Late Adulthood Physical Development

Late Adulthood What are some commonly used words used to describe people who are in this late stage of life:

Terms Ageism – stereotyping and judging a group of people solely on the basis of their age. Gerontology – study of aging and the special problems associated with it Geropsychology – study of the behavior and needs of the elderly

Older Adults Four attributes vital to successful aging –Orientation toward the future –Ability to cope with stress –Active lifestyle –Strong social; relationship Number of older people will exceed younger Current older population predominantly female/white

Effects of Older Population Health care Dependency on the nation Increased demand by the aged for various resources Emergence of the oldest cohort as a political force and social movement Migration of a large number of the U.S. elderly population form the northeastern and north-central states to the southern and western states

Myths Most persons age 65 and over live in hospitals, nursing homes, and other elder-care institutions. Many of the elderly are incapacitated and spend much of their time on bed because of illness Most elderly people are “prisoners of fear” who are “under house arrest” by virtue of their fear of crime. Most people over 65 find themselves in serious financial straits Most grown children live away from their elderly parents and basically abandon them.

Women Live Longer Death rate higher at each stage for men Genetic differences make contribute Sex-linked resistance to some life- threatening diseases Women’s hormones give more efficient immune system

Health Majority of 65 and over say health is good to excellent ¼ say health is fair or poor Over 65 tend to be overweight –more women –20% obese Have high blood sugar Moderate exercise makes for better health Need same nutrients as younger just different amounts Loss of bone mass leads to osteoporosis –Women greater risk, begins about 25 to 30 yrs of age blackouts due to low blood pressure, getting up to quickly, Overmedication, mixing meds, skipping meds, incorrect dosage

Biological Changes Hair grows thinner, grays, and coarse Skin texture changes loses elasticity & moisture causing wrinkles (sarcopenia), brown spots Vertebrae settle closer Vision changes (last ch.) Hearing loss –10% 65 to 75 yr. olds, –70% 85 yr. olds. Taste decline in taste buds Olfactory sensitivity (smell) decline causes impaired ability to identify or discriminate smells Dental care could be costly Swallowing disorders Difficulty breathing –(Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Hand dexterity and grip diminish Less sensitive to temperature changes –hypothermia

Sleep Sleep difficulties increase with age Problems with earlier timing and shorter durations of sleep, frequent awakenings, and daytime sleepiness Causes include circadian rhythms and sleep disorders Sleep apnea –stop breathing during sleep

Biological Theories of Aging Wear-and-Tear theory Error Accumulation Theory Somatic Theory Genetic Preprogramming Theory Accumulation of Metabolic Waste (or Free-Radical Theory) Autoimmune Theory Longevity Theory