Deck 23: Seciton 1: Late Adulthood: Biosocial Development

Question 1

Explain the three theories of aging.

Answer 1

There are three theories of aging that explain why no one can live forever:
1) wear-and-tear (the body wears out from use)
2) genetic clock (there is a genetically programmed time to begin aging that differs from person to person; evidence for genetic aging comes from premature aging experienced by children.)
3) cellular aging (cells stop replacing themselves and the body is no longer able to fix every cellular error; even without specific infections or stresses healthy cells stop replicating at a certain point referred to as the Hayflick limit).

Question 2

You are the head nurse of a gerontology unit in a hospital. You have been asked to prepare a workshop for new staff and clinicians about how to communicate effectively with elderly patients. Identify three specific age-related changes that might impact an elderly patient's ability to understand and follow medical advice.

Answer 2

It is essential that 1) the patient comprehend procedures. Therefore, make sure that the patient has the necessary assistance for sensory losses: 2) make sure hearing aids are in during physician rounds, 3) ensure that the patient has his or her glasses on, and 4) have follow-up instructions printed in large print for the patient to take home and follow.
In addition, staff should 5) avoid elderspeak, which may offend and actually reduce the speaker's understandability and 6) avoid engaging with a patient who is multitasking (e.g., making sure that hurried staff do not provide medication instructions to patients while they are reading an informed consent form).

Question 3

Give three examples of the ways older adults compensate for losses associated with primary aging.

Answer 3

Older adults use a variety of technological and behavioral methods to compensate for losses. Examples include 1) wearing reading glasses, 2) using hearing aids for hearing loss, 3) reading enlarged print books, 4) using closed captioning to watch TV, 5) taking additional time to complete individual tasks instead of multitasking, and 6) driving at slower speeds as reaction time slows.

Question 4

Define ageism and give an example of how it can be seen in the media.

Question 5

Define primary aging and secondary aging, and offer an example of each.

Question 6

Explain the demographic shift that has occurred in the population over the past 100 years. Provide at least three factors that help account for the demographic shift. What is the prediction for the future demographic pattern?

Question 7

Describe three ways in which elders display selective optimization with compensation in their ability to travel around town.

Question 8

You have been hired by an organization that advocates for the elderly. Explain why ageism is a concern, and why it is important to reduce it.