Questions and Answers
According to the cellular clock theory, after about 70 or 80 replications, the cell no longer can reproduce and the _____ are dramatically reduced.
Which of the following biological theories of aging states that people age because their cells' normal metabolism produces unstable oxygen molecules?
What is the main difference between the way younger people and older people respond to stress?
With age:
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The commonly noticed decrease in working memory and other cognitive activities is likely to be associated with the finding that the _____ shrinks with age.
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Severe reductions in the production of dopamine have been linked with _____, while reduction in acetylcholine is linked with _____.
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Greta, 75 years old, has noticed that when she is outside in bright sun, and then comes in the house, it takes a long time for her eyes to adjust. Based on data, his response was that her experience is:
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As Clarence has gotten older he is much slower going downstairs. While his adult children think it is due to his balance, he is actually experiencing the effects of age on his:
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Which of the following statements regarding smell and taste in the elderly is TRUE?
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Gerry, 72 years old, is feeling sluggish and mentally cloudy because he is having trouble sleeping. After talking with his nurse practitioner, he learned that recent research has found that _____ improves the sleep profile of older adults.
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Jasper was hoping to beat the odds and keep his sex life active without medications. Eventually he realized that his experience of _____ occurring in every second to third attempt was a normal physiological circumstance.
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What is the most common chronic disorder in late adulthood?
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What should Felicia's doctor be most concerned about in regard to her age group?
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Study Notes
Cellular Aging Theories
- Cellular clock theory posits that telomeres shorten after 70-80 replications, limiting cell reproduction.
- Free-radical theory attributes aging to unstable oxygen molecules produced by normal metabolism.
Stress Response and Aging
- Older adults retain stress hormones longer than younger individuals.
- The aging pituitary gland heightens stress responses.
Brain Changes with Age
- Both brain weight and volume decrease as a person ages.
- The prefrontal cortex is particularly vulnerable, influencing working memory and cognitive function.
Neurotransmitter Declines
- Dopamine reduction is linked to Parkinson's disease, while acetylcholine reduction is associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Visual Adjustments and Perception
- Older adults, like Greta, often take longer to adjust from bright lights, which is typical with aging.
- Depth perception deteriorates, affecting mobility, as seen in Clarence's experience.
Sensory Decline
- Healthy older adults experience less decline in smell and taste compared to their less healthy peers.
Sleep and Physical Activity
- Regular exercise has been shown to enhance sleep quality in older adults.
Sexual Health in Older Age
- Orgasm frequency may decrease, occurring in every second or third attempt, a common physiological response in aging men like Jasper.
Common Health Issues
- Arthritis is the most prevalent chronic disorder in late adulthood.
- Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for adults aged 65-74, highlighting its importance for health monitoring.
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Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards on Chapter 15 of biology. This chapter covers essential theories about aging and cellular processes. Challenge yourself to understand the concepts of telomeres and free-radical theory.
