DevPsych - Ch 17

What is "successful aging"?

Maintaining autonomy, cognitive function, and social engagement despite physical decline.

What is senescence?

Biological aging; it accelerates in late adulthood.

What is sarcopenia?

Age-related loss of muscle mass; 10–50% loss by age 80.

What helps maintain muscle strength in late adulthood?

Resistance exercise.

What is presbyopia?

Age-related difficulty seeing close objects.

What causes vision changes in late adulthood?

Lens yellowing, clouding of the vitreous, and less light reaching the retina.

What are cataracts?

Clouding of the lens of the eye; can be corrected with surgery.

What is macular degeneration?

Deterioration of the center of the retina; leading cause of blindness in older adults.

What is presbycusis?

Age-related hearing loss; affects about 2/3 of adults by age 70.

What are risks associated with hearing loss in late adulthood?

Higher risk of depression, cognitive decline, and dementia.

Why are hearing aids underused?

Due to cost, stigma, and discomfort.

What sensory decline begins around ages 60–70?

Smell and taste.

Why is olfactory loss concerning?

It may be an early biomarker for cognitive decline or dementia.

What is atherosclerosis?

Hardening and narrowing of the arteries; increases heart disease risk.

How does the immune system change in late adulthood?

It becomes less adaptive, increasing risk of infection, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.

What factors help maintain cardiovascular health?

Exercise, nutrition, and not smoking.

Why does balance decline in late adulthood?

Due to sensory and motor changes.

What can a rapid decline in gait speed predict?

Increased mortality risk.

How can older adults compensate for motor decline?

Exercise (yoga, dance), balance training, and environmental modifications.

Which brain region is especially affected by aging?

The prefrontal cortex (executive function).

What is neural compensation?

Older brains using more areas or both hemispheres to maintain function.

What is cognitive reserve?

The ability to flexibly use brain resources; built through education, occupation, bilingualism, and leisure.

Where does neurogenesis continue in the aging brain?

In the hippocampus and striatum.

How can brain health be promoted in late adulthood?

Physical fitness, cardiovascular exercise, and cognitive engagement.

What is dementia?

A progressive loss of mental abilities that interferes with daily life.

What is the most common type of dementia?

Alzheimer's disease.

What are the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease?

Beta-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles.

What are early symptoms of Alzheimer’s?

Memory loss and attentional deficits.

What is vascular dementia caused by?

Strokes or other vascular problems.

How can vascular dementia be prevented?

Managing hypertension, diabetes, and exercising regularly.

What are the early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

Motor symptoms like tremor and stiffness, followed by dementia.

What is Lewy body dementia characterized by?

Fluctuating cognition, visual hallucinations, Parkinson-like symptoms, and sleep disturbances.

Which racial/ethnic groups have higher rates of dementia?

African American and Hispanic older adults.

Why are dementia rates higher in some racial groups?

Due to structural racism, poorer education quality, higher rates of hypertension/diabetes, and cultural beliefs.

What are the age categories for late adulthood?

Young-old (65–74), Old-old (75–84), Oldest-old (85+), Centenarians (100+).

What is a key nutritional risk for older adults?

Malnutrition due to sensory loss, loneliness, depression, or medication.

What is the recommended weekly exercise for older adults?

150–300 minutes of moderate exercise plus strength training.

What is osteoarthritis?

Wear-and-tear arthritis common in hands, knees, and hips.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

An autoimmune form causing chronic inflammation.

What is osteoporosis?

Bone loss leading to increased fracture risk, especially in postmenopausal women.

What is the leading cause of injury in late adulthood?

Falls.

How can falls be prevented?

Exercise (e.g., tai chi), strength training, and home modifications.

Which type of attention declines most in late adulthood?

Divided attention and selective attention.

What is proactive interference?

When old memories disrupt the learning of new information.

What is the "positivity effect" in memory?

Older adults recall more positive than negative information.

Which type of long-term memory remains relatively stable?

Semantic memory (facts).

Which type of long-term memory declines?

Episodic memory (events).

What is the "reminiscence bump"?

Better recall for memories from ages 10–30.

What is the "tip-of-the-tongue" phenomenon?

Difficulty retrieving known words; increases with age.

What is wisdom?

Expertise in the meaning and conduct of life; linked to experience and reflection.

Does wisdom automatically come with age?

No; it requires cognitive engagement and managing adversity.

What influences cognitive maintenance in late adulthood?

Education, cognitive engagement, physical/mental health, and cognitive training.

What is selective optimization with compensation?

Focusing on strengths and adapting goals to compensate for losses.