Psychology of Ageing Flashcards
Definition of primary ageing
Changes that we all expect
Mainly biologically determined and intrinsic to ageing process
Definition of secondary ageing
Changes influenced by behaviour and illness
What are the gerontological subgroups of the ageing population
Young old 60-75 -current group is better educated, wealthier Old old 75-85 Oldest old 85+ -fastest growing segment of population
What are the 2 main reasons for the increase in elderly
Population of 1960s baby boom
Increased longevity but not necasserily a healthier life expectancy
What are the 2 common myths of ageing
Commonly viewed as living with severe limitations in social, physical, functional capacity
Associated with nursing homes, physical disabilities and intellectual decline
What are the 2 types of ageing
What properties are associated with each type
Primary
- changes that we all expect
- mainly biologically determined and intrinsic to ageing process
- eg, speed of info processing, wrinkles, grey hair, decreased mobility and impaired vision
Secondary
- changes influenced by behaviour
- illness associated with behaviour and age
What are the age related changes in cognitive function and why
Decreased processing speed, slower reactions
- decreased brain mass, grey matter, dendritic density, synaptic speed
- increased decision making time, decreased plasticity
Decreased attention
-decreased selectivity and integration
Short term memory loss but new learning can be protective
Intellectual abilities do not show significant decline until late 70s
What healthy habits that reduce secondary ageing
Healthy habits that predict longevity don’t change with age
Physical exercise
- motor skill improvement, increased muscle strength
- increased levels of cognitive peformance
- may prevent many declines that occur with ageing
What are the 2 actions that can be impacted by disability
Activitied of daily living (ADL)
- bathing
- dressing
- using the toilet
Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL)
-intellectually demanding tasks (managing money)
What are the current views of quality of life
What do the elderly have to cope with
Most don’t have illnesses that seriously impair ADL, IADL
Maintain optimistic view of themselves and lives, regard health as good
Physical declines don’t decrease satisfaction with their lives
Generally have high levels of psychological wellbeing but have to cope with
- loss of status related to retirement
- bereavement and financial loss
- chronic illness
- social isolation
Describe the 3 factors in the Successful Ageing Paradigm
What is the key message of the SAP
What must be changed for this to be implemented
Good physical health Retention of cognitive abilities Continued engagement in activities -social support -productive activity
Disengagement is NOT normal, necassery or desirable for majority of older adults
Improve QOL and services for them
Describe the 3 stages in the Adaptive Process to Attain Valued Goals
Selection
-skills you want to maintain
Optimisation
-give more attention to skill
Compensation
-use alternative approaches to make up for natural losses
What are the 5 main risk factors for falls
Sensorimotor Psychologica -FEAR OF FALLING IS A HUGE FACTOR Medical Medication Gait, balance and function
Describe the vicious post fall cycle
Fall Fear of falling Less activity Decreased muscle strength and balance Increased risk of falling
How would you reduce the incidence of falls
- individual level
- environmental level
Individual
- Address fear with CBT (exceeds actual risk)
- exercise training, strength, confidence building, improve vision
Environmental
-OH, removing hazards in the home
