KIN 123 1st Edition Lecture 17Chapter 17: The Challenge of Aging- Normal process of development that occurs throughout life- Generating vitality as you ageo Biological aging: the normal, progressive, irreversible changes to one’s body that begin at birth and continue until deatho Psychological and social aging: more abrupt changes in circumstances and emotiono Successful aging requires preparation- What happens as you age?o Characteristics associated with aging are not due to aging at all Result of neglect and abuse of our bodies and minds- Life enhancing measures: Age Proofingo Challenge your mind Older adults who stay mentally active have a lower risk of developing dementiao Develop physical fitness Enhances both psychological and physical healtho Eat wisely Eat a varied diet full of nutrient-rich foodso Maintain a healthy weighto Control drinking and overdependence on medicationso Don’t smokeo Schedule screenings and physical examinations to detect treatable diseaseso Recognize and reduce stress- Dealing with the changes of agingo Planning for social changes Changing roles and relationships- Major feature of life Increased leisure time- Many people do not know how to enjoy their free time The economics of retirement- Financial planning should begin early in life- Adapting to Physical Changeso Hearing losso Vision changeso Arthritiso Menopauseo Osteoporosis- Handling Psychological and Mental Changeso Dementia  Severe and significant brain deterioration in early individuals These notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute.o Grief Dealing with grief and mourning Aging is associated with losso Depression Unresolved grief can lead to depression, a common problem in older adults- Aging and Life Expectancy o Life expectancy Average length of time we can expect to live In 2006, life expectancy for the total population was 78.1 years Those who reach age 65 can expect to live even longer, 18 years or more longer Women have longer life expectancy than meno America’s aging minority People 65 and over are a large minority of American population- Over 37.3 million people- About 12% of the total population in 2006- Expected to double by 2030 Social Security benefits- 90% of total income for one-third of Americans over age 65- Family and Community resources for older adultso Governmental aid and policies Social security Medicare- Pays about 30% of the medical costs of older Americans Medicaido Health care for older adults Gerontologists Geriatricians- Considering options for end of life careo Home careo Hospital-based palliative care Focuses on controlling pain and relieving suffering by caring for the physical, psychological, spiritual, and existential needs of the patiento Hospice programs Palliative care- Completing an Advanced Directiveo Any statement made by a competent person about choices for medical treatment shouldhe or she become unable to make such decisions or communicate them latero Two forms: Living will Health care proxy- Planning for Deatho Making a will A legal instrument expressing a person’s intentions and wishes for the disposition of his or her property after death- Becoming an Organ Donoro Each day about 77 people receive an organ transplant while another 19 people on the waiting list die because not enough organs are available Nearly 110,000 Americans were waiting for organ transplants as of July 2010o Uniform Donor Cardo Driver’s license