Chapter 23 Biosocial Development in Late Adulthood Michael Hoerger

Aging Ageism: prejudice based on age All teens shoplift All older adults wear diapers Geriatrics: medical specialty for old age Gerontology: multidisciplinary specialty in social sciences related to old age World population: 7% US population: 13%

Anti-Aging Calorie restriction in older age: Double the lifespan of most mammals Difficult for people to get nutrients on fewer calories, especially if taking medication Unwise for humans

Primary Aging Skin: dry, thin, rigid, wrinkled Hair: loses pigment, related to chronology Wight: decreased muscle/bone mass Benefits of strength training Vision: Cataracts: clouded vision due to thicker lens Glaucoma: hardening of the eyeball due to fluid buildup

Why do People Age? Wear and Tear: Body wears out over time simply due to use Genetic Aging: Average life expectancy changes, but not the maximum life span Cellular Aging: Errors in cell maintenance Free radicals Hayflick effect Declining immune system

Michael Hoerger To cite this textbook: Berger, K. (2005). The developing person through the lifespan. New York: Worth. To cite this lecture: Hoerger, M. (2007, April 16). Developmental Psychology: Late Adulthood Biosocial Development. Presented at a PSY 220 lecture at Central Michigan University.