Chapter 17 Old Age & Population Trends

Ageism

Prejudice or discrimination against a person—usually an older adult—based on age.

Graying of the population

The rapid increase in the proportion of people aged 65 and older worldwide.

Primary aging

The gradual, inevitable biological process of bodily deterioration across the lifespan.

Secondary aging

Aging caused by disease, abuse, and disuse—largely environmental.

Functional age

How well a person functions relative to others their chronological age.

Gerontology

The study of aging.

Geriatrics

Medical specialty treating older adults.

Senescence

Biological decline associated with aging.

Hayflick limit

A genetically controlled limit on how many times cells can divide.

Variable-rate theories

Propose that aging results from damage to biological systems and varies between individuals.

Reserve capacity

Backup functioning that lets body systems handle stress.

Cataracts

Cloudy lens areas causing blurred vision.

Age-related macular degeneration

Loss of central retina function resulting in difficulty seeing details.

Glaucoma

Irreversible optic nerve damage caused by increased eye pressure.

Functional fitness

Exercise mimicking everyday movements.

Beta amyloid peptide

The main protein implicated in Alzheimer's disease.

Neurofibrillary tangles

Twisted masses of dead neurons found in Alzheimer’s disease.

Amyloid plaques

Insoluble protein clumps that the brain cannot clear.

Wisdom

Insight into life’s complexities, increased perspective, sometimes involving transcendence.