Psych study guide 10

What do programmed theories of biological aging propose?

Programmed theories argue that aging is biologically predetermined through genetic “biological clocks.”

Certain genes regulate:

• Cell lifespan

• Hormone release

• Cellular repair processes

Over time, these systems gradually become less efficient, leading to aging-related decline.

How do random-event theories explain biological aging?

Random-event theories explain aging as the result of accumulated cellular damage caused by:

• Toxins

• Radiation

• Oxidative stress

• Metabolic byproducts

Over the lifespan, this damage builds up and reduces the body’s ability to function effectively.

What happens to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems during early adulthood?

These systems typically function at peak efficiency during early adulthood, followed by a gradual decline over time.

Healthy habits that support functioning include:

• Regular aerobic exercise

• Avoiding smoking

• Maintaining a healthy diet

What are important findings about motor performance in early adulthood?

Research shows that:

• Strength

• Reaction time

• Coordination

usually peak during the 20s and 30s.

Healthy functioning is promoted by:

• Regular physical activity

• Strength training

• Flexibility exercises

What changes occur in the immune system during early adulthood?

The immune system is generally strong during early adulthood but can be negatively affected by:

• Chronic stress

• Poor sleep

• Poor nutrition

Healthy functioning is supported by:

• Adequate sleep

• Stress management

• Balanced nutrition

What are key findings about reproductive capacity in early adulthood?

Fertility is generally highest during the 20s and gradually declines after age 30.

Healthy reproductive functioning is promoted by:

• Regular medical checkups

• Safe sex practices

• Avoiding sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle

How is socioeconomic status (SES) related to health across the lifespan?

SES indicates every health outcome and strongly affects health through:

• Access to healthcare

• Quality nutrition

• Living conditions

• Exposure to stress

• Health behaviors

Lower SES is linked to:

• Greater chronic stress

• Higher rates of illness

• Shorter lifespan

How does nutrition contribute to good health in young adulthood?

Good nutrition:

• Supports cardiovascular health

• Strengthens the immune system

• Helps regulate body weight

• Provides energy for daily functioning

A balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains is important.

How does exercise contribute to good health in young adulthood?

Exercise:

• Improves cardiovascular functioning

• Reduces stress

• Maintains muscle mass

• Supports mental health

The most effective approach combines:

• Aerobic exercise

• Strength training

What research findings about sexuality in early adulthood are important?

Research shows:

• Sexual satisfaction often increases with emotional intimacy.

• Safe sex practices are inconsistent among many young adults.

Healthy sexual functioning is promoted by:

• Open communication

• Safe sex practices

• Regular health screenings

What vision changes commonly occur in middle adulthood, and how can adults promote healthy vision?

Common changes include difficulty focusing on nearby objects and the need for reading glasses.

Healthy vision habits include:

• Regular eye exams

• Protecting eyes from UV light

• Managing chronic conditions like diabetes

What hearing changes occur in middle adulthood?

Adults often experience gradual loss of high-frequency hearing.

Healthy hearing is supported by:

• Avoiding excessive noise exposure

• Wearing hearing protection

• Getting hearing evaluations when needed

What skin changes occur in middle adulthood?

Common changes include:

• Wrinkles

• Dryness

• Reduced elasticity

Healthy skin habits include:

• Using sunscreen

• Staying hydrated

• Avoiding smoking

How do muscle and fat change during middle adulthood?

Muscle mass tends to decline while body fat increases.

Healthy functioning is promoted by:

• Strength training

• Regular physical activity

• Balanced nutrition

What happens to bones during middle adulthood?

Bone density gradually decreases, increasing risk for osteoporosis.

Healthy bones are supported by:

• Calcium intake

• Vitamin D

• Weight-bearing exercise

How do women’s reactions to menopause vary?

Reactions vary widely:

• Some women feel relief and positivity due to the end of menstruation.

• Others experience feelings of loss or concerns about aging.

Reactions influenced by culture, ethnicity, historical cohort, and personal beliefs:

• Asian women have fewer complaints of menopause (high estrogen values)

• ethnicity experience varies: low estrogen values, sex drive decreases, excess sweating, and lost femininity

• sign of wisdom and maturity

What are important research findings about sexuality in middle adulthood?

Sexual activity may decline somewhat in frequency, but satisfaction often remains stable.

Healthy sexuality is promoted by:

• Communication with partners

• Good physical health

• Access to healthcare

What are important facts about cancer risk in middle adulthood?

Cancer risk increases with age.

Health is promoted through:

• Mammograms

• Colonoscopies

• Early screenings

• Healthy lifestyle behaviors

Why is cardiovascular disease important in middle adulthood?

Cardiovascular disease becomes one of the leading causes of death during adulthood.

Risk reduction strategies include:

• Exercise

• Healthy diet

• Stress management

• Avoiding smoking

What is osteoporosis, and how can adults reduce risk?

Osteoporosis is a condition involving loss of bone density, especially common in postmenopausal women.

Protective behaviors include:

• Calcium intake

• Vitamin D

• Weight-bearing exercise

How are hostility and anger related to health in middle adulthood?

Chronic hostility and anger are linked to increased risk of heart disease.

Healthy coping includes:

• Emotional regulation

• Stress management

• Relaxation techniques

What is the difference between problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping?

Problem-focused coping:

• Targets the source of stress directly

• Works best when the stressor is controllable

Emotion-focused coping:

• Helps manage emotional reactions

• Works best when the stressor cannot be changed

What is hardiness?

Hardiness is a personality style involving:

1. Commitment

2. Control

3. Challenge

People high in hardiness view stress as manageable and adapt more effectively to life changes.

What is the double standard of aging?

The double standard of aging refers to women being judged more negatively than men for signs of aging.

Although this standard still exists, it has weakened somewhat in modern society.

What changes occur in the nervous system during late adulthood?

Older adults often experience slower processing speed and slower reaction time.

Healthy functioning is promoted by:

• Mental stimulation

• Physical activity

• Lifelong learning

What vision changes occur in late adulthood?

Common vision changes include:

• Cataracts

• Reduced depth perception

• Difficulty seeing in low light

Healthy vision is supported by:

• Regular eye exams

• Corrective lenses

• Proper lighting

What hearing changes occur in late adulthood?

Hearing commonly declines with age, especially for high-frequency sounds.

Healthy functioning is supported by:

• Hearing aids

• Regular hearing evaluations

• Reducing background noise

How do taste and smell change in late adulthood?

Sensitivity to taste and smell decreases with age.

Healthy habits include:

• Eating a varied, flavorful diet

• Maintaining good nutrition

What happens to touch sensitivity in late adulthood?

Sensitivity to pain, pressure, and temperature often declines.

Safety can be improved through:

• Fall prevention

• Temperature awareness

• Safe living environments

What cardiovascular and respiratory changes occur in late adulthood?

Both systems become less efficient, reducing endurance and stamina.

Healthy functioning is promoted by:

• Regular exercise

• Healthy diet

• Avoiding smoking

How does the immune system change in late adulthood?

The immune system weakens, increasing vulnerability to infections.

Healthy functioning is supported by:

• Vaccinations

• Good nutrition

• Regular medical care

What sleep changes occur in late adulthood?

Sleep often becomes:

• Lighter

• More fragmented

• Shorter

Healthy sleep habits include:

• Consistent sleep schedules

• Limiting caffeine

• Good sleep hygiene

How do physical appearance and mobility change in late adulthood?

Common changes include:

• Wrinkles

• Reduced flexibility

• Slower movement

• Greater fall risk

Healthy functioning is promoted by:

• Physical activity

• Balance training

• Fall prevention strategies

How do stereotypes about aging affect older adults?

Negative stereotypes can:

• Reduce performance on tasks

• Increase dependence

• Lower confidence

Positive beliefs about aging are associated with:

• Better functioning

• Longer lifespan

What nutrition recommendations support positive aging?

Healthy aging is supported by:

• Balanced meals

• Nutrient-dense foods

• Fewer empty calories

• Adequate hydration

What exercise recommendations support positive aging?

Effective exercise programs include:

• Strength training

• Balance exercises

• Aerobic activity

• Flexibility exercises

These reduce fall risk and maintain independence.

Why is sexuality important in late adulthood?

Sexuality remains an important source of:

• Emotional intimacy

• Relationship satisfaction

• Adaptation to aging changes

Communication and healthcare support healthy sexuality.

How can older adults reduce risk for diabetes?

Diabetes prevention includes:

• Maintaining healthy weight

• Regular exercise

• Healthy diet

• Monitoring blood sugar

How can unintentional injuries be prevented in late adulthood?

Injury prevention strategies include:

• Fall-proofing the home

• Vision checks

• Balance training

• Good lighting

• Removing tripping hazards

How do genetics contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia?

Certain genes increase susceptibility to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

However, genetics alone do not determine whether a person develops the disorder.

How do environmental factors contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia?

Environmental influences include:

• Cardiovascular health

• Education

• Lifestyle habits

• Physical activity

• Diet

These factors can either increase or reduce risk.

What protective factors may prevent or slow Alzheimer’s disease?

Research-supported protective factors include:

• Physical exercise

• Cognitive stimulation

• Social engagement

• Healthy diets such as the Mediterranean diet

• Managing blood pressure and cholesterol