Psych of Aging: Exam #1 (Chap 1, 3-4)

Ageism

A form of discrimination where people are judged or treated differently based on their age

Gerontology

The scientific study of aging and the problems of older adults

Lifespan perspective

Approach that views development as lifelong, multidimensional, plastic, contextual, and influenced by multiple interacting forces

Multidirectionality

The idea that development involves both growth and decline (gains in some areas, losses in others)

Plasticity

The potential for change in abilities or characteristics depending on experiences and conditions

Forces of Development

The biological, psychological, sociocultural, and life-cycle influences that shape development

Menopause

The biological process in women marking the end of menstruation and fertility

Normative age graded influences

Events strongly related to age, such as puberty or retirement, that most people experience at similar times

Normative history-graded event

Events experienced by a particular culture or generation at the same time (e.g., wars, pandemics)

Nonnormative influences

Random or rare events that may be important for an individual but are not experienced by most people (e.g., accidents, winning the lottery)

Primary/secondary aging

Primary aging refers to normal biological changes with age; secondary aging results from disease, lifestyle, or environment

Definitions of age

Chronological age (years lived), biological age (functional status), psychological age (adaptive capacity), and sociocultural age (roles/expectations)

Emerging adulthood

Developmental stage from late teens through the twenties, characterized by identity exploration and transition to adult roles

Core issues in development

Key debates in development such as nature vs nurture, stability vs change, continuity vs discontinuity

Measurement in research

The tools and methods used to collect data (e.g., surveys, experiments, observations)

Genetic program theories

Theories suggesting aging is biologically programmed by genetic mechanisms

Signs of aging

Physical indicators of aging such as wrinkles, gray hair, reduced strength, and slower reaction times

Wrinkles

Caused by loss of skin elasticity, collagen, and fat, often worsened by sun exposure

Changes in Hair

Graying, thinning, and loss of hair due to reduced pigment production and follicle changes

Voice changes

Lower pitch, thinner vocal quality, and reduced volume with age

Body size changes

Decreases in height (due to spine compression) and muscle mass, along with increases in body fat

Osteoporosis

A condition where bones become porous and fragile due to loss of bone mass

Osteoarthritis

A degenerative joint disease from wear and tear on joints

Vertigo

Sensation of dizziness or spinning, often linked to inner ear or balance system changes

Prevention of balance issues

Exercise, strength training, good footwear, and reducing fall hazards

Cardiovascular disease

Disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including hypertension, heart attack, and stroke

Male changes with reproductive health

Gradual decline in testosterone, sperm quality, and sexual functioning with age

Average longevity

The average number of years people in a population are expected to live

Maximum longevity

The oldest age to which any individual of a species has lived

Active life expectancy

Years a person can expect to live in good health and function independently

Contributors to longevity

Genetics, lifestyle, environment, healthcare, and social factors

Ethnic/sex differences in longevity

Women generally live longer than men; longevity varies across ethnic groups due to health disparities

Health

A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not just absence of disease

Autoimmunity

Condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells

Psychoneuroimmunology

The study of how psychological, nervous, and immune systems interact

Acute diseases

Conditions that develop suddenly and resolve quickly (e.g., flu, infections)

Chronic diseases

Long-lasting conditions that persist over time (e.g., diabetes, arthritis, heart disease)

Effects of stress

Negative impacts on physical and mental health, including weakened immunity and increased disease risk

Levels of Appraisal of stress

Primary appraisal (is this harmful?), secondary appraisal (can I cope?), reappraisal (changing evaluation with new info)

Coping

Managing stress through strategies such as problem-solving, emotion regulation, or seeking support

Diabetes mellitus

Metabolic disorder where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar

Incontinence

Loss of bladder or bowel control

Activities of daily living

Basic self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, and moving independently