Older Adult Development

What is the definition of old

Age 65 and older. Young old: 65-74 years, old-old: 75-84, Oldest-old: 85 and older.

What is ElderSpeak

Using words like “Honey, sweetie and dear”. Using small words in big volume.

How does ElderSpeak effect older people

It does not improve comprehension, threatens older adult personhood. May increase aggression in people with dementia.

What is Geroscience

Increase of healthspan instead of lifespan.

What are the physical changes associated with aging

The physical changes is central adiposity. Reduction in ratio of muscle mass to fat. bones thins, especially for women, Vascular smooth muscle thickening. Vision changes, hearing and decline in taste and smell

Average Physical and Functional Health of older people

Increase in chronic health conditions. 45% reported 2-3 chronic health conditions. Average 4.5 medications/day. They judge themselves to be in good excellent health.

What remains stable in normal cognitive aging

Remains stable-crystalized intelligence, Non-declarative memory(Familiar song, riding a bike), Language.

What cognitions began to decline in the 30s

Fluid intelligence, Processing speed – Declarative memory (recalling facts, events) – Slight decline in attention – Planning, organizing, mental flexibility

What is the emotional well-being of an older adult

Many older people are happier than younger people. Well-being improves with the lifespan. They regulate emotions better, and have fewer feelings of anger/regret.

What are the social/personality changes associated with aging

Does not normally change with age. If they have cognitive problems, prolonged stress, personal loss less capable of maintaining well-being.

What are the social changes associated with aging

Social networks smaller but more satisfied with relationship

What are the key concepts in the lifespan developmental perspective

6.Intimacy & isolation (young adult), 7. Generativity & stagnation (middle adulthood)8. Integrity & despair (Older adulthood).

What are the differences between conventional ideas and the Life Span Perspective

Conventional ideas believe their development ends after adolescence • Aging is only a series of losses, Life Span perspective, human development is life long, Development involves both gains and losses (“multidirectionalilty”).

What is selectivity theory

Carstensen: – Awareness of decreasing number of remaining years – Prioritize relationship that most emotionally sustaining and meaningful.

What is the selection and an example of it

choose activities that bests suit current abilities. “Those who follow every path, never reach any destination.”

What is optimization and an example of it

make extra effort to maximize ability to perform activity. “Practice makes perfect.”

What is compensation and a example of it

overcome limitations with compensatory efforts. “There are many hands; what one cannot do, the other will

What are cohort differences

Sex, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation • Examples – An older Jewish man could not enter an Ivy league school due to a quota on Jews – An older gay man arrested for going to a gay bar in the early 1960’s and lost his job – An older Japanese man who spent his early years living in an American internment camp– An older African American woman grew up where family were lynched in her county