Late adulthood Flashcards
(16 cards)
· Life expectancy of Seniors in Canada
o Life expectancy has gone up over the years
o 82 years old the the average
o Women life 3-4 years longer than men
· Two periods of later adulthood and changes during each period (including some of the physical changes)
Physical Changes during young-old adulthood
Weight gain decreases in 70s
Wrinkles
Vison loss
Loss of taste and smell
Bone mass
Changes during young-old adulthood
Gradual physical changes and aging continue
Decrease in role and demands
Wisdom may compensate for cognitive decline – crystalized intelligence – vocab, etc.
Little difference from middle adulthood
Changes during old-old adulthood
Physical and mental aging accelerates (avg 77)
Life space shrinks (roles) - roles people inhabit,
Independent living (ADLs – activities of daily living – bathing, dressing, using the toilet, cooking, housework, banking, - there comes a point where people can no longer do these things)
Variability is greatest – bc its strongly linked to genes, also based on lifestyle choices throughout lifespan
Terminal decline – related to old-old group – accelerated decline in someone’s functioning (taking care of themselves) where something drops more significantly – related to nearing death – can last 2-5 years
· Benefits of physical activity
Regular physical activity has been found to maintain or improve:
§ Overall fitness level
§ Brain aging
§ Gross motor skills
§ Overall cognitive functioning
§ Executive functioning
§ Memory
§ Mental ability
Dementia
a group of neurological disorders that impact every aspect of our life, including physical, social, and emotional functioning, problems with memory and thinking
Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s is a subtype of dementia
§ Subtle memory difficulties, disorientated, confused about where they are, not able to recognize familiar objects, gradually moving to the point where they are not able to perform routine activities such as brushing teeth getting dressed, unable to communicate, can’t dress themselves, can’t feed themselves because they do not know how to, emotional outburst, clinging to people
· Process of life review. Similarities of Erikson and Butler’s Life review processes
o Past focused
o Reflective
o Philosophical
o Introspective
o Disengagement theory
§ Older adults are most satisfied when they disengage from usual activities
· Shrinkage of space
· Increase individuality
· Acceptance
o Activity theory
§ Life satisfaction involves maintaining:
· Greatest number of roles
· Highest level of involvement
o Socio-emotional selectivity theory
Considers the individual’s abilities and limitations
§ Satisfaction involves:
· Doing the activities they can
· Letting go of the one’s they cannot
· Relationship between age and life satisfaction. Why are older people happier?
o Curve in the graph (U)
o High in teens then goes down and then comes back up again at the end of life
o It takes a dip
o 40 is the lowest, 70 passes satisfaction of teenagers
o Why are older people happier?
§ A deep appreciation of the value of life
§ A feeling of fulfillment
§ A greater ability to understand and handle life’s change
§ Fewer aspirations and expectations of themselves
§ The ability to live in the present and not worry about the future
o Factors of life satisfaction
§ Adequacy of physical health
§ Quality of social relationships
- Process of life review. Butler’s Life Review
Definition:
A natural process where older adults reflect on their lives, reviewing past experiences, successes, failures, and unresolved conflicts.
Purpose:
To find meaning and coherence in life.
To resolve lingering conflicts or regrets.
To achieve a sense of integrity and peace before death.
Key Features:
Triggered often by aging or facing mortality.
Can involve storytelling, conversations, or personal reflection.
Helps individuals accept their lives, both the good and the bad.
Can lead to greater wisdom, emotional healing, and satisfaction.
Related to Erikson’s Stage:
Ego Integrity vs. Despair (late adulthood).
Why Are Older People Happier?
Why Are Older People Happier?
Emotional Regulation:
Older adults are better at managing emotions.
They focus more on positive experiences and let go of negativity.
Perspective and Wisdom:
Life experience gives them a broader view.
They value relationships, meaning, and simple pleasures over material success.
Less Stress:
Fewer work pressures, raising kids, or chasing career goals.
More time for hobbies, family, and relaxation.
Selective Optimization with Compensation:
They adapt by focusing on what they can do well, not what they have lost.
Positivity Effect:
A natural tendency to remember positive memories more than negative ones as people age.
Butler
Focuses on life review during aging.
Older adults reflect to make sense of their lives, finding meaning and resolution.
Successful life review brings peace and satisfaction; unsuccessful review can cause regret and sadness.
Life review is a natural psychological process for healthy aging.
Erikson
Focuses on the stage of Ego Integrity vs. Despair (late adulthood).
Older adults look back on life and feel either a sense of fulfillment (integrity) or regret (despair).
Success leads to wisdom and acceptance; failure leads to bitterness and despair.
Life reflection is a key psychological task for late life.
