Socioemotional Development in Late Adulthood

Flashcards covering the key concepts related to socioemotional development in late adulthood, including cognitive decline, stereotypes, theories of aging, and personality changes.

What are the key features of early stage cognitive decline in older adults?

Memory loss, trouble finding words, mild confusion, still able to function independently but with increasing forgetfulness.

What characterizes the middle stage of cognitive decline?

Increased memory loss and confusion, difficulty with language, reasoning, and problem solving, behavioral changes, mood swings, wandering, sleep disruptions, needs help with daily tasks.

What are the symptoms of late-stage cognitive decline?

Severe cognitive decline, loss of ability to speak, walk, recognize loved ones; complete dependence on caregivers and eventually leads to death.

What treatments are available for cognitive decline?

Medications to slow the progression.

How is cognitive decline diagnosed?

Based on medical history, symptom review, cognitive testing, neurological exams, and brain imaging.

What are stereotypes of aging?

Negative beliefs oversimplifying older adults as slow, forgetful, incompetent, uninterested in learning, grumpy, lonely, or burdensome.

What impacts do stereotypes of aging lead to?

Ageism, which includes prejudice and discrimination, leading to exclusion, low self-esteem, reduced motivation, and withdrawal from activities.

What is cellular clock theory?

Theory that cells can only divide a certain number of times, leading to aging and cell death.

What does the free radical theory suggest?

Aging occurs due to unstable oxygen molecules damaging cells over time, leading to disease and aging.

What is the mitochondrial theory?

Aging results from decaying mitochondria, leading to reduced energy production and harmful by-products.

What does hormonal stress theory propose?

As a person ages, the body becomes less efficient at regulating stress hormones, weakening the immune system.

What is activity theory in the context of aging?

Older adults are happier and age more successfully when they stay active and involved in life.

What is socioemotional selectivity theory?

As people age, they prioritize emotionally meaningful relationships and experiences.

What does Selection, Optimization, Compensation entail for older adults?

Older adults adapt to losses by selecting what's most important, optimizing performance, and compensating for declines.

What occurs in personality changes in older adults?

Increased agreeableness and decreased neuroticism, with stable traits although some personality changes can continue.

What is Erikson’s Integrity vs Despair stage?

An elderly person reflects on their life and evaluates whether it has been meaningful and fulfilling.

How can older adults achieve a sense of integrity?

By making peace with the past, finding meaning in life experiences, and maintaining social and mental engagement.