Intro, Aging Theory, & Anti-Ageism

the scientific study of the aging process

gerontology

process of continuous, lifelong development

Aging

Biological aging theory is generalized into 2 main groups

■ Non-stochastic (programmed)

■ Stochastic (random/error)

T/F: there is 1 universally accepted theory of biological aging

FALSE!!!! NO UNIVERSALLY ACCEPTED THEORY

Baltes' lifespan perspective (BLP) says development is...(5)

-lifelong

-multidimensional & multidirectional

-plastic

-historically embedded & contexualized

-multidisciplinary

This tenet of BLP says that development continues across the entire lifespan and has equal weight throughout all points of the lifespan

Lifelong

This tenet of BLP says that development causes changes socially, psychologically, and biologically

Multidimensionality

This tenet of BLP says that there is a fluctuation of gain and losses throughout development

Multidirectionality

This tenet of BLP says that different outcomes and change are possible at every stage of development

Plasticity

We are most heterogenous (earlier/later) in life

LATER

Internalized ageism is on a(n) ___ level

Individual

This ageism theory says that age-related beliefs affect physiological stress, psychological expectations, and behavioral activities that impact overall health and well-being

Stereotype embodiment theory (SET)

3 pathways of SET theory that affect multidimensional health, wellbeing, and performance

1. Physiological (stress)

2. Psychological (expectations)

3. Behavioral (activities)

Ageism is (learned/biological)

LEARNED

T/F: perceptions of aging impact risk of CV events, recovery from severe disability, grip strength, gait speed, gait risk, and TUG performance

TRUE!!!

T/F: Participants who held more positive beliefs around aging lived 7.5 years longer than those with internalized ageist beliefs

TRUE!

Global reach of ageism on older person's health revealed that the impact n health was most significant when ____ of aging were measured

SELF-PERCEPTIONS