PSYC 210CHAPTER 23 NOTESAgeism- In broad terms, ageism refers to the categorization of people solely on the basis of their age. - The United States is focused on youthfulness and has tended to segregate the age groups, especially older from the younger. - With the ever rising population of boomers (who are approaching late adulthood), we are beginning to see many much needed changes. It appears that the next generation will redefine "old age." - "Young-old" refers to the majority of elderly who are mostly healthy and active. - "Old-old" refers to those who suffer major physical, mental, or social losses. - Gerontology is the study of old age. - Only 1 out of 20 older adults is a nursing home resident.The Aging Process- Irreversible changes over time are referred to as primary aging. - Changes due to conditions or illness are called secondary aging. - Appearance changes: skin gets drier and thinner, age spots appear, hair grays and thins. - Older persons grow shorter with the compressing of the vertebrae. - Body weight may lower, due to loss of muscle. - Eye problems may develop. Hearing loss can hamper daily living. - Cataracts = lens of eye thickens, clouds the vision. - Glaucoma = eyeball hardens with fluid build-up. - Macular degeneration = deterioration of the retina (leading cause of blindness in the elderly. - Individual health is dependent on genetic factors, present and past lifestyle and one's outlook on life.Theories of Aging- Wear and Tear: This theory states that the longer we use our bodies, the more they run down and deteriorate. Yet we also know that physical exercise helps us maintain function. Page 1 of 2PSYC 210- Metabolic Waste: This theory suggests that waste accumulation on our body cells is a symptom of aging. - Autoimmunity: This theory deals with biologic aging. Our systems begin to reject our own tissues. It self-destructs or operates against itself. Examples: heart disease, diabetes,and cancer. - Collagen Theory: Theory that fibrous proteins thicken, causing aging. - Mutation Theory: Theory that our cells begin to change; faulty genetic transmissions cause cells reproduction to mutate.Page 2 of
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