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Introduction

• Welcome to week two lecture two in the Psychology of Aging.

• Topic: Biopsychosocial changes in aging, focusing on neurobiological and physical changes across the adult lifespan.

• Acknowledgment of traditional owners of Australia and their culture.

Aging Population

• Significant demographic shift in Australia:

  • ~16% of the population (around 3.9 million people) are 65 years or older (Australian Bureau of Statistics).

  • Increased need for assistance in older populations:

    • 4 times greater cognitive/emotional assistance need for those 85+ compared to 65-84.

Importance of Studying Psychology of Aging

• Understanding developmental changes in longer life spans is essential.

• Aging is dynamic; the trajectory of development is expanding as lifespans increase.

• Aim to enhance positive experiences of aging and optimize interventions.

Perceptions of Aging

• Changing perceptions of what constitutes 'old':

  • 'Young old' (65-74), 'Old old' (75-84), 'Oldest old' (85+).

• Recognizing varied cultural perspectives on aging.

Jared Diamond's TED Talk

• Discusses societal perspectives on aging, contrasting traditional and modern societies.

  • Traditional societies often honor elderly individuals and keep them within families.

  • Variations in treatment of elderly across different societies.

  • Discusses potential usefulness of elderly and the wisdom they can offer.

Cultural Factors in Aging

• Eastern cultures often hold older adults in higher regard than western cultures.

• Contradictory research found varied perspectives and cultural attitudes towards aging.

• Importance of understanding different cultural views on aging.

Neurobiological Changes Across the Adult Lifespan

• Brain development:

  • Complete by age 25, particularly in the prefrontal cortex.

  • Increased myelination improves neural impulse speed and supports executive functions (planning, decision-making).

• Aging effects on the brain:

  • Cerebral atrophy leads to loss of neurons and connections, affecting cognitive functions.

  • Volume decreases about 5% per decade after age 40, with accelerated decline post-70.

  • Specific areas like the frontal lobe (12% loss) and hippocampus show pronounced volume loss.

• Neurotransmitter changes:

  • Decrease in neurotransmitter synthesis due to reduced enzyme activity affects mood, sleep, and cognitive functions.

  • Key neurotransmitters affected:

    • Acetylcholine (memory decline)

    • Dopamine (cognitive and motor decline)

    • Norepinephrine (alertness and sleep pattern changes)

    • Serotonin (mood changes)

Physical Health Changes With Aging

• Common physical changes include:

  • Decline in eyesight and skin elasticity; wrinkles and gray hair appear.

  • Reduction in bone mass and muscle mass; increased body fat.

  • Higher susceptibility to infections and diseases (diabetes, heart disease, arthritis).

• Activity Levels:

  • Physical activity typically declines, influenced by self-perception and societal stereotypes.

• Vicious cycle of health:

  • Decrease in physical health leads to less physical activity, further exacerbating health issues.

Increased Incidence of Falls

• Falls are significant risks, particularly for those 65+, accounted for:

  • 42% of injury hospitalizations

  • 40% of injury deaths.

• Cognitive impairment increases the risk of falling.

Impact on Health Systems

• Increased aging population leads to:

  • Higher demand for healthcare services and costs.

  • Understanding biopsychosocial changes is necessary for optimizing aging and developing interventions.

Summary of Key Points

• Importance of examining age-related changes and cultural perspectives on aging.

• Neurobiological changes and physical health declines associated with aging.

• Increased risks of falls related to age and cognitive decline impact health systems.

• Next week: Focus on changes in memory and cognition in part two of the biopsychosocial changes.