Primary vs secondary ageing

Question 1

What influences ageing

Answer 1

• Biological studies look at the physical aspects of ageing
• Developmental influences- such as learning disabilities
• Social and environmental – perceptions of ageing, social interactions
• Cognitive influences- memory, personality

Question 2

how do older people view ageing?

Answer 2

• Halewah et al.,= Study looked at how old people describe ageing ‘well’, and what they think about older people life styles including how it can be improved. 56 ppts aged 63-81
• Findings= they said to age ‘well’ means you have a sense of well being, free from debilitating illness, and have satisfying social relationships, experiencing joy, staying active, good physical health, good physical appearance, staying independent. They also mentioned falls prevention.

Question 3

what is primary ageing

Answer 3

Primary Ageing
* Type of aging that occurs due to maturation
* Normal age related changing
* Natural and unavoidable
* Gradual-physical, developmental, emotional changes
* Occurs due to our genes
* Happens even when health is good
* Signs of primary ageing
 A weakened immune system
 Loss in skin elasticity and firmness
 Increased fine lines and wrinkles
 Hair loss and greying hair
 Impaired hearing and vision
 Reduced ability to cope with stress
 Loss in muscle mass and bone density
 Slower HR
 Decline in cognitive functions

Question 4

What is secondary ageing

Answer 4

• What happens when you have disease(s), effects of the environment and bad habits that can affect the body
• Not a part of normal decline
• Disease, environmental toxins, smoking and alcohol can impact ageing
• Decline can be more rapid
• Look at Alzheimer’s, arthritis, cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes, kidney, lung, stokes
• Most of the symptoms of secondary ageing cannot be cured, however symptoms can be managed. E.g. cognitive training for Alzheimer’s or a varied diet and medication for diabetes
• Irazoki et al., 2020= found technologies support people with Dementia, Alzheimer’s and mild cognitive impairment

Question 5

What is a successful ageing paradigm

Answer 5

• The Interaction of both primary and secondary ageing
• ‘successful’ refers to ageing with minimal loss of cognitive or developmental functioning