Psychology of Child Develoment and Ageing Flashcards

Question

How does age affect cognitive function?

Answer 1

* **Speed of processing** is **primary cognitive change** related to ageing. * **Reduction** of **brain weight** & loss of grey matter * Loss of dendritic density & slower synaptic speed - slower reaction time Slowing reaction time is due to increased decision-making time Shortest route lost - so plasticity decreases and decision time increases * **Attention** - reductions in selectivity & integration * **Memory** – short-term memory loss common in encoding and retrieval

Answer 2

* Intellectual abilities do not show significant decline until late 70s. **Higher levels of education** - significantly less atrophy of the cerebral cortex. **Education & new learning ** - protective

Answer 3

Healthy habits that **predict longevity** don’t change with age Most crucial variable = **physical exercise** * Even over the age of 80, exercise leads to **motor skill improvement & muscular strength** * Exercise helps maintain **higher levels of cognitive performance** Improved lifestyle and exercise could prevent many of the declines that occur in ageing

Answer 4

**Disability** – limitation in individual’s ability to perform certain tasks **ADL** – activities of daily living Bathing, dressing, using the toilet **IADL** – instrumental activities of daily living Intellectually demanding tasks e.g., managing money Disabilities rise with age 1/2 over 85s have some disabilities with ADL Healthiest elders tend to survive past 85

Answer 5

Majority of older adults – don’t have illnesses which seriously impair ADL or IADL Maintain optimistic view of themselves & their lives Physical declines don’t decrease satisfaction with their lives – happiest age = 74! Majority of older adults regard their health as good

Answer 6

Poor health = single most important factor in physical & mental status after 65 But can face series of psychological stressors but majority have relatively high levels of psychological well-being. Loss of status related to retirement Bereavement Financial loss Chronic illness Social isolation

Answer 7

Disengagement not normal, necessary, or desirable for majority of older adults 3 components to successful ageing: 1. good physical health 2. retention of cognitive abilities 3. continuing engagement in activities * SOCIAL SUPPORT: giving and receiving social support * PRODUCTIVE ACTIVITY: has value to self and society * Views old age in terms of variability rather than universal decline * Continuum and dynamic Ultimate objective of successful ageing paradigm is to improve quality of life among older adults & improve services for them

Answer 8

**Loss of self confidence and fear of falling following a fall** Slow walking speed, poor balance, low activity levels, muscle weakness and lean body mass and frailty = Increased fall risk Increased risk hospitalisation Increased risk of care home admission

Answer 9

**Fear of falling exceeds actual risk** **Treatment options**: Cognitive behavioural therapy **Person** – exercise training, strength & confidence building; medication review; improving vision etc **Environment** – removing hazards in home; non-slip bathmats; grab bars/handrails etc.

Answer 10

**Depression 65 +,is associated with disability, increased mortality, and poorer outcomes from physical illness.** Depressed women outnumber men 2 to 1 * Women respond to accumulation of everyday stressors * Men respond to traumatic events – suicide

Answer 11

**Mild**: retains judgement but effects on memory, work & social activities. **signs** = repetitive conversation & tests e.g. clock face **Moderate**: independent living becomes difficult - some supervision with IADL & ADL’s required – Mini Mental State Examination & word lists **Severe**: severe impairment in all ADL’s & needs constant supervision

Answer 12

**Other stressors:** * Inadequate social support * Inadequate income * Emotional loss of significant others * Nagging health concerns * Carer burden * Financial worries - Living in poverty puts elderly at high risk

Answer 13

Practical help – financial, respite, continence equipment, laundry service etc Carer stress: (e.g., Kiecolt-Glaser et al, 1996) * Fatigue/sleep deprivation * Financial burden * Fear of future * Reduced immunity * poorer physical health Greater proneness to physical & mental health problems Main reason for older adult entering care home

Answer 14

* Be aware of own prejudices about old people & ageing – negative stereotypes more often applied to women than men * Be aware of significant variance related to ageing and avoid assumptions based on age. * Ageism in health care = negative expectations e.g., adherence & less access to treatment * Show interest & respect for person’s past * Recognise & acknowledge current progress & achievements * Set achievable goals in consultation with older person

Answer 15

Risk factors: * mental illness or alcoholism in abuser * financial dependency on victim * social isolation & external stresses

Answer 16

* Watch for ‘red flags’: missed appointments, doctor hopping, unexplained delays in seeking treatment, unexplained or repeated injuries * Always talk to the client alone * Assess the client for depression, anxiety, withdrawal or confusion * Ask the client directly about mistreatment * Assess the quality of carer-client interaction * Ask the carer if they are experiencing any difficulties providing care * Assess the social support system