OLD AGE, DEATH

Ageism

Definition: Prejudice or discrimination based on age.

• Can be directed toward younger or older individuals.

• Affects employment, healthcare, and social interactions.
  Example: An employer refuses to hire someone because they are "too old" for the job.

Primary Aging

Definition: The gradual, inevitable process of bodily deterioration that occurs naturally over time (nature).

• Happens regardless of lifestyle choices.

• Includes changes such as graying hair, wrinkled skin, and slower metabolism.
  Example: A 70-year-old experiencing reduced muscle mass despite staying active.

Secondary Aging

Definition: Aging caused by disease, lifestyle, and environmental factors (nurture).

• Can be slowed or prevented with healthy habits.

• Includes conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and joint deterioration due to inactivity.
  Example: A smoker developing lung disease at an early age.

Young Old

Definition: People aged 65-74 years old.

• Generally still active and independent.

• Often continue working or engaging in social activities.
  Example: A 70-year-old who volunteers and exercises regularly.

Old Old

Definition: People aged 75-84 years old.

• May experience more physical limitations.

• Often require some medical support but maintain independence.
  Example: A 78-year-old who uses a walker for mobility.

Oldest old

Definition: People aged 75-84 years old.

• May experience more physical limitations.

• Often require some medical support but maintain independence.
  Example: A 78-year-old who uses a walker for mobility.

Functional Age

Definition: A person's ability to function physically and socially compared to peers of the same chronological age.

• More accurate than just using birth age.

• Can be affected by genetics, lifestyle, and medical care.
  Example: A 75-year-old marathon runner has a younger functional age than a sedentary 60-year-old.

Gerontology

Definition: The study of aging and the elderly.

• Covers biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging.

• Helps improve elderly care and quality of life.
  Example: A researcher studying memory decline in older adults.

Geriatrics

Definition: A branch of medicine focused on aging and elderly healthcare.

• Involves diagnosing and treating age-related diseases.

• Helps manage chronic illnesses in older adults.
  Example: A doctor specializing in Alzheimer's treatment.

Life Expectancy

Definition: The average number of years a person is statistically expected to live based on birth year, health, and location.

• Influenced by genetics, healthcare access, and lifestyle.

• Varies across different countries and populations.
  Example: In Japan, the life expectancy is around 84 years, while in some countries, it is below 60.

Longevity

Definition: The actual length of life of an individual or population.

• Affected by lifestyle, genetics, and medical advancements.

• Can be extended through healthy habits.
  Example: A person who lives to be 100 years old.

Mortality Rates

Definition: The rate of deaths within a specific population over a given period.

• Often measured per 1,000 or 100,000 people.

• Used to assess public health and life expectancy.
  Example: The mortality rate of heart disease in the U.S. is higher than in some European countries.

Human Life Span

Definition: The maximum number of years a human can live.

• Estimated to be around 120-125 years.

• Very few individuals reach this limit.
  Example: Jeanne Calment, who lived to be 122 years old, had the longest recorded human life span.

Senescence

Definition: The biological decline in body functions due to aging.

• Affects cells, tissues, and overall organ function.

• Leads to increased vulnerability to diseases.
  Example: The gradual weakening of the immune system with age.

Genetic Programming Theories

Definition: Theories suggesting that aging is controlled by genetic instructions within our DNA.

• Includes ideas like programmed senescence and biological clocks.

• Suggests aging is an inevitable part of human development.
  Example: Cells have a built-in limit on how many times they can divide.

Programmed Senescence Theory

Definition: Proposes that aging occurs when specific genes "switch off" after certain age-related changes.

• Explains why aging happens in stages.

• Linked to epigenetic changes rather than direct genetic mutations.
  Example: Telomeres shortening with each cell division, leading to aging.

Endocrine Theory

Definition: Suggests that hormones regulate the pace of aging through biological clocks.

• Hormonal imbalances contribute to aging symptoms.

• Related to growth hormone decline and menopause.
  Example: Reduced testosterone levels in men leading to muscle loss.

Immunological Theory

Definition: Proposes that aging results from a programmed decline in immune system function.

• Leads to higher risk of infections and disease.

• Explains why older adults are more vulnerable to illnesses.
  Example: An elderly person experiencing more severe flu symptoms than a young adult.

Evolutionary Theory

Definition: Suggests that aging is a result of evolutionary trade-offs prioritizing reproduction over longevity.

• Genes that promote early survival and reproduction are favored.

• Genes that extend life beyond reproductive years are not strongly selected.
  Example: Some animals, like turtles, live longer because they reproduce later.

Variable-Rate Theories

Definition: Theories suggesting that aging results from random processes that vary by individual.

• Includes wear-and-tear, free radicals, and autoimmune theories.

• Emphasizes that aging can be influenced by lifestyle choices.
  Example: Two people of the same age can have very different health outcomes based on their habits.

Wear-and-Tear Theory

Definition: Suggests that aging occurs because cells and tissues gradually break down over time.

• Damage accumulates faster than the body can repair.

• Linked to physical stress and environmental factors.
  Example: Cartilage in joints wearing down, leading to arthritis.

Free-Radical Theory

Definition: Proposes that aging is caused by accumulated damage from oxygen radicals.

• Free radicals harm DNA, proteins, and cells.

• Antioxidants may slow down this damage.
  Example: Sun exposure causing premature skin aging.

Rate-of-Living Theory

Definition: Suggests that the faster an organism's metabolism, the shorter its lifespan.

• Explains why small animals with high metabolisms age faster.

• Suggests a link between calorie restriction and longevity.
  Example: Mice live shorter lives than turtles due to faster metabolism.

Autoimmune Theory

Definition: Suggests that aging occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells.

• Leads to chronic inflammation and diseases.

• Explains conditions like rheumatoid arthritis in aging populations.
  Example: An elderly person developing an autoimmune disorder like lupus.

Survival Curve

Definition: A graph showing the percentage of a population still alive at different ages.

• Used in demographic studies of aging.

• Helps predict life expectancy trends.
  Example: A survival curve showing that most people live past 70 but few reach 100.

Longevity Interventions

Definition: Strategies focused on reducing aging risks and promoting a healthy lifespan.

• Includes exercise, diet, and medical advancements.

• Aims to increase life expectancy and quality of life.
  Example: Research on anti-aging drugs and gene therapy.

Why do women live longer and have lower mortality rates than men?

Women tend to take better care of themselves, seek medical care more often, have higher social support, and benefit from rising socioeconomic status.

Older Skin

Becomes paler and less elastic; varicose veins may appear in the legs.

• Context: Aging leads to reduced collagen production and slower skin cell regeneration.

• Example: Wrinkles and sagging skin become more noticeable in older adults.

Loss of Height

• Older adults become shorter due to the atrophy of spinal disks.

  • Context: The compression of vertebrae and loss of bone density contribute to height reduction.

  • Example: A person who was 5'7" in their youth may shrink to 5'5" in old age.

Lung Efficiency Decline

• – Lungs become less effective due to reduced lung volume, muscle atrophy, and decreased cilia function.

  • Context: This results in shallower breathing and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.

  • Example: An elderly person may become short of breath after mild exertion.

Cardiovascular Changes

– Increased risk of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), thickening of muscle walls, and stiffening of heart valves.

• Context: These changes can lead to high blood pressure and increased cardiovascular risk.

• Example: Older adults may experience dizziness or fatigue due to reduced blood circulation.

Reserve Capacity

– The body's backup system that allows organs to function under stress.

• Context: This capacity declines with age, making recovery from illness slower.

• Example: A younger person may recover from surgery quickly, while an older adult may need extended rehabilitation.

Brain Shrinkage

– Brain volume and weight decrease, particularly in the frontal and temporal lobes.

• Context: This affects memory, decision-making, and processing speed.

• Example: Older adults may struggle with multitasking or recalling recent events.

Hippocampal Shrinkage

– The hippocampus, responsible for memory, diminishes in size.

• Context: Memory retention and formation decline with aging.

• Example: Difficulty remembering names or recent conversations.

Dopamine Reduction

– Fewer dopamine neurotransmitters due to synapse loss.

• Context: This is linked to slower movement and cognitive decline.

• Example: Conditions like Parkinson’s disease are associated with dopamine loss.

Vision Changes

Older adults need more light, have increased sensitivity to glare, and struggle with reading signs.

• Context: Age-related changes in the lens and retina impact vision clarity.

• Example: An elderly driver may find it harder to see road signs at night.

Cataracts

• Cloudy or opaque areas in the lens of the eye.

  • Context: A common cause of vision impairment in older adults.

  • Example: Blurry or dimmed vision, especially in bright light.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

– Loss of central vision due to retinal cell degeneration.

• Context: Leading cause of blindness in the elderly.

• Example: An older person may struggle to see faces clearly.

Glaucoma

• – Irreversible damage to the optic nerve due to increased eye pressure.

  • Context: Can lead to gradual vision loss.

  • Example: Peripheral vision may become blurry or disappear.

Loss of Strength

– Greater decline in lower limbs than upper limbs.

• Context: Makes balance and mobility more difficult.

• Example: Difficulty standing up from a seated position.

Falls and Fractures

– Falls become more common and can lead to fractures.

• Context: Osteoporosis and muscle weakness increase the risk.

• Example: A minor fall may result in a hip fracture.

Functional Fitness

– Exercises that improve daily movement and activity.

• Context: Helps maintain independence in old age.

• Example: Yoga and balance exercises can prevent falls.

Sleep Changes

– Older adults sleep and dream less due to circadian rhythm shifts.

• Context: Sleep cycles become shorter, leading to frequent waking.

• Example: Elderly people often wake up earlier than they did in their youth.

Sexual Changes (Men)

– Longer time to develop and maintain erections, increased need for stimulation, longer intervals between erections.

• Context: Due to decreased testosterone and blood flow.

• Example: May require medical intervention for erectile dysfunction.

Sexual Changes (Women)

– Increased difficulty in arousal and orgasm.

• Context: Declining estrogen levels affect vaginal lubrication and sensitivity.

• Example: Women may experience discomfort during intercourse.

Exercise Benefits

– Lifelong exercise helps prevent aging-related physical decline.

• Context: Reduces risks of chronic diseases and maintains mobility.

• Example: Walking or swimming can help maintain heart health.

Inactivity Risks

– Lack of exercise contributes to heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

• Context: Sedentary lifestyles accelerate aging.

• Example: Prolonged sitting can lead to muscle loss and joint stiffness.

Dementia

– General term for cognitive and behavioral decline that interferes with daily life.

• Context: Caused by physiological changes in the brain.

• Example: Forgetting names, getting lost in familiar places.

Alzheimer’s Disease

– Most common form of dementia, characterized by neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques.

• Context: Leads to memory loss and cognitive decline.

• Example: A person forgets how to perform basic tasks like dressing.

Amnesia

– Memory loss.

• Context: Can be temporary or progressive.

• Example: Forgetting recent conversations but remembering childhood events.

Aphasia

– Inability to express thoughts through speech.

• Context: Can result from brain damage or stroke.

• Example: A person struggles to form sentences.

Agnosia

– Inability to recognize familiar objects, tastes, or smells.

• Context: Brain damage affects sensory processing.

• Example: Failing to recognize one’s own reflection.

Apraxia

– Misuse of objects due to failure in identifying them.

• Context: Neurological disorders can impair motor function.

• Example: Using a toothbrush as a hairbrush.

Anomia

• – Inability to remember names of things.

  • Context: Common in dementia and stroke patients.

  • Example: Calling a "pen" a "thing" instead.

Vascular Dementia

– Caused by strokes or blood flow issues in the brain.

• Context: Can result from diabetes or high cholesterol.

• Example: Sudden confusion or difficulty with problem-solving.

Lewy Body Dementia

– Characterized by movement issues, daytime sleepiness, and visual hallucinations.

• Context: Similar to both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

• Example: Seeing objects or people that aren’t there.

Frontotemporal Dementia

– Causes personality and language skill changes.

• Context: Affects judgment and impulse control.

• Example: Sudden inappropriate social behavior.

Huntington’s Disease

– Genetic disorder affecting movement, behavior, and cognition.

• Context: Progressive and inherited.

• Example: Loss of coordination and difficulty swallowing.

Parkinson’s Disease

– Causes tremors, stiffness, and slow movement due to nerve cell impairment.

• Context: More common in men.

• Example: Hands shaking uncontrollably at rest.

L-Dopa

• – Medication that helps manage Parkinson’s symptoms.

  • Context: Increases dopamine levels in the brain.

  • Example: Reduces tremors but may cause side effects like hallucinations.

Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)

Definition: A standardized test used to measure intelligence in older adults.

• Older adults tend to perform worse than younger adults, mainly due to slower processing speed and declines in nonverbal performance.

• Despite declines in some areas, intelligence is preserved in tasks that do not require speed.

Classic Aging Pattern

Definition: A pattern in intelligence test scores where performance-based tasks decline more significantly with age than verbal tasks.

• The decline is most evident in tasks requiring quick thinking and problem-solving.

• Tasks relying on stored knowledge and experience show less decline.
  Example: An older adult struggles with solving a new puzzle but performs well in a vocabulary test.

Sensory Memory

Definition: The brief storage of sensory information before it is processed.

• Older adults experience minor declines in sensory memory, especially if attention is not focused.

• Information must be quickly transferred to working memory to be retained.
  Example: An elderly person hears a doorbell but forgets about it moments later because they were distracted.

Working Memory

Definition: The temporary storage and processing of actively used information.

• Simple tasks requiring repetition show little decline with age.

• Complex tasks requiring reorganization or elaboration decline more noticeably.
  Example: A senior can repeat a short list of numbers but struggles with mentally rearranging them in order.

Episodic Memory

Definition: Memory linked to specific events or experiences in a person’s life.

• This type of memory is the most likely to deteriorate with age.

• Older adults may struggle with recalling when or where something happened.
  Example: An elderly person remembers their childhood home but forgets what they ate for breakfast yesterday.

Semantic Memory

Definition: Memory related to facts, meanings, and accumulated knowledge over a lifetime.

• Generally remains stable with aging.

• Older adults may take longer to retrieve certain facts but do not necessarily forget them.
  Example: A retired professor can still recall historical dates but takes longer to do so.

Procedural Memory

Definition: Memory for motor skills and learned habits.

• This type of memory is relatively unaffected by age.

• Older adults retain skills like driving, typing, or riding a bicycle.
  Example: A 75-year-old woman can still play the piano fluently despite mild cognitive decline.

Wisdom

Definition: Deep knowledge, life experience, and sound judgment about life and human nature.

• Involves reflection, detachment from self-centered concerns, and insight into life’s complexities.

• Older adults compensate for cognitive decline by relying on wisdom.
  Example: A grandmother advises her grandson about relationships based on her own experiences.

Cognitive Mechanics

Definition: The brain’s fundamental processing abilities, including speed, memory, and accuracy.

• Begins to decline in midlife due to neural aging.

• Affects functions such as discrimination, comparison, and categorization.
  Example: An older person takes longer to identify small differences between two images.

Cognitive Pragmatics

Definition: Culturally learned cognitive abilities, such as reading, writing, and life skills.

• Remains strong but may decline in old age due to reduced cognitive flexibility.

• Encompasses professional and educational knowledge.
  Example: A retired lawyer can still write legal documents but struggles with new legal technologies.

Selective Attention

Definition: The ability to focus on specific information while ignoring distractions.

• Older adults have more difficulty filtering out irrelevant stimuli.

• Impacts tasks requiring focused concentration.
  Example: An elderly man struggles to follow a conversation in a noisy restaurant.

Divided Attention

Definition: The ability to concentrate on multiple tasks at once.

• Becomes harder with age, especially for complex or unfamiliar tasks.

• Simple multitasking may remain unaffected.
  Example: An older adult finds it difficult to cook while talking on the phone.

Sustained Attention

Definition: The ability to maintain focus on a task over an extended period.

• Older adults may struggle with maintaining prolonged attention.

• Fatigue or distractions increase difficulty.
  Example: An elderly person has trouble focusing on a long lecture without taking breaks.

Executive Attention

Definition: The ability to plan, monitor progress, and regulate cognitive tasks.

• Declines with age, affecting goal-setting and problem-solving.

• Important for managing daily tasks independently.
  Example: An older adult forgets steps in a complex recipe, leading to mistakes.

Source Memory

Definition: The ability to remember where or how information was learned.

• Declines with age, leading to memory errors.

• Often confused with general forgetfulness.
  Example: A senior recalls a fact but cannot remember if they read it in a book or heard it on the news.

Prospective Memory

Definition: The ability to remember to perform tasks in the future.

• Older adults struggle with remembering scheduled activities.

• Can be improved using reminders and routines.
  Example: A grandfather forgets to take his medication without a daily alarm.

Ego Integrity vs. Despair (Erikson’s Theory)

Definition: The final stage of Erikson’s psychosocial development, where older adults reflect on their lives.

• Success leads to ego integrity (a sense of fulfillment and wisdom).

• Failure results in despair (regret, dissatisfaction, and fear of death).
  Example: A retired teacher feels proud of her contributions to education, experiencing ego integrity.

Maladaptive Tendency: Presumption

Definition: Assuming ego integrity without genuinely reflecting on life’s challenges.

• Leads to superficial contentment without true self-acceptance.

• Prevents meaningful personal growth in late adulthood.
  Example: A retired businessman insists he has no regrets but avoids discussing past mistakes.

Malignant Tendency: Disdain

Definition: Contempt for life, oneself, or others due to unresolved despair.

• Results in bitterness and cynicism toward aging and life’s outcomes.

• Can contribute to social withdrawal and depression.
  Example: An elderly woman criticizes younger generations and expresses resentment about aging.

Personality Changes in Late Adulthood

Definition: Shifts in personality traits as people age.

• Increases in agreeableness, self-confidence, and conscientiousness.

• Decreases in neuroticism, social vitality, and openness to experience.
  Example: A formerly anxious person becomes more relaxed and accepting in old age.

Influence of Personality on Health

Definition: The connection between personality traits and physical health.

• Positive traits (conscientiousness, optimism) promote healthier behaviors.

• Negative traits (neuroticism, hostility) increase health risks.
  Example: A highly conscientious older adult maintains an active lifestyle and good nutrition.

Well-Being in Late Adulthood

Older adults generally experience fewer mental disorders and report higher life satisfaction than younger adults, with happiness declining until around 50 years of age, then rising again until about 85.

Context:

• Older adults prioritize emotional fulfillment and seek meaningful activities.

• They regulate emotions better than younger individuals.

Example:

A retired woman joins a gardening club to stay socially engaged and find joy in her hobby.

Positivity Effect

Definition:

Older adults are more likely to focus on positive events and memories while minimizing negative ones.

Context:

• They tend to recall happy moments more vividly than stressful ones.

• This shift helps maintain emotional well-being in old age.

Example:

An elderly man remembers the joyful moments from his past family reunions but forgets minor disagreements.

Terminal Drop

Definition:

A rapid decline in well-being and life satisfaction, typically occurring 3–5 years before death.

Context:

• Common in both physical and mental health.

• Often linked to severe illness or cognitive decline.

Example:

An elderly woman who was once socially active withdraws from activities and experiences frequent sadness in the years before passing.

Coping in Late Adulthood

Definition:

The process of adapting to stress through thinking and behaviors that reduce harm or distress.

Context:

• Older adults rely more on emotion-focused coping strategies.

• They often turn to faith, reflection, and social support rather than problem-solving.

Example:

A widower copes with loneliness by joining a senior support group rather than dwelling on his loss.

Cognitive-Appraisal Model

Definition:

A framework explaining how people assess and respond to stress based on their evaluation of a situation.

Context:

• Involves two stages:

  • Primary Appraisal – Assessing whether an event is threatening.

  • Secondary Appraisal – Deciding how to cope with it.

Example:

An elderly woman diagnosed with arthritis first assesses how it will affect her life (primary appraisal), then seeks physical therapy and support from family (secondary appraisal).

Disengagement Theory

Definition:

A theory that aging naturally involves a gradual withdrawal from social interactions and increased focus on the self.

Context:

• Older adults become less socially active over time.

• This withdrawal is seen as a normal part of aging.

Example:

A retired teacher gradually stops attending school reunions and spends more time alone reading.

Activity Theory

Definition:

A theory that suggests older adults who remain socially and physically active experience better aging outcomes.

Context:

• Staying engaged helps maintain cognitive and emotional health.

• Encourages continued participation in hobbies and social circles.

Example:

An 80-year-old man continues playing tennis and volunteering, maintaining his sense of purpose.

Continuity Theory

Definition:

A theory that emphasizes the importance of maintaining past habits, relationships, and lifestyles for well-being in old age.

Context:

• Older adults strive for stability by continuing familiar activities.

• Activity is not for its own sake but for maintaining personal identity.

Example:

A retired musician still plays the piano daily, maintaining his lifelong connection to music.

Selective Optimization with Compensation

Definition:

A strategy where older adults maximize strengths while developing ways to compensate for declines.

Context:

• They select meaningful goals, optimize available resources, and compensate for losses.

• Helps maintain independence and well-being.

Example:

An artist with declining vision uses brighter colors and larger canvases to continue painting.

Retirement

Definition:

A life transition from full-time work to a period of reduced or no employment.

Context:

• Adjusting to retirement depends on financial stability, health, and social support.

• Can lead to increased leisure time but also challenges like loneliness.

Example:

A former accountant starts a small online business after retiring to stay productive.

Phases of Retirement

Definition:

Retirement is a dynamic adjustment process with multiple stages.

Phases:

1. Pre-Retirement – Planning for post-work life.

2. Retirement – Transitioning from work.

3. Contentment (Honeymoon Phase) – Enjoying newfound freedom.

4. Disenchantment – Experiencing emotional downsides like loneliness.

5. Reorientation – Redefining one’s role in retirement.

6. Routine – Settling into a new lifestyle.

Example:

A retired doctor first enjoys traveling (contentment), then feels purposeless (disenchantment), but later volunteers at a local clinic (reorientation).

Aging in Place

Definition:

The preference of older adults to remain in their own homes rather than move to specialized facilities.

Context:

• Requires home modifications for safety and accessibility.

• Offers comfort and independence.

Example:

An elderly couple installs grab bars and ramps to continue living in their family home safely.

Social Convoy Theory

Definition:

A theory suggesting that aging adults maintain social support by identifying and keeping key relationships.

Context:

• Older adults prioritize meaningful, stable connections.

• Their social network may shrink but remains emotionally significant.

Example:

An elderly woman maintains close friendships with a small group of childhood friends who provide emotional support.

Socioemotional Selectivity Theory

Definition:

A theory stating that as people age, they prioritize emotionally meaningful relationships and activities.

Context:

• Older adults focus on positive, fulfilling social interactions.

• They let go of less meaningful connections.

Example:

A retired man spends most of his time with his grandchildren and closest friends rather than casual acquaintances.

Widowhood Effect

Definition:

Increased mortality risk following the loss of a spouse, especially within the first six months.

Context:

• Can lead to emotional distress, loneliness, and health declines.

• Social support is crucial for coping.

Example:

An elderly widower experiences a decline in health and mood after losing his wife but finds support in a grief group.

Nonmarital Kinship Ties

Definition:

Relationships between older adults and family members other than spouses, such as siblings or children.

Context:

• Sibling relationships are often lifelong sources of support.

• Receiving more help from children than giving it can increase stress.

Example:

An elderly woman relies on her daughter for transportation and caregiving, sometimes feeling frustrated about losing her independence.

Primary Appraisal

Definition:

The initial stage of evaluating a situation to determine if it poses a threat, challenge, or harm.

Context:

• Involves assessing the severity and relevance of an event.

• If the event is perceived as non-threatening, no further stress response occurs.

• If it is seen as harmful, challenging, or threatening, secondary appraisal follows.

Example:

A retired man receives a medical diagnosis of high blood pressure. He first evaluates whether this condition poses a serious risk to his health.

Secondary Appraisal

Definition:

The process of evaluating available resources and deciding how to manage or respond to a perceived threat.

Context:

• Involves determining coping strategies, such as problem-solving or seeking emotional support.

• May include seeking medical advice, making lifestyle changes, or adjusting expectations.

Example:

After realizing the risks of high blood pressure, the man considers his options: taking prescribed medication, improving his diet, and exercising regularly to manage his condition.

Pre-Retirement

Definition:

The phase where individuals start planning for their life after leaving the workforce, including financial, social, and personal adjustments.

Context:

• People assess their savings, healthcare, and future lifestyle.

• Some may take pre-retirement courses or consult financial advisors.

• Emotional preparation is also important, as retirement brings major life changes.

Example:

A 60-year-old employee starts evaluating their pension plan, deciding where to live after retirement, and considering part-time work or hobbies.