Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
89 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
What is the age span of adulthood?
|
20-ish to death
|
|
What are the 4 principles of adult development and aging?
|
1. Changes are continuous over the life span: individuals remain the "same" even though they change
2. Only the survivors grow old: Aging individuals are increasly self-selected 3. Individuality matters: People vary within and between age groups 4. "Normal" aging is different from disease: Intrinsic aging processes are different from those associated with illness |
|
What is primary, secondary, and optimal aging?
|
Primary aging or Normal aging: happens to everyone, is normal, and inveitable) ex. graying hair
Secondary Aging or impared aging: When disease/poor behaviors "speed up" aging. Optimal Aging: Extra precautions to slow aging. ex. runners. **skin wrinkling is an example of primary aging; the dev. of cancer in the life is an example of secondary aging. |
|
What is optimal aging or "successful aging"?
|
the way the aging process is slowed or altered because the individual has engaged in preventative and compensatory strategies to avoid negative changes of aging.
|
|
Life Expectancy
|
The average number of years of life remaining to the people born within a similar period of time.
|
|
Demographic trends in aging:
GENDER |
Gender:
Age 65+: 58% Female Age 85+: 70% Female (Compared to older MEN, older women are more likely to be: widowed, remain single after widowhood, worse health (less able to function indipendently), poorer financially, living alone) |
|
Demographic trends in aging:
ETHNICITY |
ETHNICITY:
65+: Becoming more diverse (1. higher birthrates for minority groups 2. Declining birthrates for white americans) Expected 2050: 64% of poplation will be non-hispanic whites -Aging people of ALL ethnic groups expected to grow (hispanic growing fastest) |
|
Demographic trends in aging:
LIVING ARRANGEMENTS |
Institutions/Nursing Homes
4.5% (US Census 2000) Non-institutional Arrangements 30% age 65+ live alone (more women) |
|
Low SES
|
Most at Risk (65+):
-widowed women -people who had low SES before becoming old -Ethnic minorities (esp. hispanics and african americans) |
|
What is Baltes's lifespan development psychocology (including the 5 components)?
|
Development is:
1. Lifelong 2. Dependent on history and context -Unfluenced BY environment -WE influence environment 3. Multidimensional (the principle that there are multiple processes in development) & multidirectional (Nnot all systems develop the same rate within the person...gains and losses) 4. "Plastic" or has plasticity 5. Caused by multiple influences |
|
Normative age-graded event
|
Events that are NORMAL to occur at specific age of a person
|
|
Normative history-graded event
|
Events/cultural changes that occur to most people in a cohort (people born around the same time in history).
|
|
Non-normative life event
|
Typical events that occur at an unusual time
-Atypical events |
|
Chronological Age
|
How many years old a person is.
|
|
Functional Age
|
How well a person functions compared to others their chronolgical age.
|
|
What are the 3 types of Functional Age?
|
1. Biological Age: Age measured by conditions of organs and biological functions
2. Psychological age: Cognitivie abilities compare to toher individuals 3. Social age: based on socially determined norms (ex. old lady dressing young) |
|
What are the different age groups of adulthood?
|
Young Adults: 20ish-45
Middle Aged: 45-65 Older Adults: 65+ -Younger old: 65-74 -Old-old: 75-84 -Oldest Old: 85+ -Centenarians: 100+ |
|
Define INTER-individual differences and give an example
|
Differences between people. Ex. Not all 70 year olds have the same cognitive abilities. Some fare right along with 20 year olds, etc.
|
|
Define INTRA-individual differences and give an example
|
Differences within an individual. Some gains and some losses (also referred to as multidirectionality).
|
|
What is Gerontology?
|
The study of the aging process (looks at normative and non-normative
|
|
What is Geriatrics?
|
An area of medicine dealing with older people focused on diseases
|
|
What is Ageism?
|
Prejudice or discrimination based on age
Negative consequences of ageism: -Loss of job -Lack of respect -Poor self image |
|
What is the scientific method?
|
1. Develop research question
2. Develop a hypothesis 3. Gather data 4. Test hypothesis 5. Disseminate findings -other scientists confirm or critique the findings |
|
What is data?
|
Information gathered in research
|
|
What is a theory?
|
Coherent set of related concepts
-seeks to organize and explain data -Data--->New theory is referred to as BOTTOM-UP -Existing theory--->Data is reffered to as TOP-DOWN (test existing theory with data collected) |
|
What is a model?
|
Structural representation of theoretical relationships
|
|
What is a Metatheory?
|
the overall perspective (there are many theories within a metatheory)
|
|
What is a Mechanistic Perspective?
What is an example of a theory that fits in this metatheory? |
based on the premis that "nurture" is the primary force in development. Growth throughout life occurs through the individuals exposure to experiences that present new learning opportunities. This is gradual. Development is smooth and continuous as the person acquires new experiences.
Ex. Memory and Info Processing Theory |
|
What is an Organismic Perspective?
What is an example of a theory that fits in this metatheory? |
(stage-like approach)
-Humans have internally generated patterns of development -Development is an organized set of stages -We go through them in the same order (maybe different timing) Ex. Erikson's theory: Psychosocial stages |
|
What is an Interactionist Perspective?
What is an example of a theory that fits in this metatheory? |
-Development is ongoing in context
-Interactions are between people and environment -No particular endpoint (circular) -Multiple paths and directions -Reciprocal (people <---> environment) Ex. Ecological Perspective |
|
What are Erikson's final three stages of development?
|
Intimacy vs Isolation (Young Adults)
-Become close w/someone, commit Generativity vs Stagnation (Mid-adult) -be productive, provide for others, have meaning in life Integrity vs Despair (late life) -People evaluate their life -accepting the past -accept impending death |
|
Life Course Perspective
|
Theoretical model in social gerontology that emphasizes the imprtance of age-based norms, roles, and attitudes as influences that shape events throughout development.
|
|
Disengagement Theory (anti-social....)
|
Proposal that there is an optimal relationship between the OLDER individual and society---one in which the older person retreats from ACTIVE INVOVLVEMENT in social roles
|
|
Activity Theory
|
Proposal that it is harmful to the well-being of older adults to FORCE them out of productive social roles
|
|
Continuity Theory
|
Proposal that older adults will suffer a loss of well-being and negative effects of being excluded from social roles if this EXCLUSION goes against their will.
|
|
Identity Process Model (Piaget)
|
Theoretical perspective describing interactions between the individual and experiences.
Identity (favorable view of self)--->"Threshold" experience (Illness)---->then one of three things: -Identity accomodation (change your view of yoruself) -Identity Balance (Maintaining a stable sense of yourself but making some changes) -Identity Assimilation (Not changing your sense of self...blame everything else, but yourself) |
|
Replicative Senescence
|
The loss of the ability of cells to reproduce.
-Limited # of times a cell can divide Hayflick Limi: humans=around 50 times |
|
Autoimmune Theory
|
Proposes that aging is due to faulty immune system functioning. When autoimmunity occurs, the body attacks its own cells, causing damage to bodily tissues. Ex. arthritis, systemic lupus eruthematosus, and cancer.
|
|
Random Error Theory
|
Based on the assumption that aging refelcts unplanned changes in an organism over time.
|
|
Wear and Tear Theory
|
Like a machine, the body breaks down over time to the parts.
|
|
Free-Radical Theory
|
AKA Oxidative stress theory, focuses on a set of unstable compounds known as free radicals, produced when certain molecules in cells react with oxygen. Primary goal of free radicals is to seek out and bind together to other molecules. When this happens the attacked molecules lose their function.
EX. cataracts, arthritis |
|
Error Catastrphe Theory
|
-Genes are responsible for making proteins
-When damage occurs in these processes, faulty proteins are made -they accumulate and cause damage |
|
Cross-Linking Theory
|
-bonds or links between proteins form over time (ex. collagen)
-this damages cells and organs, affecting body processes. EX. Cheese...if you want soft cheese do NOT intro protein. If you want hard cheese DO intro protein |
|
Resveretrol
|
Found to sloooooooow aging in mice (Red Wine)
|
|
Telomeres
|
Telomeres are the ends of the chromosomes.
-They're repeating sequences of proteins that contain no genetic information. Primary function is to protect the chromosome from damage |
|
External Validity
|
results from your sample are generalizable to the rest of the population
|
|
Random Selection
|
"Drawing from a hat"
Everyone in population has equal chance of being selected. Benefits: -Reduce size of people needed for study -Avoid bias |
|
Random Sample
|
Whet you end up with after you have done a random selection
|
|
Self-report methods
|
-Qualitative (open ended) interview: "Tell me about the times you have felt depressed"
-Quantitative Questionnaire *Self reprts may be biased |
|
Behavioral Methods
|
Observation:
-Naturalistic observation -observe people in natural setting -does not manipulate environment -records obs -Laboratory obs: -may or may not be a "laboratory" -scientist manipulates the environment -observes and records behavior CAUTION: -presense of observer may change person's behavior -OBSERVER BIAS: observer interprets observatino to fit expectations SOLUTION -keep observer blind and use multiple observers |
|
Case Study
|
The study of one individual.
+In-depth/lots of info +Flexibility of research +Works well for studying rare constructs -Generalizability -Can't determine causality |
|
Correlation
|
-CORRELATION: Relationship between 2 or more variables
-We can say that two variables are correlated -We can also say how much they're related to each other. Numerical correlations (r) |
|
Variable
|
VARIABLE:Something that varies within people or between people (not a constant) ex. height, weight, quality of relationship w/partner)
|
|
Correlational Study
|
A study designed to test the strength of the relationship between two variables. BUT these studies do NOT demonstrate causality
|
|
Experimental Design
|
Independent Variable: the variable controlled by experimenter
Dependent Variable: The variable that may (or may not) change as a result) Can't do them when safety is an issue |
|
Quasi-experimental Design
|
The process of comparing groups on predetermined characteristics.
-still compares groups (treatment vs. no treatment) -People are not randomly assigned to groups -compare existing groups -Used when assignment to group is unethical (ex. fast food and heart disease experiment) -Impossible (ex. Comparing age groups) |
|
Cohort
|
Variable in development research used to signify the general era in which a person was born
|
|
Cross-Sectional Design
|
People of different ages assessed on one occasion then the age groups are compared.
+Quick Comparison -Can't conclude Causality from development ("Agingin causes______) -Cohort Effects |
|
Longitudinal Design
|
Same people studied at multiple occasions over time
-Not looking at DIFFERENCES between age groups -Are looking at changes with age +Great measuring development -May get info on only one cohort -Selective attrition (eg. mortality, death occurs first for unhealthiest older adults) -take a long time! |
|
Time-Lag Design
|
Measure differnt cohorts at different imes in history when they are the same age.
*measuring historical influences NOT development and aging |
|
Schaie's "most-efficien"t design
|
A set of three designs manipulating the variables of age, cohor, and time of measurement. It is "most efficient" because it enables the most amount of information to be condensed into the most amount of information to be condensed into the most inclusive data framework.
Logitudinal AND Cross-sectional |
|
Changes in Physical Appearance
|
SKIN: loses elasticity, paler & "splotchier", Lines and wrinkles, **Photoaging: age changes caused by radiation (sun exposure)
HAIR: Androgenic Alopeica (hair los, male pattern), thinning & graying, new places for hair (bc hormone changes over time) POSTURE: Shorter, "hunched" (osteoperosis=non-normative) BODY FAT: Increases |
|
Normative age-related changes in muscular system (Sarcopenia)
|
Progressive age-related loss of muslc etissue. There is a reduction in the number and size of muscle fibers, especially the fast twiched fibers inolved in speed and strength.
After 50 yrs declines at a faster rate of 12-15% per decade |
|
Aerobic Capacity and Cardiac Output
|
AEROBIC CAPACITY: the maximum amount of oxygen that can be delivered through the blood.
CARDIAC OUTPUT: the amount of blood that the heart pumps per minute. RATES of DECLINE: Both indices decline consistently at a rate of about 10% per decade from age 25 and up so that the average 65-year-old has 40% lower cardiovascular efficiency than the young adult. -decline more pronounced in males than females |
|
Age-related changes in respiratory changes
|
respiratory muscles lose the ability to expand and contract the chest wall, and the lung tissue itself is less able to expand and contract during inspiration.
-tend to show age-related losses from about age 40 -more sever in women -pronounced when stress due to exercise. -Best approach to minimize effects of aging on the lungs: 1. quit smoking 2. maintain a low BMI |
|
Growth Hormone (GH)
|
-stimulates the growth of bones and muscles and regulates the growth of most internal organs.
-When activity declines (called somatopause of aging) -causing loss of bone mineral content, increases in fat, and decrease in muscle mass as well as losses in strength, exercise tolerance and quality of life in general |
|
Cortisol "Stress Hormone"
|
A hormone produced by the adrenal gland.
-It provides energy to the muscles during times of stress -increased cortisol negatively affects memory and other forms of cognitive functioning |
|
Thyroid hormones
|
Controls the rate of metabolism (also known as BMR)
-effects cognitive impairment |
|
Melatonin
|
Hormone manufactured by the pineal gland, located deep within the brainstem.
-Controls sleep-wake cycles |
|
DHEA: dehydroepiandrosterone
|
Most abundant steroid in the human body
-a weak male steroid (androgen) produced by the adrenal glands located adjacent to the kidneys -DHEA decreases 60& between the ages of 20 and 80 -termed adrenopause is greater in men, but men still have higher DHEA than women bc they have more to begin with -Causes probs w/cardovascular disease, some forms of cancer, immune system dysfunction, obesity |
|
Sleep
|
-people (old and young) still need sleep (7-8 hours/day).
-older people take longer time to fall asleep and lie in bed longer before rising -Slelep apnea: sleep related breathing disturbance |
|
Normative age-related changes in the 5 senses, and reaction time
|
Vision: PRESBYOPIA (loss of ability to focus vision on near objects...need for reading glasses), CATARACTS (a clouding that develops in the lens. results in blurred vision)
-Hearing: Presbycusis: degenerative changes occur in the cochlea or aduitory nerve leading from the cochlea to the brain. LOSS of high pitched sounds. TINNITUS: individual perceives sounds in the head or ear (ringing noises) |
|
Presbyopia
|
-"FAR-SIGHTEDNESS: hard to focus on nearby objects (most common age related change in vision
-caused by thickening, hardening, loss of elasticity of lens -pupil gets smaller -loss in muscle, puple dilates less -let less light in (on reg basis) -need more light for reading, driving |
|
Visual Acuity
|
-more difficult to see details
|
|
Dynamic Visual Acuity
|
-ability to see moving objects clearly
|
|
Cataracts
|
MOST common
Clouding of the lens -blurred vision -corrective surgery can replace lens |
|
Age-related macular degeneration (disease)
|
2nd MOST common
-Macula (central part of retina) deteriorates -loss of Central vision (black hole in vision) -Causes and cures not known -some genetic risk -exposure to UV rays |
|
Glaucoma
|
3rd MOST common
-Fluid build up in the eye, damaging nerves -blurred vision -loss of peripheral vision...eventually tunnel vision -Rings of color -headache, eye pain Treatable -medacine to try and lower pressure -laser -surgery |
|
Presbycusis (Age-related)
|
-loss of hearing
-high pitched sounds lost first -Possible causes -lifelong exposure to loud noise -genetics Treatment: Cannot reverse damange, but hearing aids help symptoms |
|
Taste and Smell
|
Both become less sensitive w/age
-reduction in olfactory receptors (smell) -Age 80+ many lose smell entirely (smoking, dentures, meds make it worse |
|
Touch, Pain, Temperature
|
Touch: ability to detect becomes less sensative
Pain: Less able to deterct pain, but also less able to tolerate it Temp: Adjustment to both heat and cold is compromised (older people much more at risk) |
|
Reaction Time
|
-older adults slower on most tasks
-loss of efficiency in nervous system -decline in reaction doesn't always =decline in performance -training can improve reaction time |
|
Sexual changes with age: Women
|
Normative age changes:
-gradual decrease in estrogen/progesterone starting about mid 30s and speeds up at about 40 |
|
Menopause
|
Permanently stops ovulation
-no longer conceive child -defined as one year after last menstrual period -avg. age 50 (40-60 is common) -onset earlier for smokers, thin, or malnurished women |
|
Perimenopause
|
-transition (about a few years) leading up to menopause
-symptoms: *hot flashes/hot sweats *changes to vaginal tissue/secretion *need to urinate *headaches *fatigue *changes in cholesterol *anxiety/irritability |
|
Climacteric
|
gradual winding down of reproductive ability
|
|
Andropause
Late-onself hypogonadism "age-associated hypogonadism |
age-related declines in male sex hormone testosterone
- |
|
Erectile dysfunction
|
a condition which a man is unable to achieve an erection sustainable for intercourse
-increases w/age in adulthood, from a rate of 31% amount men 57-65 to 44% of those 65 and older -related to health probs in older men, including metabolic syndrome |
|
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
|
-supplement body w/estrogen and progesterone (or just Estrogen/ERT)
-In the past HRT was used to reduce menopause symptoms, prevent osteoporosis, heart disease, colon cancer, macular degeneration -Used less now bc researched found HRT put women at risk for cancer, dimentia, etc. |