PSYC228 Unit 8

definition of lifespan

highest boundary or limit of a particular species

definition of gerontology

area of social science that studies the physical, cognitive and socio-emotional issues in later adulthood (the study of aging)

Where does Canada rank in life expectancy

Tied for 14th place

Canada average life expectancy for men vs women

81.9 for males

86 for females

Definition of a centenarian

someone who is 100 years or older

3 groups of elderly

• young old

• Old old

• Oldest old

Definition of young old

One of the elderly groups - ages between 60-75, still healthy / active / independent

Definition of old old

one of the elderly groups - ages between 75-85, beginning to have declining health

Definition of oldest old

one of the elderly groups - ages 85+, risk for illness/injury and dependent on others for assistance with daily living activities

Definition of program theory of aging

theory that aging occurs because of some predetermined internal/external chemical process built into cells that cause deterioration over time

Definition of error theory of aging

theory that aging occurs because of environmental forces such as disease that affect the function of cells - causing deterioration

Hayflick’s limit

Number of times a cell can divide during the lifespan based on predetermined number of cell divisions

• potentially telomeres after 60 divisions signalling to stop dividing once they’re too short

Telomerase in the program theory of aging

problem in the hayflick’s limit theory - since they replace telomeres in cancer patients

• possible new research as a way to longevity

Evolutionary theory of programmed cell death

assumption that natural selection influences biological processes resulting in the destruction of the organisms that dont reproduce - apoptosis

definition of apoptosis

cells programmed to self destruct - enzymes remove any damaged / deteriorating cells preventing replication

Definition of a free radical

an oxygen molecule in search of another electron due to oxidation

• destructive - attack molecules possibly affecting normal body function

Definition of oxidation

state of imbalance when an oxygen molecule loses one of its electrons during division

Free radical theory of aging

oxidative damage is aging so by consuming antioxidants, it may reduce the number of free radicals

• disagreement on causality of age and free radicals, and also for damage caused by free radicals

Genetic mutation theory of aging

when cells divide theres a chance some DNA will undergo mutation or a negative process which interferes with normal recombination - it this happens repeatedly, then cells get damaged

Definition of wear and tear theory

theory that suggests the human body ages as a result of use, overuse and environmental stressors

• certain body parts can repair themselves over time but eventually loses its ability to do this

Leading cause of death for older adults

cardiovascular disease

• due to a decrease in flexibility of veins and arteries, and diminishing efficiency of the heart muscle to pump

Definition of rheumatism

pain in the bones, ligaments , tendons or muscles not caused by accidents - leading cause of lack of mobility in the elderly

Two main types of rheumatism

• rheumatoid arthritis - autoimmune disease where body’s own immune system causes an inflammation of tissue around joints

• Osteoarthritis - skeletal joints and tissue wear down over time

Treatment for both types of arthritis/ rheumatism

most common is medication providing pain relief

• then physical therapy to increase mobility and decrease pain

• Most drastic is surgery - can realign/fuse bones or replace joints to reduce pain

Definition of osteoporosis

disruption in bone remodelling (loss or resorption) causing bonds to become brittle and weak

Definition of activities of daily living (ADLs)

necessary behavioural function of individuals in order to meet basic survival needs such as eating / dressing / elimination

• can decrease due to loss of muscle and skeletal system

Definition of selective attention

ability to attend to a particular item in the environment while inhibiting other distracting stimuli, decreases in elderly

Top down vs bottom up processing

• forming perceptions beginning with a more general idea and working toward detailed info, an executive function, declines faster

• Forming perceptions from smaller finer details then building into solid general idea, at sensory level

Finding in declining cognitive abilities

higher SES and quality of life and education show less cognitive decline

Slower cognitive decline in elderly who’re more socially engaged

What memory declines the most with age

working / short term - correlated with decrease in hippocampus activity

Episodic vs semantic memory declines

long term in general is less dramatic decline

• episodic (self related events) - follow forgetting curve

• Semantic (knowledge) - declines faster

Definition of tip of the tongue phenomenon

Feeling you know a piece of info but are unable to recall it

Definition of wisdom

accumulation of knowledge and experience along with personal insight and common sense

Definition of cataract

shading / discolouration of the lens of the eye

Definition of glaucoma

increased pressure within the eye that if left untreated can lead to serious vision problems, due to blockage restricting fluid flow

Definition of age related macular degeneration (AMD)

leading cause of vision loss for older adults - deterioration of central region of he retina causing visual difficulty

How many patients in the hospital are over the age of 65

approx 50% of patients

Definition of dementia

Loss of cognitive function, which may include language impairment, memory loss, inability to recognize familiar people or objects

Definition of vascular dementia

common dementia caused by restricted supply of blood to the brain

• 2nd most common form of dementia

definition of Lewy body dementia

Lewy bodies are structures that develop in parts of brain involved in thinking and movement - results in visual hallucinations, delusions and falling

Definition of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)

progressive form of dementia where plaques and tangles form in the brain resulting in increasing memory loss and eventually death

• most common dementia form

Rate of Alzheimer’s

1/20 Canadians over 65

¼ Canadians over 85

Nearly a quarter of Canadians

Erik eriksons 8th stage of psychosocial development

integrity vs despair - to look back and acknowledge a meaningful life or having feelings of despair/fear of uncertainty

Definition of ego integrity

accrued assurance of the ability to find order, meaning and integration in one’s life

Definition of despair

feeling that ones life lacks meaning and significance

Definition of a life review

the process of telling one’s life story structured around themes that make meaning of one’s life

Trend of the big 5 traits in late adulthood

those in social roles are higher in agreeableness and conscientiousness

Definition of life narratives

an individuals life story that reflects a sense (or lack) of unity / purpose and meaning

Definition of the activity theory of aging

Theory of aging that suggests social interaction and physical activity are indicators of successful aging

Definition of the disengagement theory of aging

theory of aging that suggests its normal and healthy for older individuals to disengage from their previous roles and to focus energy on personal development

The SOC model in older adults

successful aging is an outcome of older adults using SOC strategies to conserve resources and deploy skills to optimize their potential - and minimizing loss of ability to care for themselves

Definition of socio-emotional selectivity theory

Model of aging that focuses on diminishing social networks leading to positive emotional regulation based on the perception that there is limited time to live

How many people over 80 are still employed

only 5%

How many older north americans with careers return after retiring

Approx 15%

How many older adults chose to do volunteer work after retirement

around 40%

Atchley’s six phases of retirement

• pre retirement

• Retirement phase

• Disenchantment - feelings of sadness or restlessness

• Reorientation - revevaluate how to spend time

• Retirement routine - settle into comfort

• Termination of retirement - retirement is not relevant

Definition of social convoy

Social support network where an individual remains connected throughout the lifespan

Definition of subjective well being

a person’s perception of their general sense of psychological satisfaction

Definition of remote grandparents

grandparent - grandchild relationship where the grandparents are emotionally distant and primarily expect obedience and respect from their grandchildren

definition of companionate grandparents

grandparent grandchild relationship where the grandparents enjoy frequently entertaining their grandchildren

Definition of involved grandparents

grandparent grandchild relationship where the grandparents are often involved in daily care of the grandchildren

Definition of a beanpole family

family with members from many generations but with few members of each generation

Definition of ageism

Form of prejudice and discrimination against the elderly in the workplace/ public interactions / at home

Associations with elder abuse

family stress, financial resources, relationship between caregiver and elderly, family crisis

Definition of elder abuse

Single or repeated act / lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there’s an expectation of trust that causes harm or distress to an elderly person

3 paths of the retirement phase of the phases of retirement

• honeymoon path -indefinite vacation

• Retirement routine path - pursues hobbies more

• Rest/relaxation path - little to no activity but rest

Definition of emotional well being

state encompassing different dimensions of wellness - including autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with other, purpose in life, self acceptance

Definition of flourishing

life characterized by optimal levels of goodness, generatively, growth and resilience

Definition of languishing

opposite of flourishing - life characterized by lack of vitality and meaning

How much of the adult population is flourishing

approx 20%

4 characteristics of flourishing

• meaning / purpose

• Positive emotional life

• Contributing to lives of others

• Positive legacy

Definition of functional independence

ability to perform daily living activities safely and autonomously

Definition of assisted living residence

long term care residence that serves the dependent elderly/disabled and offers 24h protective oversight, food, shelter, and range of medical services

How many older adults live in assisted living residences

only 7.1% of Canadians

Average age in a nursing home

82

Definition of aging in place

growing older without having to move - remaining in the home

How many nursing homes operating are private in Canada

approx 44%

2 common negative emotions in older adults

loneliness and depression