Late Adulthood

Late Adulthood

The period of life typically starting in mid-sixties and continuing until death.

Young Old

Individuals aged 65 to 74 who are healthy and active.

Old Old

Individuals aged 75 to 84 who experience some health problems.

Oldest Old

Individuals aged 85 and older, often frail and typically requiring long-term care.

Selective Optimization with Compensation

A strategy for improving health and well-being in older adults.

Senescence

The gradual deterioration of functional characteristics due to biological aging.

Centenarians

People aged 100 or older, a rare and notable demographic.

Blue Zones

Regions where people are claimed to live significantly longer lives.

Life Expectancy

Statistical measure of the average time an organism is expected to live based on various factors.

Quality of Life

General well-being of individuals and societies, encompassing both positive and negative aspects.

Active Life Expectancy

The number of years a person can expect to live without disability.

Primary Aging

Inevitable changes associated with aging that affect bodily functions.

Glaucoma

An eye condition characterized by increased pressure in the eye, potentially leading to vision loss.

Cataracts

Cloudy areas on the lens of the eye that interfere with vision.

Macular Degeneration

The most common cause of blindness in individuals over 60 years of age.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Hearing loss resulting from failure to transmit neural signals from the cochlea to the brain.

Conductive Hearing Loss

Hearing loss due to structural damage to the ear.

Ménière’s Disease

A disorder of the inner ear causing hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus.

Jean Mayer Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging

Research center focused on nutrition's role in healthy aging.

Secondary Aging

Changes in health and physical condition attributed to illness or disease.

Festinating Gait

A walking style characterized by small, shuffling steps often seen in Parkinson's disease.

Hayflick Limit

The maximum number of times a normal somatic human cell can divide, about 50 times.

Telomere Theory

The theory concerning the shortening of telomeres with each cell division, affecting aging.

Alzheimer’s Disease

The most common type of dementia, causing progressive memory and cognitive decline.

Dementia

A broad term for severe decline in mental ability such as memory and problem-solving.

Integrity vs. Despair

Erikson’s psychosocial stage where older adults reflect on their lives and derive feelings of satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

Activity Theory

The theory that staying active physically and socially leads to greater health and happiness in older adults.

Disengagement Theory

A theory proposing that older adults may naturally withdraw from social interaction.

Socioemotional Selectivity Theory

The theory that older adults prioritize meaningful relationships and connections.

Ageism

Prejudice and discrimination against older adults, often leading to negative stereotypes.

Emotional Isolation

A state where an individual feels emotionally disconnected, leading to increased risk of depression and suicide among older men.

Multigenerational Households

Households where multiple generations live together, increasing care accessibility for older adults.

Cognitive Reserve

The brain's resilience to damage, which can be built through mental stimulation and training.

Companionate Grandparents

Grandparents who engage in activities with their grandchildren but have minimal authority.

Involved Grandparents

Grandparents who actively participate in their grandchildren's lives and have significant authority.

Remote Grandparents

Grandparents who rarely see their grandchildren and have distant relationships.

Loneliness

The feeling of being alone or isolated, experienced when social contact desired is less than what is present.