Physical Abilities in Old Age

Life Expectancy Functional Age- Actual competence and performance –Young-old –Old-old Life expectancy- # years one is expected to live. 2003: 77.5 (74.8 vs. 80.1) Infant mortality and death rates

Variations on Life Expectancy Women: 4 to7 years longer Other influential factors: SES, Ethnicity, Nationality –Why? Infant mortality, life- threatening disease, poverty- linked stress, violent death (in low- SES minority groups in US)

Variations on Life Expectancy Active Lifespan- vigorous, healthy life –U.S. behind-heart disease, high- fat diet, inferior health policies for aged. –In developing nations-less than 50 years

Life Expectancy in Late Adulthood Medical advances and improved life conditions  those aged 65 and over has increased Add 18 additional years to life –Contrast to life expectancy? Over age 100, gender gap disappears Age 85 and ethnic minority groups –Life expectancy cross-over Hereditary vs. Environment –Long lived ancestors –Twin studies

Maximum Lifespan Genetic limit to length of life, free of external risk factors Avg: 85 years, longest-lived: 122 Lifespan of other species have been stretched- Human genetic limit? Notable cause in finding out?

Physical Changes- Nervous System Brain weight declines across adulthood –Greater increase after age 60 As much as 10% by 80 As much as 20% by 90. –Death of neurons and enlargement of ventricles

Physical Changes- Nervous System Neuron loss occurs in varying rates depending on region Visual, auditory, and motor areas: up to 50% die Parts of cortex (frontal lobe): far less change Cerebellum (balance and coordination): ~25% Glial cells decrease: diminished efficiency of CNS

Physical Changes- Nervous System Overcoming declines Neural fiber growth: same as middle- aged Neurons establish new synaptic connections Exercise increases blood circulation to the brain: helps preserve structures and neuronal growth

Physical Changes- Nervous System Autonomic Nervous System –Life support functions –Elderly: heat waves and cold spells –Releases higher levels of stress hormones  arouse the body tissues that are less responsive

Sensory Systems See text- Focus on Vision, Hearing, and Smell

Sleep Older adults need less sleep than younger adults-T or F? More difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, sleeping deeply –Begins after 30-men, after 50-women Timing changes- early to bed, early to rise Changes in brain structures, increased stress hormones

Sleep Why do men experience more sleep problems than women? –Enlarged prostrate gland constricts urethral tubes –More sleep apnea 30-50% have 20 episodes or more/night –“restless legs”