risk of lung cancer and others
The more one smokes, the greater the risk; quitting reduces risk
What is the effect of a high-fat diet on cancer risk?
Linked to risks of some cancers
A high-fiber diet appears protective for some cancers
What is the impact of exercise on bone health?
Reduces the rate of bone loss
Sedentary lifestyles and prolonged immobility increase risk of osteoporosis
What is the effect of chronic conditions on sexual activity in middle age?
Can lead to declines in desire and frequency of sex
Factors include health, partner expectations, and mental health
What is the significance of Type A personality in health?
Linked to higher levels of cholesterol and increased risk of CVD
Hostility in Type A personality is particularly risky
What is the link between diastolic pressure above 80 and health risk?
Linked to higher risk
Diastolic pressure is a key component in assessing cardiovascular health.
How does being overweight affect cancer risk?
Increased risk of several cancers, including breast cancer, but smaller than for heart disease
Risk is greater for those who are overweight or obese.
What is the relationship between cholesterol levels and health risk?
No known risk with normal levels; clear risk with elevated low-density lipoproteins
High levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with cardiovascular disease.
Which infections are known to increase cancer risk?
Certain STIs (HPV), viruses (Epstein-Barr), bacteria (Helicobacter pylori), and dysbiosis of gut microbiota
These infections can promote the occurrence and development of cancers.
How does inactivity influence cancer risk?
Inactivity is associated with higher rates of some cancers; inactive adults have about twice the risk as those who exercise
Regular physical activity is important for reducing cancer risk.
What is episodic memory?
The ability to re-experience personal events
It tends to slow with age.
How do middle-aged adults compensate for limitations in episodic memory?
By using reminders and cues to help remember information
They believe their efforts will make a difference.
What is cardiovascular disease (CVD)?
A variety of physical problems, especially in the arteries
Atherosclerosis is a key component, leading to significant blockages.
What percentage of deaths among middle-aged adults in Canada is due to CVD?
18% among ages 45 to 54 and 20% among ages 55 to 64
CVD remains a leading cause of death.
What are some risk factors for cancer?
Dietary fat, infectious agents (HPV, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B and C, Helicobacter pylori)
Many risk factors can be controlled, at least partially.
What is the probability of Canadians developing cancer?
50% for men and 46% for women
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Canada.
What did the Harvard Alumni Study find about physical activity and mortality?
Those more physically active in middle adulthood have lower risk of mortality
Exercise intensity is linked to longevity.
What characterizes a Type D personality pattern?
Chronic emotional distress combined with a tendency to suppress negative emotions
Higher risk of death following a heart attack.
What did the Framingham Heart Study identify?
Characteristics that predict cardiovascular disease (CVD)
A large percentage of Canadians have CVD risk factors.
What is the trend in mental health among Canadian adults with age?
Improved mental health with increasing age; self-esteem peaks around age 60
Many adults diagnosed with serious mental disorders in early adulthood continue to have difficulties.
What happens to memory function with age?
Subjective experience of forgetfulness increases; memory demands are greater for middle-aged adults
Cognitive training can reverse declines in memory.
What does Denney’s model of aging and performance suggest?
Changes with age follow a typical curve; exercised abilities have a higher peak than unexercised abilities
Skills not fully exercised can be improved even in old age.
What is selective optimization with compensation?
Balancing gains and losses associated with aging; optimizing skills and using compensatory strategies
Important for maintaining cognitive function.
What is the relationship between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and gender in Canada?
Men are more likely than women to engage in binge drinking, with 26% of men and 15% of women reporting it
AUD has significant physical effects during middle adulthood.
What are some neurological deficits associated with alcoholism?
Problems with memory and language
Increased risk for diseases in multiple systems.
How does physical activity affect cognitive performance in middle adulthood?
Increased physical activity leads to improved cognition, including executive control processes and working memory
Exercise interventions may improve cognition among older adults.
