Module 9

Chapter 15 Physical and Cognitive Development in Late Adulthood

Life Span

The upper boundary of life, which is the maximum number of years an individual can live. The maximum life span of human beings is about 120 to 125 years of age.

Life expectancy

The number of years that will probably be lived by the average person born in a particular year.

Centenarians

people who have reached the age of 100 years or older

Evolutionary Theories of Aging

The view that natural selection has not eliminated many harmful conditions and nonadaptive characteristics in older adults.

Cellular Clock Theory

Leonard Hayflick's theory that the maximum number of times human cells can divide is about 75 to 80. As we age, our cells become increasingly less capable of dividing.

Free-radical theory

A theory of aging proposing that people age because normal cell metabolism produces unstable oxygen molecules known as free radicals. These molecules ricochet around inside cells, damaging DNA and other cellular structures.

Mitochondrial theory

The theory that aging is caused by the decay of mitochondria, tiny cellular bodies that supply energy for function, growth, and repair.

Sirtuins

A family of proteins that have been linked to longevity, regulation of mitochondrial functioning in energy, potential benefits of calorie restriction, resistance to stress, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.

mTOR Pathway

A cellular pathway involving the regulation of growth and metabolism that has been proposed as a key aspect of longevity.

Hormonal Stress Theory

The theory that aging in the body's hormonal system can lower resilience under stress and increase the likelihood of disease.

Cataracts

Thickening of the lens of the eye that causes vision to become cloudy and distorted.

Glaucoma

Damage to the optic nerve because of the pressure created by a buildup of fluid in the eye.

Macular Degeneration

A disease that involves deterioration of the macula of the retina, which corresponds to the focal center of the visual field.

Arthritis

Inflammation of the joints that is accompanied by pain, stiffness, and movement problems; this condition is especially common in older adults.

Osteoporosis

A chronic condition that involves an extensive loss of bone tissue and is the main reason many older adults walk with a marked stoop. Women are especially vulnerable to osteoporosis.

Explicit Memory

Memory of facts and experiences that individuals consciously know and can state.

Implicit Memory

Memory without conscious recollection; involves skills and routine procedures that are automatically performed.

Episodic Memory

The retention of information about the where and when of life's happenings.

Semantic Memory

A person's knowledge about the world, including a person's fields of expertise, general academic knowledge of the sort learned in school, and "everyday knowledge."

Wisdom

Expert knowledge about the practical aspects of life that permits excellent judgment about important matters.

Dementia

A global term for any neurological disorder in which the primary symptoms involve a deterioration of mental functioning.

Alzheimer Disease

A progressive, irreversible brain disorder characterized by a gradual deterioration of memory, reasoning, language, and eventually physical function.

Parkinson Disease

A chronic, progressive disease characterized by muscle tremors, slowing of movement, and partial facial paralysis.

Chapter 16 Socioemotional Development in Late Adulthood

Erik Erikson's Integrity vs Despair

Erikson's eighth and final stage of development, which individuals experience in late adulthood. This involves reflecting on the past and either piecing together a positive review or concluding that one's life has not been well spent.

Activity Theory

Theory that the more active and involved older adults are, the more likely they are to be satisfied with their lives.

Socioemotional Selectivity Theory

The theory that motivation changes as a function of time horizons. When time horizons are limited, as they are in late adulthood, there is a shift toward priorities that favor emotional meaning and satisfaction. Older adults become more selective about their social networks.

Selective optimization with compensation theory

The theory that successful aging involves three main factors: selection, optimization, and compensation.

Ageism

Prejudice against people because of their age, especially prejudice against older adults.