Psychology of Aging exam 1

hyperborean myth

A mythological narrative originating from ancient Greece that describes a utopian land inhabited by the Hyperboreans, a race believed to live beyond the North Wind, characterized by perpetual happiness and longevity. (magic place no one ages)

antediluvian myth

A narrative relating to a time before the Great Flood, often associated with the biblical account of Noah. These myths describe a civilization characterized by remarkable longevity and wisdom, existing in a paradisiacal state.

fountain of youth myth

A legendary spring that supposedly restores the youth of those who drink or bathe in its waters, representing the human desire for immortality and the quest to reverse aging.

stereotypes of older adults

grumpy, sad, crabby, all the same, go to nursing home, sick, asexual, afraid of death/anxious, bad/cheap tippers

chronological age

the measure of the time that has passed since a person's birth, typically expressed in years, months, and days

biological age

how well our body systems work

psychological age

how age feels, psychological maturity, individual’s cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence, social skills, and interests, regardless of their actual chronological age

social age

how people think you are, how mature a person is in terms of their interpersonal skills, fufilling different social roles

functional age

what can you do? reflects an individual’s physiological, psychological, and social capabilities, distinguishing it from chronological age

what is successful aging?

functional age < chronological age

young old

65-70 years old

middle old

75 to 90 years old

old-old

over 90 years of age

gerontology

scientific, multidisciplinary study of aging and special issues pertaining to older adults

geriatrics

medical specialty focused on the health care pf older adults, emphasizing person-centered care to improve their quality of life and manage multiple chronic conditions

senescence

the process of deterioration with age/gradual deterioration of functional characteristics in living organisms

life expectancy at birth

average number of years that a newborn is expected to live

life expectancy at specific age

average remaining number of years a person of a specific age is expected to live, based on morality rates

life expectancy maximum life span

greatest age reached by any member of a given population or species

factors affecting life expectancies

gender, race/ethnicity, social economic status, resources (lifestyle), culture, history

demography

statistical study of large population

3 demographic examples of the “graying of America”

2030: 65+ years, 2050: 1 in 4 people 65+ will be 85+, 2080: 19 million centenarians

role theory

Occupation throughout life → work role. everything revolves around this role. the role determines our resources available to us in old age

age stratification theory

society specific task that are “age specific” roles

3 P’s

permissions → privileges, proscriptions → must not do, prescriptions → must do

activity theory

activity is the essence of all human life. busier = happier, positive correlation in aging

disengagement theory

natural & inevitable for older people to retreat from workforce & social commitments, leaving room for young people to take their place, mutually beneficial

qualitative research

observation → notes on people natural setting

quantitative research

numbers driven/survey driven

cross sectional studies

research between several different age groups & ask them the same questions

compare young → middle → old to men→ women; different subgroups

longitudinal study

examine same group of people over the same period of time, costly over time

disengagement theory

natural & inevitable for the older people to retreat from workforce & social commitments, leaving room for young people to take their place

subculture aging theory

older people are a subgroup not minority (subgroup share common interests & experiences in a similar role change)

feminist theory

recognizes race, class, and gender as primary organizing principles of power

continuity theory

roles we play in life are our self-concepts

exchange theory

principles that individuals & groups act to maximize rewards & minimize cost in relationships, career, and other major life decisions

critical gerontology theory

examines how social structure and power dynamics shape aging, advocating for equitable and dignified experiences across the lifespan

active role

children are actively exploring their world and construct new ways of thinking

passive role

children are more influenced by their environment

internal development

long term goals and objectives that drive organizational transformation, skills and capabilities within organization that affect performance and adaptability

external influences

rapid changes in technology necessitate updates and adaptation, changes in consumer tastes and preferences can drive the need for organizational adjustments, legal and economic facts that impact business operation strategies

Freud’s psychosexual stage theory of development

carl jung’s mid-life shift to balance

life course/life span perspective

abraham maslow’s hierarchy of needs

erik erikson’s psychosocial stage theory of development

loevinger’s ego development theory

who makes the list for sigmund freud’s psychosexual stage theory of development

carl jung’s view of maturity: attitudes & functions

erik erikson’s 8 stages & epigenetic principle

jane loevinger ego: 8 stages of ego development

abraham maslow’s hierarchy 5 needs

pyramid inverted for older adults

Paul & Margaret Baltes’s life-course/lifespan perspective