PSYCH 250 1st Edition Lecture 22 Outline of Last Lecture I. Life ExpectancyII. SenescenceIII. Theories of AgingIV. Changes in MemoryV. Control ProcessesVI. Cognitive Changes in Late AdulthoodOutline of Current Lecture VII. Alzheimer’s DiseaseVIII. Erikson and Pecks Tasks of Ego IntegrityIX. Labouvie – Vief’s Theory on Emotions in Late AdulthoodX. The Life Review and Social ConvoyXI. Social Theories on AgingXII. Marriage in Late AdulthoodXIII. Relationships between Children, Grandchildren and FriendsXIV. RetirementCurrent LectureAlzheimer’s DiseaseAlzheimer’s disease is the structural and chemical breakdown of the brain that is associated with the gradual loss of thought and behavior. Alzheimer’s is present is 60% of dementia cases. The symptoms include:- Severe memory lapses- Changes in personality- Anxiety- Aggressive outbursts- Social withdrawal- DepressionAlzheimer’s occurs in five stagesStage 1 Forgetfulness and short-term memory lossesStage 2Generalized confusion and attention deficitsChanges in personality and depressionStage 3 Memory loss is dangerousStage 4Individual requires full time careCannot recognize family and friendsStage 5 Unresponsiveness and deathThere are two types of Alzheimer’s disease1. Familial: early onset, progresses rapidly, runs in families2. Sporadic: no present family historyThe onset of Alzheimer’s in affected by age, ethnicity, and gender. Women are more likely to getthe disease than men, and East Asians are the least likely. Some protective factors against the onset of Alzheimer’s are an active lifestyle, education, and a Mediterranean diet.The changes that occur in the brain are Neurofibrillary Tangles and Amyloid Plaques. These plaques are made up of a sticky protein substance.Erikson and Peck’s Tasks of Ego IntegrityErikson’s eighth and final stage is the conflict between Ego Integrity and Despair.If an individual has achieved ego integrity, they have a feeling of wholeness, completeness, and they are satisfied with their achievements. Ego integrity is associated with psychosocial maturity.However, if an individual lapses into despair, they are bitter and unable to accept their inevitable death, and may feel dissatisfaction toward the decisions they’ve made in their lives. They express this bitterness as anger and show contempt for others.Peck, a theorist who followed Erikson’s work, broke down this final conflict into a series of three tasks:1. Ego Differentiation vs. Work Role Preoccupation – after retirement, an older adult must find other avenues of fulfillment and cannot be preoccupied with their old job.2. Body Transcendence vs. Body Preoccupation – older adults cannot be preoccupied with the fact that their body is declining. They must focus on what they still have.3. Ego Transcendence vs. Ego Preoccupation – older adults should be concerned about the legacy they are leaving for future generationsThen Erik Erikson’s wife Joan Erikson developed the concept of Gerotranscendence. This concept is largely spiritual and focuses on a cosmic and transcendent perspective that is directed forward and away from oneself. Examples of this are:- Heightened inner calm and contentment among the elderly- Quiet reflection – looking back over one’s lifeLabouvie – Vief’s Theory on Emotions in Late AdulthoodThe cognitive – affective complexity declines in many individuals during late adulthood. To compensate for this, the elderly maximize their positive emotions, and minimize their negative emotions. This is Affect Optimization, and is the reason that the elderly are more optimistic. 30-40% of older adults are high in their cognitive – affective complexity and affect optimization. This makes them very resilient individuals.We also see what is known as the Positivity Effect in older adults. This is the tendency to prefer and remember positive memories and experiences rather than negative ones.The Life Review and Social ConvoyA life review is a form of reminiscence. Here, a person recalls, reflects on, and reconsiders the meanings of past experiences. These reminiscences are associated with higher self-esteem and improved life satisfaction among the elderly.The social convoy refers to a model of the changes in our social networks as we age. Think of it like a person traveling through a huge convoy of ships. This convoy is made up of family, friends,acquaintances, and strangers.The social paradox among the elderly is that research has shown that social networks and social interaction decrease in late adulthood, yet older adults are more satisfied and less depressed than younger adults.Social Theories on AgingDisengagementTheoryActivity Theory Continuity TheorySocioemotionalSelectivity TheoryElders withdraw from societySociety withdraws from the eldersIn anticipation of deathThere are social barriers that prevent engagementDecrease in activity causes a decrease in social interactionIndividuals strive to promote life satisfaction through consistency between the past and futureSocial networks become more selective (gradual)Emotional – regulation is the function of social contact****When we are younger we tend to have friends for informative purposes, and to validate that what we are doing is correct. Older adults look for friends who make them happy**Time perception plays an important role in our selection of social interactions. Social preferences in older adulthood are an adaptation to a decreasing longevity. When we feel our days are numbered, then we tend to choose social connectedness and emotional depth in our relationships.Two studies were conducted to test how the perception of time was related to social interactions. In the first study by Carsetensen and Fredericks age was held constant. Three groups of men in their 30s were asked about their social preferences. The first group was HIV negative, the second group was HIV positive without symptoms (so relatively healthy), and the third group had the full onset of AIDS and was nearing the end of the life.**The third group emphasized emotional quality of the relationship, not the quantity of social interactions**In the second study by Fung, Carstensen, and Lutz time was held constant. A group between theages of 11 and 92 were told that they had 20 years of good life left. **It was found that after hearing this, the 92 year-old’s social preferences became just as diverse as those of the 11 year old.**Marriage in Late Adulthood20-25% of