Notes on Physical Development in Late Adulthood

Physical Development in Late Adulthood

• Age Defined: Late adulthood is recognized as the age from 65 onwards.

Physiological Changes

• Sarcopenia and Osteoporosis:
  • Sarcopenia: Loss of muscle mass and strength, impacting mobility.
  • Osteoporosis: Loss of bone density, leading to spinal changes and height loss.
  • Typical posture: Slumped shoulders, hunched neck, tilted pelvis.
  • Observational signs: Older adults often appear shorter as their vertebrae fuse.
  • Example: Shuffle walking due to loss of flexibility and joint stability.

Importance of Exercise

• Preventing Muscle and Bone Loss:
  • Strength training is crucial; older adults can begin with light weights (e.g., 2-pound dumbbells).
  • Walking and light activities can significantly enhance mobility and strength.
  • Tai Chi is also recommended for balancing and flexibility.

Skin and Body Composition Changes

• Skin Development:
  • Appearance of age spots; skin texture changes to resemble crepe paper due to collagen loss.
  • Skin cancer risk increases significantly in this age group.
• Body Composition:
  • Changes from approximately 33% muscle and 20% fat earlier in life to less muscle and more fat around age 75.

Brain Development

• Brain Shrinkage:
  • The brain physically decreases in size; less mass due to neuron and axon shrinkage.
  • Myelin Sheath Loss: Slower nerve impulse transmission leading to reduced reaction time and coordination.
  • Importance of maintaining cognitive exercises like puzzles to build a cognitive reserve.
  • Higher education and income correlate with better cognitive reserves and lower dementia risks.

Cognitive Function and Exercise Connection

• Hippocampal Volume Study:
  • Exercise linked to health improvements in older adults, specifically in memory via hippocampal volume enhancement.
  • Aerobic exercise shows more significant benefits than stretching alone.

Sleep Issues in Older Adults

• Sleep Difficulties:
  • Often become less active during the day, leading to nighttime wakefulness.
  • Solutions include avoiding caffeine after noon and engaging in regular conversations or activities to combat daytime lethargy.

Sensory Changes

• Vision:
  • Continued reduction in vision abilities; lenses harden, become yellowish, and can also develop cataracts.
  • Common eye conditions: Cataracts (cloudy vision), Glaucoma (increased pressure leading to blindness), Macular Degeneration (loss of central vision).
• Hearing Loss:
  • Significant loss of hearing; contributes to reluctance in social participation.
  • Hearing aids are often rejected due to pride or stigma.
• Smell and Taste:
  • Diminished sense of smell and taste can lead to decreased food enjoyment and safety issues (e.g., spoiling food).

Challenge in Motion and Injury

• Balance and Stability Concerns:
  • Changes in perception and joint instability contribute to falls and injuries.
  • Often withdraw from activities due to fear of falling.
  • Effective interventions include yoga and balance exercises to enhance stability.
• Neuropathy Issues:
  • Diminished feeling in extremities can lead to unnoticed injuries and chronic pain elsewhere.

Conclusion and Tips for Support

• Continuous Engagement:

  • Involvement in activities; regular physical activity to maintain mobility and mental health.
  • Supporting older adults in staying active, trying new things can yield significant health benefits.

• Future Discussions:

  • Next class will delve into cognitive development and how relationships evolve in late adulthood. Expect discussions about lifespan versus life expectancy.