Lifespan Psychology Module 10 Late Adulthood

Late Adulthood

A Look at Variations and Theories of Late Adulthood

Defining Late Adulthood

Census Categories 65-74; 75-84; 85-100; 100+

Quality of Life Optimal aging Normal aging Impaired aging

Age Structures in Society

Population Pyramids

Source: U.S. Department of Census (He et als., 2005)

Unhappy Birthday

Stereotypes of Late Adulthood

Test Your Knowledge

There are about 10 million people aged 65 and older living in the United States. True False False. There are about 38.9 million

people 65+

About half of those over 65 are in nursing homes. True False False. Of those 38.9 million, only 1.6

million live in nursing homes.

The number of people with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to increase by 2030. True False True. As more people enter late

adulthood, cases of Alzheimer’s disease will increase.

About half of people over 70 have hearing loss. True False False. About a third experience

hearing loss. Rates go to almost half for people over 85.

Theories of Aging

Integrity vs. Despair Disengagement Theory Activity Theory Continuity Theory

Continuity Jimmy Buffet John Mayall Les Paul

Variations in Aging

Health

Most report good health Most report being “very satisfied”

with their life 1.6 million of the 38.9 million over

65 are in nursing homes But 85+ on increase

Average Life Expectancy

In 1900, 47.3 In 2007:

White females 80.4 Black females 76.8 White males 75.4 Black males 70 (historic racism)

Primary and Secondary Aging

Primary Aging-inevitable changes associated with age

Secondary Aging-changes caused by illness or disease

The importance of making the distinction

Primary Aging Skin and Hair Height and

Weight Body Fat Eye Problems

8% of those over 75

Hearing Loss Almost ½ of those

over 80 ‘elderspeak’

Secondary Aging Arthritis Hypertension Heart Disease and

Stroke Diabetes Cancer Osteoporosis Alzheimer’s Disease

Why Do We Age?

Cell life Hayflick limit telomeres

Free Radical Theory Protein Crosslinking DNA damage from pollutants Decline in immune system

Late Adulthood and Exercise

How Aging Affects Memory

Sensory Register Working Memory Long-term Memory Keeping the brain healthy

Cognitive Changes in Late Adulthood

A Look At Normal and Disease Related Changes

Abnormal Loss of Cognitive Functioning Organic/Disease Related

Dementia Alzheimer’s Disease Multi-infarct dementia (MID)

Nonorganic/Preventable Causes Depression (suicide rates high) Alcoholism Mixing Medications/Overmedication Poor Nutrition

Delirium?

Psychosocial Development in Late Adulthood

A Look At Family Life, Friendship, and Work in Late Adulthood

Productivity in Late Adulthood

Work Education (Elderhostel) Volunteerism (more informal than

formal); virtual volunteering Political activism (high)

Relationships Marriage Widowhood Divorce Never Married Cohabitation (SAGE) Friendships (socioemotional selectivity

theory) Residence/Neighbors

Types of Grandparents

Remote (30 percent) Companionate (55 percent) Involved (15 percent)

Frail Elderly Number expected to increase Most cared for by friends or relatives Caregiver is typically either spouse,

daughter, or daughter-in-law

Frail Elderly in Nursing Homes

Nursing homes and basic needs Quality of life is often poor Residents lack independence “Infantilization” Psychological/social needs not met

Elderly Abuse

Financial abuse Neglect Granny dumping (100,000-200,000

annually)