Late Adulthood

Changes and problems with sleep in late adulthood

-50% of older adults complain of having difficulty sleeping -may sleep problems of older adults are associated with health problems -poor sleep can result in earlier death and is linked to a lower level of cognitive functioning

What stage is the Erikson's theory of integrity vs. despair? And what is it?

-8th and final stage of development -Reflecting on the past and determining if it was positive or if life has been well spent

Signs and symptoms of ineffective coping during grieving in late adulthood

-Chronic disease (CA, HTN) -suicidal thoughts, depression, differences in sleeping patterns, low self esteem -altered functional ability -hallucination of the deceased -envy of other who have not lost a loved one, feeling bitter over the death, preoccupied with thoughts of the deceased to the point of distraction

Aspects of Erikson's Integrity vs. Despair in late adulthood and how it might manifest in late adulthood

-If they conclude with a positive outlook on life = integrity -if the older adult is not able to resolve a certain stage from their past then they may have a negative outlook on life = despair

Activity Theory

-More active an individual is the more self-perceived satisfaction one has

Characteristics of Selective optimization w/compensation theory

-Selection based on the concept that older adults have a reduced capacity and loss of functioning, which require a reduction in performance in most life domains -Optimization suggest that it is possible to maintain performance in some areas through continued practice and use of new technologies -compensation becomes relevant when life task require a level of capacity beyond the current level of the older adults performance potential (i.e memorizing new material, reacting quickly when driving a car, running fast)

Appropriate group activities for seniors in a community setting

-board games and cards -bingo -dance/exercise classes -birthday parties, musicals, story time, food centered activities -holiday programs, gardening, crafts

Changes in the expression of sexuality in late adulthood

-changes in gender roles may occur as individuals age -evidence suggest that older men may become from feminine, nurturing and sensitive -women face additional discrimination, specifically sexism with ageism

Which aspects of memory decline with age?

-episodic memory, working memory & perceptual speed, explicit memory (declarative memory), source memory

What are some of the benefits of exercise for the aging process?

-exercise is linked to increased longevity, prevention of chronic diseases, associated with the improvement in treatment of many diseases, improves cellular functioning & immune system function, can optimize body composition and reduce the decline in motor skills, reduces likelihood that older adults will develop mental health problems, improved brain and cognitive functioning

What is the Socioemotional Selective theory ?

-states that older adults become more selective about their social networks

Characteristics of the socioemotional theory?

-they place a high value on emotional satisfaction -spend more time with familiar individuals with who they have rewarding relationships -deliberately withdraw from social contract with individuals peripheral to their lives -this narrowing of social interactions maximizes positive emotional experiences and minimizes emotional risk -focuses on goals that are knowledge related and emotional

What are the three most important aspects of nutrition for late adulthood?

1. Getting adequate nutrition 2. avoiding being overweight and obesity 3. the role of calorie restriction in improving health and extending life

Percentage of adults ages > 65 that have two of more chronic health conditions

60%

When is hearing impairment most significant in older adults?

75 years and older

The most prevalent chronic health conditions in adults > 65 (see page 528)

arthritis (most prevalent) -Other chronic health conditions - HTN, hearing impairment, heart conditions, chronic sinus problems, vision impairments, orthopedic impureness of back and extremities, arteriosclerosis, diabetes

what is Selective optimization w/compensation theory?

states that successful aging depends on three main factors selection, optimization and compensation (SOC). -theory describes how ppl can produce new resources and allocate them effectively to the task they want to master

What does the phrase "Use it or lose it" mean in relation to older adults' cognitive functioning?

that changes in cognitive activity patterns result from disuse and consequent atrophy of cognitive skills

General visual changes associated with age (not eye disease)

visual acuity, color vision and depth perception declines with age.

Does the time of day affect an older adult's performance on a memory test (according to research)?

yes, bc most studies are conducted in the afternoon. approx 75% of older adults are "morning persons" who perform best early in the day