GERIA

the simultaneous presence of multiple chronic conditions

Comorbidity

hypothesis that serious illness and decline can be delayed or postponed so that an extended life expectancy results in more functional, healthy years

Compression of morbidity

the length of time that a person can be predicted to live

Life expectancy -

the maximum years that a person has the potential to live

Life span

Youngest-old:

65 to 74 years

Middle-old:

75 to 84 years

Oldest-old:

85+

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE OLDER POPULATION:

Marital Status

Living Arrangements

Income and Employment

chronic illness is a major problem for the older population

Health Status

Ten Leading Chronic Conditions affecting population aged 65 years and older:

1. Hypertension

2. High cholesterol

3. Arthritis

4. Ischemic heart disease

5. Diabetes

6. Chronic kidney disease

7. Heart failure

8. Depression

9. Alzheimer's disease and dementia

10. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Leading Causes of Death for Persons 65 Years of Age and Older

Diseases of the heart

Diabetes mellitus

Malignant neoplasms

Accidents (unintentional injury)

Chronic lower respiratory diseases

Influenza and pneumonia

Cerebrovascular disease

Alzheimer's disease

Nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, and nephrosis

Parkinson's disease

- born between 1946 and 1964

• Baby Boomers

Baby Boomers - born between

1946 and 1964

Biological Theories Of Aging: - divided them into two categories:

Nonstochastic Theories -

Stochastic Theories -

- the process of growing older that begins at birth

• Nonstochastic Theories

- view the effects of biological aging as resulting from random assaults from both the internal and external environment

• Stochastic Theories

Theory - suggests that cellular division is disrupted by radiation or chemical reactions

1) Cross-Linking Theory

Theory-- cross-linking agent attaches to DNA - preventing the strands from separating during mitosis

1) Cross-Linking Theory

Theory

- accumulation of cross-linking agents forms dense aggregates that hinder intracellular transpor

1) Cross-Linking Theory

Theory

reduces the elasticity of collagen, affecting tissues in the lungs, heart, blood vessels, and muscles

1) Cross-Linking Theory

Theory

- aging is caused by oxidative metabolism and free radicals,

2) Free Radicals and Lipofuscin Theories

Theory

- free radicals are generated from normal metabolism, reactions with other free radicals, or exposure to pollutants like ozone and pesticides

2) Free Radicals and Lipofuscin Theories

Theory

- free radicals are self-perpetuating, producing more free radicals as they cause damage

2) Free Radicals and Lipofuscin Theories

Theory

- the body has natural antioxidants and substances like beta-carotene and vitamins C and E

2) Free Radicals and Lipofuscin Theories

Theory

lipofuscin, also known as "age pigment," is a by-product of lipid oxidation and accumulates in cells as we ag

2) Free Radicals and Lipofuscin Theories

Theory

- lipofuscin interferes with the transport of essential metabolites and information-bearing molecules in cell

2) Free Radicals and Lipofuscin Theories

Theory

- compares the aging body to a machine that wears down over time due to repeated use and injury

3) Wear and Tear Theories

Theory

- aging is attributed to the cumulative effects of daily functioning and harmful factors like smoking, poor diet, and substance abuse

3) Wear and Tear Theories

Theory

stress can negatively impact physical and mental health, leading to issues like ulcers, heart attacks, and skin conditions

3) Wear and Tear Theories

Theory

- aging and longevity vary across species due to genetics, mutation, and natural selection

4) Evolutionary Theories

Theory

aging occurs as the force of natural selection weakens with age, allowing late-life genetic mutations to accumulate since they are passed on after reproductio

a) Mutation Accumulation Theory

also known as "age pigment," is a by-product of lipid oxidation and accumulates in cells as we age

lipofuscin

is a by-product of lipid oxidation and accumulates in cells as we age

lipofuscin

interferes with the transport of essential metabolites and information-bearing molecules in cells

lipofuscin

can negatively impact physical and mental health, leading to issues like ulcers, heart attacks, and skin conditionscan negatively impact physical and mental health, leading to issues like ulcers, heart attacks, and skin conditions

stress

Theory

- mutant genes that negatively impact late life may have had positive effects earlier in life, with genes potentially having multiple effects (both positive and negative).

b) Antagonistic Pleiotropy Theory

Theory

- aging is linked to energy use rather than genetics, with energy prioritized for reproduction over bodily maintenance, leading to decline and death

c) Disposable Soma Theory

Theory

- aging and longevity vary across species due to genetics, mutation, and natural selection

5) Biogerontology

a process of programmed cell death that occurs continuously throughout life due to biochemical events

apoptosis

- cells shrink, and their nucleus and DNA fragment

apoptosis

is considered a normal developmental process that persists throughout life

apoptosis

proposes that life span is genetically predetermined by a biological clock

2) Genetic Theories

studies show a link between parental age and offspring life span, and that different species have a limited number of cell division

2) Genetic Theories

Aging is genetically controlled and happens at the cellular level

SENESCENCE

Suggests that genetic mutations lead to aging by causing organ decline due to ongoing cellular mutations

ERROR THEORY:

2) Genetic Theories

ERROR THEORY:

SENESCENCE

some theorists propose aging occurs when a growth substance stops being produced, halting cell growth and reproduction

2) Genetic Theories

- others suggest an excess of an aging factor accelerates aging or that impaired cell function and division cause agin

2) Genetic Theories

- another idea is that aging may result from reduced RNA activity in synthesizing and translating messages

2) Genetic Theories

- the thymus and bone marrow, key organs of the immune system, are affected by aging

3) Autoimmune Reactions

- the immune response weakens after young adulthood

3) Autoimmune Reactions

- the thymus shrinks, reducing its ability to produce T-cells, and thymic hormone levels drop after age 30, becoming undetectable by age 60

3) Autoimmune Reactions

- the thymus shrinks, reducing its ability to produce T-cells, and thymic hormone levels drop after age

30

the thymus shrinks, reducing its ability to produce T-cells, and thymic hormone levels drop after age 30, becoming undetectable by age

60

- aging leads to a weaker humoral immune response

3) Autoimmune Reactions

- bone marrow stem cells also become less efficient

3) Autoimmune Reactions

these changes result in an increased risk of infections and cancers as people age

3) Autoimmune Reactions

- aging is linked to changes in the brain and endocrine glands -

4) Neuroendocrine and Neurochemical Theories

- some believe certain anterior pituitary hormones promote aging

4) Neuroendocrine and Neurochemical Theories

- others suggest that chemical imbalances in the brain impair healthy cell division

4) Neuroendocrine and Neurochemical Theories

research indicates that nonlethal doses of radiation reduce lifespan in animals

5) Radiation Theories

n humans, repeated ultraviolet (UV) light exposure causes skin aging (solar elastosis) and increases the risk of skin cancer -

5) Radiation Theories

- radiation may induce cellular mutations that accelerate aging

5) Radiation Theories

- nutrition plays a crucial role in health and aging

6) Nutrition Theories

- poor diet, obesity, and nutrient deficiencies or excesses can lead to diseases and accelerate aging

6) Nutrition Theories

- nutritional supplements like vitamin E and ginseng are believed to promote longevity

6) Nutrition Theories

- good diet may reduce the negative effects of aging

6) Nutrition Theories

- aging is influenced by various environmental factors that threaten health

7) Environmental Theories

exposure to harmful substances like mercury, lead, arsenic, radioactive isotopes, and pesticides can cause pathological changes

7) Environmental Theories

smoking and inhaling pollutants negatively impact health and may accelerate aging

7) Environmental Theories

other factors, such as crowded living conditions and high noise levels, are also believed to influence the aging process

7) Environmental Theories

- developed by Elaine Cumming and William Henry

1) Disengagement Theory

aging involves a gradual withdrawal from society by older adults, benefiting both individuals and society

1) Disengagement Theory

allows reflection and self-focus for older adults while transferring power to the younger generation

1) Disengagement Theory

- controversial and discredited, as many older adults prefer to remain engaged

1) Disengagement Theory

- promotes the idea that older adults should maintain a middleaged lifestyle for as long as possible

2) Activity Theory

encourages substituting intellectual activities for physical ones and finding new roles and friendships after retirement or losses

2) Activity Theory

- active aging is associated with better physical, mental, and social well-being

2) Activity Theory

- aka Developmental Theory

- suggests that individuals maintain consistent behavior patterns throughout life, including old age

personality traits and behaviors developed earlier in life influence how individuals ag

acknowledges the complexities of aging and allows for multiple adaptations and reactions

3) Continuity Theory

encourages younger people to consider how their current activities will shape their future old age

3) Continuity Theory

- older adults form a distinct subculture with unique norms, beliefs, and habits

4) Subculture Theory

- arises in response to negative societal attitudes and treatment

4) Subculture Theory

- older adults feel more accepted and comfortable within their age group

4) Subculture Theory

- argues for social reform and empowerment of older populations

4) Subculture Theory

- society is divided into age groups, with each group sharing similar experiences and transition

5) Age Stratification Theory

- each age group has a unique shared history and influence on society

5) Age Stratification Theory

- the relationship between society and different age groups is dynamic and interdependent

5) Age Stratification Theory

- involve challenges and adjustments in response to life experiences, promoting continuous growth

1) Developmental Tasks

- ERIK ERIKSON outlined eight stages of human development, each with its own challenges

1) Developmental Tasks

(1968) detailed three specific challenges facing the older adults that influence the outcome of ego integrity or despair

- ROBERT PECK (1968)

ROBERT PECK (1968) detailed three specific challenges facing the older adults that influence the outcome of ego integrity or despair

Ego Differentiation vs. Role Preoccupation

• Body Transcendence vs. Body Preoccupation:

• Ego Transcendence vs. Ego Preoccupation:

Find self-worth outside of parental or work roles

Ego Differentiation vs. Role Preoccupation:

Focus on psychological pleasures, not health problems or physical limitations

Body Transcendence vs. Body Preoccupation

: Reflect on past accomplishments rather than worrying about limited time left.

• Ego Transcendence vs. Ego Preoccupation

outlined additional developmental tasks of later life

- ROBERT BUTLER AND MYRNA LEWIS (1998) o

- ROBERT BUTLER AND MYRNA LEWIS (1998) outlined additional developmental tasks of later life

• Adjusting to physical limitations

• Finding satisfaction with the life lived

• Preparing for death

Theory - aging involves a shift from a materialistic perspective to a more cosmic and transcendent outlook

2) Gerotranscendence Theory