Week 13 Slides Flashcards
Volunteering is associated with:
Increased longevity, better health and better cognitive functioning.
Physical and cognitive changes are responsible for:
Many of the inevitable role changes in old age, but some changes are the result of ageism
The loss of role definition can result in ___ but it can also result in a greater ___
isolation or alienation; “license for eccentricity”
African Americans and Latinos are overrepresented in:
Poverty statistics.
They are more likely to become ill, but less likely to receive treatment. Although their earnings contribute, many never reach the eligible age for Social Security and Medicare benefits.
Despite stress and discrimination, many ethnic minority individuals develop coping mechanisms for survival. These can include:
- Extended family networks.
* Churches.
Some developmentalists conclude that femininity ___ in women and masculinity ___ in
men when they reach late adulthood
decreases; decreases
- The evidence suggests older men may become more feminine (that is, nurturing or sensitive), but women do not necessarily become more masculine (that is, assertive or dominant).
- It is important to consider cohort effects
A possible double jeopardy is faced by many women:
The burden of both ageism and sexism.
What is “triple jeopardy?”
female ethnic minority older adults facing three levels of discrimination— ageism, sexism, and racism
In most cultures, three factors are important in living the “good life” as an older adult:
- Health
- Security
- Kinship/support
Older adults are more likely to be accorded a position of high status in a culture when:
Older persons have valuable knowledge, control key family/community resources, and are permitted to engage in useful/valued functions as long as possible.
What is successful aging?
individuals whose physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development is maintained longer and declines later
The idea of Successful aging includes three main components:
- Good physical health
- The retention of mental abilities
- A continuing engagement in social and productive activities
An additional aspect of successful aging is an individual’s subjective sense of life satisfaction.
The concept of successful aging is referred to as a:
paradigm because it presents patterns for examples of such aging
Many abilities can be maintained and/or improved in
older adults, especially when they have the following:
- Proper diet.
- Active lifestyle.
- Mental stimulation and flexibility.
- Positive coping skills.
- Good social relationships and support.
- Absence of disease.
In successful aging, ___ and ___ are especially important
being active and socially engaged
How are aging adults a growing resource to society?
Because they act as citizens who have deep expertise, emotional balance, and the motivation to make a difference.
The best educated show:
The least cognitive decline. Avoidance of learning may actually contribute to cognitive decline
The best educated show new learning helps to:
establish new connections between neurons, connections that may protect the aging brain against deterioration
The willingness to learn new things. Contributes to successful aging
Cognitive adventurousness
Higher life satisfaction is reported by those who:
have greater contact with family and friends
Social engagement contributes to successful aging because
it provides opportunities for older adults to give support as well as to receive it
Canadians aged 65 to 74 clocked the highest number of:
annual volunteer hours of any age group (234 hours), with those over 75 a close second (218 hours)
Other types of productivity (art and music lessons, academic classes, etc.):
- add purpose to life
- improve interaction with peers
- provide a sense of competence
—all of which helps elders stay healthy
A sense of personal well-being is an important component of successful aging.
Perceived adequacy of 2 things are critical (and perceived is a more important measure than objective measures):
- social support
2. income