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Physical Development. Late Adulthood. 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.
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Physical Development Late Adulthood
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