Topic C- Unit 1

Question 1

What are the degeneration of sensory organs

Answer 1

Sight
Hearing
Smell
Taste
Touch

Question 2

What are age-related illnesses

Answer 2

Atherosclerosis
Dementia (Alzheimer’s)
Stroke
Angina
Parkinson’s disease
Incontinence

Question 3

What is depression

Answer 3

A mental health psychological disorder which can affect elderly people due to loneliness

Question 4

What are physical effects of depression

Answer 4

Fatigue
Low energy
Sleep disturbances (insomnia)
Change in appetite
Weight gain/loss
Muscle aches and joint pain
Headaches

Question 5

What are psychological effects of depression

Answer 5

Constant feelings of sadness
Loss of interest
Difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Increased anger
Social withdrawal

Question 6

What are the two theories of ageing

Answer 6

Social disengagement theory
Activity theory

Question 7

What does the social disengagement theory suggest

Answer 7

That disengagement from society is an inescapable process in which many of the relationships between an ageing person and other members of society are severed. Relationships remaining are altered in quality and we inevitably end up alone.

Question 8

What does the social disengagement theory view ageing as

Answer 8

It views ageing as a process of gradual withdrawal between society as older as the adult gets. The mutual withdrawal or disengagement is a natural, acceptable and universal process.

Question 8

What is a strength of the social disengagement theory

Answer 8

When the theory was first proposed, many older people did not have access to the internet or transport to stay in contact with friends/family, which supports why the social disengagement theory was designed.

Question 9

What are weaknesses of the social disengagement theory

Answer 9

Internet and transport has now developed a lot- making the theory less relevant in today’s society.
There is little evidence to support this view as majority of older people remain socially active by joining clubs/hobbies and stay involved with family/friends.
Bromley argued that older people need to disengage from society a little but also remain active in order to prevent disengagement from going too far. For example remaining mentally active

Question 9

What is the Activity theory

Answer 9

It is a theory that takes the opposite view to the social disengagement theory

Question 10

What does the activity theory suggest

Answer 10

As people age, they start to lose the identity they had in work or family life. An older person should continue a middle- aged lifestyle and reject the limitations of old age as long as possible

Question 11

What does the activity theory say about older people

Answer 11

Those who continue to participate in activities and interact socially have a higher quality of life, (live longer) and tend to be healthier, because it enhances a sense of self

Question 12

What can an older person do to maintain a positive self-image

Answer 12

Develop new interests, hobbies, roles and relationships to replace those that are lessen or lost in late life.
For example find new hobbies, do charity work or join social groups/clubs

Question 13

What is a strength of the activity theory

Answer 13

RTS this theory is shown- many people look forward to retirement viewing this as an opportunity to pursue new hobbies.
When older people remain social and physically active their well-being is increased- reducing the risk of illness.

Question 14

What are weaknesses of the activity theory

Answer 14

Some elderly individuals cannot maintain an active lifestyle due to physical limitations, lack of income or a lack of desire to do so.
Some elders may insist that continuing activities in late life can pose a danger to themselves and others such as driving at night with poor vision.