Physical and Cognitive Development in Middle Adulthood

Question 1

What is osteoporosis?

Answer 1

Loss of calcium from bones, leading to increased fracture risk

Begins at about age 30, accelerated during menopause due to decreased estrogen and progesterone

Question 2

What can prevent osteoporosis?

Answer 2

• Getting enough calcium during early adulthood
• Regular weight-bearing exercise
• Bone mineral density test

Identifies osteoporosis before serious damage occurs

Question 3

What age increases the risk of osteoporosis in women?

Answer 3

Over age 65

For men, the risk increases over age 70

Question 4

Which gender has a higher risk of osteoporosis?

Answer 4

Women

Women have considerably higher risk than men

Question 5

How does body frame and weight affect osteoporosis risk?

Answer 5

Small body frames and being underweight or obese increase risk

Body composition plays a significant role

Question 6

What is presbyopia?

Answer 6

Normal loss of visual acuity with aging, especially the ability to focus on near objects

Deteriorates rapidly in the 40s and early 50s

Question 7

What is presbycusis?

Answer 7

Normal loss of hearing with aging, especially of high-frequency tones

Progresses more slowly than presbyopia

Question 8

What health-related quality of life (HRQL) trend is observed in middle adulthood?

Answer 8

Remains high and stable until about age 70, when it begins to decline

Includes measures of physical, mental, and social health

Question 9

What is the impact of physical activity on longevity?

Answer 9

Promotes longevity

Conversely, sedentary lifestyles increase health risks

Question 10

At what age do notable scientists typically publish their best work?

Answer 10

About age 40

Many continue to publish significant research into their 50s

Question 11

What is the general trend in cognitive tasks between middle-aged and younger adults?

Answer 11

Middle-aged adults activate a larger area of brain tissue and respond more slowly

However, they can perform equally well in intense situations

Question 12

What is the climacteric?

Answer 12

The years of middle or late adulthood when reproductive capacity declines or is lost

In men, this process is gradual compared to women

Question 13

What are the phases of menopause?

Answer 13

• Premenopausal phase
• Perimenopausal phase
• Postmenopausal phase

Each phase has distinct hormonal and physical changes

Question 14

What is the relationship between menopausal status and major depressive disorder?

Answer 14

No direct connection

Negativity may stem from overall life stressors rather than menopause itself

Question 15

What factors contribute to the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)?

Answer 15

• Diet
• Smoking
• Blood pressure
• Weight
• Cholesterol

Each factor has specific contributions to CVD risk

Question 16

What effect does smoking have on cancer risk?

Answer 16

Substantially increases the risk of lung cancer and others

The more one smokes, the greater the risk; quitting reduces risk

Question 17

What is the effect of a high-fat diet on cancer risk?

Answer 17

Linked to risks of some cancers

A high-fiber diet appears protective for some cancers

Question 18

What is the impact of exercise on bone health?

Answer 18

Reduces the rate of bone loss

Sedentary lifestyles and prolonged immobility increase risk of osteoporosis

Question 19

What is the effect of chronic conditions on sexual activity in middle age?

Answer 19

Can lead to declines in desire and frequency of sex

Factors include health, partner expectations, and mental health

Question 20

What is the significance of Type A personality in health?

Answer 20

Linked to higher levels of cholesterol and increased risk of CVD

Hostility in Type A personality is particularly risky

Question 21

What is the link between diastolic pressure above 80 and health risk?

Answer 21

Linked to higher risk

Diastolic pressure is a key component in assessing cardiovascular health.

Question 22

How does being overweight affect cancer risk?

Answer 22

Increased risk of several cancers, including breast cancer, but smaller than for heart disease

Risk is greater for those who are overweight or obese.

Question 23

What is the relationship between cholesterol levels and health risk?

Answer 23

No known risk with normal levels; clear risk with elevated low-density lipoproteins

High levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with cardiovascular disease.

Question 24

Which infections are known to increase cancer risk?

Answer 24

Certain STIs (HPV), viruses (Epstein-Barr), bacteria (Helicobacter pylori), and dysbiosis of gut microbiota

These infections can promote the occurrence and development of cancers.

Question 25

How does inactivity influence cancer risk?

Answer 25

Inactivity is associated with higher rates of some cancers; inactive adults have about twice the risk as those who exercise ## Footnote Regular physical activity is important for reducing cancer risk.

Question 26

What is episodic memory?

Answer 26

The ability to re-experience personal events ## Footnote It tends to slow with age.

Question 27

How do middle-aged adults compensate for limitations in episodic memory?

Answer 27

By using reminders and cues to help remember information ## Footnote They believe their efforts will make a difference.

Question 28

What is cardiovascular disease (CVD)?

Answer 28

A variety of physical problems, especially in the arteries ## Footnote Atherosclerosis is a key component, leading to significant blockages.

Question 29

What percentage of deaths among middle-aged adults in Canada is due to CVD?

Answer 29

18% among ages 45 to 54 and 20% among ages 55 to 64 ## Footnote CVD remains a leading cause of death.

Question 30

What are some risk factors for cancer?

Answer 30

Dietary fat, infectious agents (HPV, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis B and C, Helicobacter pylori) ## Footnote Many risk factors can be controlled, at least partially.

Question 31

What is the probability of Canadians developing cancer?

Answer 31

50% for men and 46% for women ## Footnote Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Canada.

Question 32

What did the Harvard Alumni Study find about physical activity and mortality?

Answer 32

Those more physically active in middle adulthood have lower risk of mortality ## Footnote Exercise intensity is linked to longevity.

Question 33

What characterizes a Type D personality pattern?

Answer 33

Chronic emotional distress combined with a tendency to suppress negative emotions ## Footnote Higher risk of death following a heart attack.

Question 34

What did the Framingham Heart Study identify?

Answer 34

Characteristics that predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) ## Footnote A large percentage of Canadians have CVD risk factors.

Question 35

What is the trend in mental health among Canadian adults with age?

Answer 35

Improved mental health with increasing age; self-esteem peaks around age 60 ## Footnote Many adults diagnosed with serious mental disorders in early adulthood continue to have difficulties.

Question 36

What happens to memory function with age?

Answer 36

Subjective experience of forgetfulness increases; memory demands are greater for middle-aged adults ## Footnote Cognitive training can reverse declines in memory.

Question 37

What does Denney’s model of aging and performance suggest?

Answer 37

Changes with age follow a typical curve; exercised abilities have a higher peak than unexercised abilities ## Footnote Skills not fully exercised can be improved even in old age.

Question 38

What is selective optimization with compensation?

Answer 38

Balancing gains and losses associated with aging; optimizing skills and using compensatory strategies ## Footnote Important for maintaining cognitive function.

Question 39

What is the relationship between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and gender in Canada?

Answer 39

Men are more likely than women to engage in binge drinking, with 26% of men and 15% of women reporting it ## Footnote AUD has significant physical effects during middle adulthood.

Question 40

What are some neurological deficits associated with alcoholism?

Answer 40

Problems with memory and language ## Footnote Increased risk for diseases in multiple systems.

Question 41

How does physical activity affect cognitive performance in middle adulthood?

Answer 41

Increased physical activity leads to improved cognition, including executive control processes and working memory ## Footnote Exercise interventions may improve cognition among older adults.