Adult Developmental and Aging Exam 1

Chronological Age

Number of years a person has lived.

Biological Age

Functional status of the body compared to peers.

Psychological Age

Cognitive ability, adaptability, and emotional regulation.

Social Age

How well an individual meets societal expectations for their age.

Functional Age

Assessed by daily activities and societal roles.

Subjective Age

The age a person feels rather than their actual age.

Young-old

Age category for adults aged 65-74.

Old-old

Age category for adults aged 75-84.

Oldest-old

Age category for adults aged 85 and older.

Time Clock Theory

Genetic blueprint determines lifespan via telomere shortening.

Immune Theory

Aging occurs due to a decline in immune system efficiency.

Wear and Tear Theory

The body deteriorates over time with repeated use.

Error Theory

Cellular malfunctions accumulate, leading to aging.

Free Radical Theory

Unstable molecules damage cells, accelerating aging.

Disengagement Theory

Older adults naturally withdraw from society.

Activity Theory

Staying engaged leads to better aging outcomes.

Continuity Theory

Individuals maintain habits and personality traits as they age.

Selective Optimization with Compensation

Older adults adjust to aging by focusing on strengths, optimizing key skills, and compensating for declines.

Ecological Model of Aging

Interaction between individual competence and environmental pressures affects aging outcomes.

Cross-Sectional Studies

Compare different age groups at one point in time.

Longitudinal Studies

Follow the same individuals over time.

Sequential Studies

Combine cross-sectional and longitudinal approaches to mitigate weaknesses.

Experimental Research

Establishes cause-and-effect relationships by manipulating variables.

Correlational Studies

Identify relationships but cannot prove causation.

Ageism

Prejudice or discrimination against older adults.

Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Negative beliefs can impact cognitive and physical health.

Presbycusis

Age-related hearing loss, mainly affecting high-frequency sounds.

Phonemic Regression

Hearing a word but struggling to understand it.

Scaffolding Theory of Aging & Cognition (STAC)

The brain builds alternative neural pathways to compensate for aging-related declines.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Basic self-care tasks, e.g., dressing, eating.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

More complex tasks, e.g., managing money, cooking.

Major Aging Frameworks

Includes Life-Span Developmental Perspective and Developmental DOPE Model.

Lifestyle Factors for Longevity

Abstaining from smoking and excessive alcohol, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, staying socially active, and managing stress effectively.

Common Causes of Death in Older Adults (2023 CDC)

Heart disease, cancer, accidents, COVID-19, and stroke.