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What is the definition of life span?
The maximum number of years that a species is capable of surviving.
What is the current maximum human lifespan?
Approximately 122 years.
Who was the world's oldest living person as of February 25, 2025?
Inah Canabarro Lucas, who was 116 years and 262 days old.
What normal physical changes occur in late adulthood?
Changes in the integumentary system, nervous system, genitourinary system, endocrine system, and vital signs.
What is gerontology?
The study of aging, encompassing scientific studies and societal changes from an aging population.
Describe the aging process.
It begins at conception, leads to physiological impairment, and is a normal, inevitable, progressive process.
What percentage of our longevity is influenced by genetics according to research?
About 20%.
What are 'Blue Zones'?
Regions where people have exceptionally long lifespans, providing insights into lifestyle factors contributing to longevity.
What is meant by 'health span'?
The years of healthy life lived, not just the total years lived.
List one common myth about aging.
Most older people are senile.
List one biological theory of aging.
Free-Radical Theory.
What is Disengagement Theory?
A theory suggesting that older adults gradually withdraw from social interactions.
What is Activity Theory?
A theory postulating that staying active and engaged leads to greater satisfaction in older age.
What is Continuity Theory?
A theory suggesting that older adults will usually maintain the same activities, behaviors, and relationships as they did in earlier ages.
What are some dietary changes important for older adults?
Increased hydration, more nutrient-dense foods, and reduced sodium intake.
What is one psychological theory of aging?
Activity Theory.
How does aging affect the integumentary system?
It results in changes such as thinning skin and decreased elasticity.
What is 'pure aging'?
A term referring to the normal aging process that is not associated with disease.
Name a factor that contributes to the aging process.
Lifestyle factors.
What is a misconception about older people's productivity?
That older people are less productive than younger workers.
List one health-promotion activity important for older adults.
Regular physical exercise.
What does the research in gerontology aim to understand?
Both lifespan and health span.
What is the significance of lifestyle factors in longevity?
They influence a majority of how long we live, beyond genetic predispositions.
What does the study of aging include beyond physical changes?
Societal changes resulting from an aging population.
What role does the immune system play in the biological theories of aging?
It's theorized that the immune system may fail over time, contributing to aging.
Why is aging considered a normal process?
It is an inevitable, progressive process that occurs over time for everyone.
What are some changes associated with late adulthood developmental milestones?
Change in body image, family role, and work or leisure activities.
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