Late Adulthood: Body and Mind
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Questions and Answers

At what age does late adulthood begin?

  • 65 years old (correct)
  • 75 years old
  • 55 years old
  • 70 years old

What percentage of the U.S. population are considered elderly, aged 65 and above?

  • 10%
  • 25%
  • 17% (correct)
  • 30%

Which category best describes the majority of individuals in late adulthood?

  • Old-old with moderate health issues
  • Those unable to care for themselves
  • Young-old with few health problems (correct)
  • Oldest-old with serious health problems

What is a common misconception about older adults stemming from ageism?

<p>They are incapable of learning new things (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theory of aging suggests that our bodies wear out after prolonged use?

<p>Wear and Tear Theory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact does regular exercise have on elderly individuals?

<p>It promotes overall well-being (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sleep pattern changes are typical in late adulthood?

<p>Frequent waking during the night (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How has the average life expectancy changed from 1950 to 2020?

<p>Increased from 65 to 81 years (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive change increases in elderly individuals, making it difficult for them to react quickly?

<p>Increased reaction time (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory is generally more affected by aging?

<p>Explicit memory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does stereotype threat impact memory in older adults?

<p>It impairs memory due to anxiety (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about creativity in late adulthood is true?

<p>Many artists and writers remain productive (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor does NOT contribute to an elder being perceived as wise in their community?

<p>Longevity of life (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to vocabulary as people enter late adulthood?

<p>It tends to increase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What cognitive aspect is linked to the loss of reaction time in elderly drivers?

<p>Higher number of accidents (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which neurological change tends to occur in the brain after the age of 60?

<p>Shrinkage of the brain by about 1% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant problem related to the Wear and Tear Theory of aging?

<p>Healing processes cannot keep pace with demands (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the Genetic Theory of aging, species are theorized to have a maximum lifespan due to what factor?

<p>Biological clocks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What limitation does the Cellular Aging Theory highlight regarding DNA replication?

<p>Telomeres control the number of replications (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What sensory deficit is noted as natural in older adults?

<p>Gradual gradual loss of auditory and visual abilities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of adults aged 65 and older are likely to experience some form of neurocognitive disorder?

<p>9% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which two conditions are identified as the most common causes of neurocognitive disorders?

<p>Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Disease (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what age is hearing loss that requires treatment found in 1 in 2 people?

<p>Aged 75+ (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What describes the cognitive decline during late adulthood?

<p>Reaction time and overall brain function slow down (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Late Adulthood

The stage of life starting at 65 years old and beyond, marked by continued aging and senescence.

Young-old

Individuals in late adulthood with minimal health issues, comprising about 74% of the population in this stage.

Old-old

Individuals in late adulthood with moderate health problems, accounting for approximately 20% of this age group.

Oldest-old

Individuals in late adulthood with significant health problems, making up about 6% of the population in this stage.

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Ageism

Prejudice or discrimination against older adults based solely on their age, often fueled by misconceptions about their capabilities.

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Elderspeak

A simplified and condescending way of speaking to older adults, often using baby talk and short sentences, which can contribute to a sense of dependence.

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Wear and Tear Theory of Aging

This theory suggests that our bodies wear out with age due to continuous use and damage, ultimately leading to decline and death.

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Genetic Theory of Aging

This theory proposes that aging is programmed into our genes, with a set lifespan determined by our genetic makeup.

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Wear and Tear Theory

The idea that aging occurs due to the body's organs and parts wearing out over time, unable to keep up with repair and healing demands.

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Cellular Aging Theory

This theory focuses on the aging process at the cellular level, suggesting that DNA can only be replicated a certain number of times, controlled by telomeres.

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Sensory Deficits in Aging

Naturally occurring sensory losses with age, affecting vision, hearing, and other senses. Some may decline treatments, leading to social isolation and increased vulnerability.

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Cataracts

A clouding of the natural lens of the eye, causing blurry vision and affecting light passing through.

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Glaucoma

A condition affecting the optic nerve, leading to potential vision loss and damage to the eye's pressure.

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Macular Degeneration

Damaging the macula, the central part of the retina, resulting in blurry central vision and difficulty with fine details.

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Neurocognitive Disorders (NCD)

Conditions impacting brain function, leading to memory problems, difficulty thinking, and reduced ability to perform daily tasks. Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Disease are common causes.

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Brain Changes in Late Adulthood

After 60, the brain shrinks about 1% per year. This is due to a decline in neurotransmitters, reduced brain fluid, and breakdown in myelination.

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Reaction Time in Late Adulthood

Reaction time slows down with age, making it harder for older adults to react quickly to situations.

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Memory Changes in Late Adulthood

Explicit memory, which involves conscious recall, declines more than implicit memory, which is automatic.

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Source Amnesia

Difficulty remembering the source of information, leading to confusion about where or when we learned something.

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Prospective Memory Errors

Trouble remembering to do something in the future, like remembering appointments or tasks.

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Vocabulary in Late Adulthood

Vocabulary tends to increase during late adulthood, suggesting continued learning and development.

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Creativity in Late Adulthood

Creativity does not decline with age, and many artists and writers continue to produce great work well into their later years.

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Wisdom in Late Adulthood

Wisdom is often associated with older adults, characterized by integrity, learning from experience, and putting aside personal needs.

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Study Notes

Late Adulthood: Body and Mind

  • Late adulthood spans ages 65 and older
  • Characteristics of late adulthood are outlined
  • Theories and systems related to aging are discussed
  • Neurocognitive disorders are examined
  • Cognitive processes in late adulthood are detailed
  • Ageism is a common prejudice against older adults

Demography

  • Many countries are experiencing a significant shift in demographics, with an increasing proportion of elderly individuals
  • The proportion of elderly people in the US is currently 17% (1 in 6 are aged 65+)
  • Average life expectancy has increased substantially over the years (e.g., 65 in 1950, 81 in 2020)

Types of Late Adulthood Experiences

  • Researchers categorize late adulthood into three types of experiences:
    • Young-old (74%): few health problems
    • Old-old (20%): moderate health issues
    • Oldest-old (6%): serious health problems

Prejudice Towards Older Adults

  • Common misconceptions about older adults include helplessness, reduced intelligence, weakness, and inability to care for themselves
  • These misconceptions are often based on ageism

Ageism and Its Effects

  • Ageism can lead to self-fulfilling prophecies, loss of independence, and accelerated aging

New Understanding of Aging

  • Sleep patterns change, with circadian rhythms affecting sleep/wake cycles
  • Exercise is crucial for health and well-being in older adults
  • Movement aids in reducing illness and promoting longevity

Theories of Aging

  • Wear and tear theory: body parts and organs wear out over time
  • Genetic theory: species have maximum life spans, controlled by biological clocks
  • Cellular aging theory: DNA can only be replicated a limited number of times

Sensory Deficits

  • Sensory loss is a natural part of aging and can affect vision and hearing
  • Vision problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, frequently occur in late adulthood.
  • Hearing loss is common in late adulthood, impacting daily life

Cognition in Late Adulthood

  • Neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) become more common with age, impacting memory and daily functioning
  • Alzheimer's and vascular disease are major contributors to NCDs.
  • Cognitive slowdown is a common experience
  • Memories and wisdom can also be impacted in older adults.
  • Explicit, but not implicit memories, tend to diminish with age
  • Vocabulary, however, tends to improve

Creativity and Wisdom

  • Creativity doesn't typically decline with age; many artists maintain productivity into old age
  • Wisdom is not solely dependent on age; factors such as integrity, past experiences, and societal perceptions influence perceived wisdom

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Late Adulthood: Body and Mind PDF

Description

Explore the characteristics, theories, and cognitive processes associated with late adulthood. Understand the demography of aging populations and the types of experiences in later life stages. Learn about ageism and common prejudices affecting older adults.

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