1
Q
what are some common changes in vision as a result of primary aging?
A
- more sensitivity to glare
- light/dark adaptation declines
- sensitivity to glare makes it hard to adjust when it’s bright
- decrease in amount of light passing through iris makes it hard to see when it’s dark
- gradual decreasing peripheral vision
2
Q
what is presbyopia?
A
- lens’s ability to adjust and focus declines as the lens stiffens
- harder to see close objects and time it takes for eyes to adjust is longer
- most get reading glasses, but this also affects driving
- result of primary aging, affects the entire population by age 50
- process is accelerated by smoking
- blue-blocking lenses can help
3
Q
what are cataracts?
A
- clouding or opacity in the lens that results in blurred or distorted vision as the retina cannot focus images
- starts as a gradual cloudiness that grows more opaque
- most often white, but can be yellow or brown as well
- bright lights may seem to have a halo around them
- develop as a normal part of aging, cause is not known
4
Q
what is age-related macular degeneration (ARMD)
A
- caused by damage to the photoreceptors in the central region of the retina (the macula)
- there are two forms of ARMD
- “dry” - people develop drusein in the macula (yellow deposits under the retina)
- “wet” - blood vessels in retina leak blood/fluid, progresses rapidly
5
Q
what are some risk factors and prevention strategies for cataracts?
A
- obesity, high blood pressure, high glucose levels, and excess blood lipids can affect the development
- for protection, we can use blue-blocking lenses and beta-carotene and vitamin C
- can be treated and fixed with surgery, only takes an hour and vision recovers within 1-7 days
6
Q
are there any treatments for ARMD?
A
- there are no known treatments but there are preventative measures we can take
- include beta-carotene in the diet and wear protective glasses (from blue and UV light)
7
Q
what is glaucoma?
A
- group of conditions that cause blindness due to destruction of neurons leading from the retina to the optic nerve
- usually destroyed by increased pressure within the eyeball
- develops gradually and painlessly with no symptoms so it is not detected until advanced stages
- causes a loss of peripheral vision and may cause remaining vision to diminish
8
Q
are there any treatments for glaucoma? what makes a person more likely to get it?
A
- causes of some forms of glaucoma can be controlled but not cured, others are successfully treated through surgery
- is more common in men, black people, and people living in urban areas
- also more common in people who are nearsighted, have diabetes, or have a familly history of glaucoma
- arthritis and obestiy are also risk factors
9
Q
what are some common hearing problems that develop with age?
A
- presbycusis and tinnitus
10
Q
what is presbycusis?
A
- degenerative changes occur in the cochlea or auditory nerve leading from the cochlea to the brain
- receptor cells triggered by high frequency stimuli are located toward the front of the cochlea
- associated with loss of hearing of high-pitched sounds
- can result from metabolic changes that affect the tissue in the wall of the cochlea
- leads to less amplification of sound
11
Q
what are some causes of presbycusis and how can we prevent it?
A
- sensory presbycusis is the result of chronic noise exposure
- increasing age in middle to later adulthood is associated with increases in the metabolic form of presbycusis
- best way to minimize risk of developing presbycusis is to reduce exposure to noise
12
Q
what is tinnitus?
A
- individual perceives sounds in the head or ear when there is no external source
- condition can be temporarily associated with use of aspririn, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory agents
- changes in the bones of the skull due to trauma and the buildup of wax in the ears may also contribute to tinnitus
13
Q
what are some treatments of tinnitus?
A
- treatments are available but there is no cure
- hearing aids can help
- can improve ability to understand speech by using communication strategies
- looking at the person speaking, having enough light to see, turn down background noise
14
Q
how do falls and fear of falling impact older people?
A
- falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults and common cause of TBI
- fear of falling becomes an unhealthy form of identity accommodation
- increases their perceived instability, making them perhaps more physiologically unstable as well
15
Q
what are some factors that contribute to age-related vestibular dysfunction?
A
- dizziness - uncomfortable sensation of feeling light-headed and even floating
- vertigo - sensation of spinning when the body is at rest
- vestibular system is intimately connected to other parts of the nervous system
- people may experience headache, muscular aches in the neck and back, and increased sensitivity to noise and bright lights
16
Q
why do we lose muscle as we age?
A
- loss of muscle strength sometimes comes from disrupted signals between the nervous system and muscles for contraction
- another reason for muscle loss is the tendons becoming stiffer, making it harder to move the joint and exert muscular strength
17
Q
why do our bones become more fragile as we age?
A
- we lose the sex hormones responsible for controlling bone remodelling
- bone remodelling - old cells are destroyed and replaced by new cells
- loss of collagen reduces bone’s flexibility in response to pressure
18
Q
how and why do our joints change as we get older?
A
- by the 20s and 30s, the articular cartilage that protects the joints has already begun to degenerate
- fibres in the joint capsule become less pliable, reducing flexibility
- stress and repeated use cause the joints to wear out more rapidly
- lowering body fat can help take some stress off of our joints
19
Q
what is sarcopenia and how can we slow the process?
A
- progressive, age related loss of muscle tissue and strength
- process of primary aging, greater loss of fast twitch fibres (used in speed and strength)
- slowed down by strength training
- increased risks of falls and risk of physical disability
20
Q
what are some possible causes of sarcopenia?
A
- changes in hormones
- not using the muscles enough
- chronic disease
- nutritional deficiencies
21
Q
what is osteoarthritis?
A
- a condition in which the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints gradually deteriorates
- not necessarily primary aging
- more common in women
- most commonly found in the finger joints, knees, and in the spine
22
Q
what are some factors that increase the risk of getting osteoarthritis?
A
- age, as we get older we are more likely
- sex, women are more likely
- injury
- genetics
- obesity, puts more strain on joints
23
Q
what are the common symptoms of osteoarthritis?
A
- pain
- tenderness
- stiffness
- swelling
- loss of flexibility
- grating sensations
- bone spurs
24
Q
what are some possible treatments of osteoarthritis?
A
- exercise and weight control
- medications for pain management
- injections to reduce swelling
- physical and occupational therapy
- surgery
- receive an injection of a synthetic material into an arthritic joint to replace the loss of synovial fluid
- inject sodium hyaluronate directly into the joint
- replacement of the joint
25
what are ligaments and how do they change?
- **ligaments** - a short band of tough, flexible, fibrous connective tissue that connects two bones or cartilages or holds together a joint
- as we age, ligaments become less elastic → less flexible joints
- prone to damage or tearing
26
how does aging affect the way we walk?
- advancing age causes reduced gait speed and step length
- shortens because weakening calf muscles can’t flex the ankles properly
- speed of walking decreases at 70, and decrease 15% each decade
- reduced gait speed helps avoid hazards but can also be less desirable sometimes
27
why does our balance change as we age?
- people rely on pressure sensors in their legs and torso to maintain balance
- we reach optimal stability between ages 30 and 60
- we require hearing and vision to maintain balance
- stairs are a challenge because of leg pains, fear of falling, and slow gait
28
how do hip fractures affect the older population, especially women?
- almost 50% of women will experience an osteoporatic fracture
- most of them are hip fractures which are the most dehabilitating
- hip fractures increase the risk of dying in the next year by 3x
- due to the lack of movement and mobility and nutrition while healing
29
what is osteoporosis?
- a disease characterized by low bone mass (amount) and deterioration of bone tissue (quality)
- happens due to an imbalance between the rates of bone resorption and bone growth
- peak bone bass happens with 18-25
- it’s known as the “silent thief” - bone deterioration happens over time with no symptoms until a bone break happens
30
what is the prevalence of osteoporosis in women and what are some possible causes?
- 50% of all women will develop osteoporosis
- 1 in 3 women will break a bone from osteoporosis
**causes**
- less bone mass compared to men
- greater rate of bone density decreases
- insufficient dietary calcium during developmental years
- less weight bearing activities in developmental years
- low levels of estrogen, especially following menopause
31
what is the prevalence of osteoporosis in men?
- 1 in 5 men will break a bone from osteoporosis
- 37% who suffer a hip fracture will die within 1 year
32
what are some of the general risk factors for osteoporosis?
- genetics (account for 70% of bone mineral content in adulthood)
- previous falls and broken bones
- smoking
- drinking more than 3 drinks a day
- certain medications
- where you live; demarcations between seasons, ethnicity
33
what medications can affect bone regeneration?
- alendronate has worked but can have side effects; bone loss in the jaw
- calcitonin may also be given to help regulate calcium and bone metabolism
- intake of dietary silicon can help promote bone regeneration
34
what ethnicities have a higher likelihood of developing osteoporosis?
- european women are at higher risk
- in general, european and asian people are at the highest risk and black and hispanic people are the least
35
how can we prevent the development of osteoporosis?
- assessment 65+ (bone density tests, x-rays)
- assessment 50+ if you have a broken bone
- only done if a bone usually would not have broken under that circumstance
- calcium and vitamin D intake - especially important in development
- weight bearing and muscle strengthening exercises
- avoiding smoking and alcohol
36
what is the prevalence in falls in older people?
- 1 in 4 north american residents report falling at least once each year
- rates of falling increase with age and poor health
- rates increase for those living in nursing homes
- but, those admitted to nursing homes are usually frail to begin with
- about 5% require hospitalization (usually shoulder, wrist, or hip fractures)
- about 50% of hospitalized live beyond a year
- unintentional injuries are the fifth leading cause of death for elderly
37
what are some common causes for falls?
- accidents - environment related (individual has a difficult time navigating the environment)
- difficulties with walking gait or balance
- dizziness, vertigo, faiting, drop attacks
- postural hypotension - when a person’s blood pressure drops after getting up from sitting
38
what are some individual risk factors of falling?
- muscle weakness
- balance deficit
- walking gait deficit
- mobility limitations
- vision problems
- postural hypotension
39
what is the prevalence of fear of falling among older men and women?
- majority of men don’t have much of a fear of falling
- women are more commonly afraid of falling
- could be because of increased osteoporosis in women or because of men’s increased balance compared to women
40
how does fear of falling affect older people psychologically and physically?
- those who were very fearful of falling were more isolated (socially and physically), less satisfied with life and more depressed mood
- felt much more frail
- were more likely to have previous falls
- those with FOF are more likely to report subsequent difficulties with walking
- FOF decreases likelihood of exercise which increases chances of falling
41
how can we help prevent falls?
- identify and eliminate environmental risks in residence
- screening and treatment of gait and balance function problems (assistive devices)
- strategies for dealing with orthostatic hypotension
- exercise program focused on strength and balance
- review and modify medication
42
according to mayo clinic, what are some strategies for reducing falls?
1. make an appointment with your health care provider
2. keep moving
3. wear sensible shows
4. remove home hazards
5. light up your living space
6. use assistive devices
43
how and why does our height change as we age?
- stable until the 50s
- females lose about 2 inches
- males lose about 1 inch
- lose height due too postural changes and spinal compression
- bone strength decreases (osteoporosis) and vertebral disc changes
44
how and why does our weight change?
- we have gains then losses across adulthood
- start to have losses around 55 years old
- we usually put on 1-2 pounds per year
- weight gain tends to be in men’s abdomen and women’s hips
- in older age we experience weight loss because of loss of muscle, bone, and some fat
45
how do we determine who is obese and what are rates of obesity like in Canada?
- look at BMI to determine categories of weight
- rates of obesity in Canada have been steadily increasing, much like other countries
- canada is ranked 7th in levels of obesity
- rates of obesity per age group follows the same trend as levels of overall weight gain and loss as we age
46
what is excess body weight associated with?
- increased number of fatal and non-fatal diseases
- negative effects on longevity, disability-free life-years, quality-of-life, and productivity
- impact on close others
- overall burden on economy and health care systems
- increased rates of diabetes, heart disease, cancer
47
how does the texture of our skin change as we age?
- **epidermis** - outermost layer of the skin that covers and protects the underlying tissue loses regular patterning over time
- **dermis** - middle layer of the skin that is made of connective tissue (includes nerve cells, glands, and hair follicles) has changes in two types of proteins
1. **collagen** undergoes cross-linking, skin becomes rigidified and less flexible
2. **elastin** becomes less able to return to it’s original shape after being stretched
- skin is no longer able to return to its original state of tension and begins to sag
- sebaceous glands that provide oils that lubricate the skin become less active
48
how does the colour and opacity of our skin change as age?
- **subcutaneous fat** - bottommost layer of skin, gives skin opacity and smoothes curves of arms, legs, and face
- starts to thin in middle adulthood
- skin colouring also changes, most visibly in fair-skinned people
- **age spots/lentigo senilis** - areas of brown pigmentaiton show up on the skin
- also develop moles and angiomas (elevations of blood vessels on skin surface)
- **photoaging** - age-related changes in the skin due to radiation from the sun
- sun’s rays accelerate the process of cross-linking
49
how do our nails change as we age?
- nails grow more slowly, may become yellowed, thicker, and ridged
- many older adults develop fungal infections in their toenails
- medications and lack of mobility affect caring for feet and lower extremeties
50
how do our bones, cartilage, and teeth change our appearance as we age?
- changes in the face are also due to bone loss in the skull (jaw)
- changes in the cartilage of the nose and ears cause them to become longer
- loss of enamel surface in teeth leads to them becoming yellow
51
how does our hair change as we age?
- when the production of melanin slows, the number of pigmented hairs diminish and the number of hairs that are no longer pigmented increased
- hair loss results from the destruction of the germination centres that produce the hair in the hair follicle
- hair may appear in more undesirable areas; chin on women, the ears on men
52
what is androgenetic alopecia?
- hair loss that occurs according to a pattern
- affects 95% of men and 20% of women
- causes hair follicles to stop producing long, thick, pigmented hair (terminal hair)
- instead produces short, fine, unpigmented, and largely invisible (vellus hair)
53
what are the main areas of change in the face?
- eye develop bags and lines (crows feet)
- skin becomes pigmented
- ears and nose become elongated as cartilage changes
- bone loss in the skull, especially the jaw
- muscles of the face are less active
54
what are some factors that influence body image as we age?
- sociocultural norms
- gender identity
- social class
- sexual orientation
55
how do sociocultural norms affect our body image?
- young, slim, healthy, toned, and wrinkle-free appearances are valued compared to…
- old-looking bodies & faces
- women should look young, men should look strong and competent
56
how do women and men value appearance vs. function differently as we age?
- women are more concerned about their appearance while men are more concerned about their function
- concerns for appearance decline for both men and women as they age
- satisfaction with body function and appearance increases as people become even older
- global & appearance related self-esteem increases as men & women age
- men’s body function is more strongly related to depression and +/- feelings than women
- women’s appearance more strongly related to depression
57
how does socioeconomic status affect women's body image and importance of appearance?
1. **spending power** - increases in income → greater investment into appearance practices
2. **time horizons** - working class focus on short term investment in appearance, upper class focus on long term investement and inner beauty
- makeup, clothes and jewellery vs. posture, physical activity, speech, nutrition
3. **means for social distinction** - lower SES think appearance does not impact social distinction, higher SES are concerned more with appearance for social distinction
58
how does sexual orientation affect women's body image and importance of appearance?
**Heterosexual women**
- 63% described themselves as ‘‘fat,’’ ‘‘overweight,’’ ‘‘too heavy’’ or ‘‘concerned about getting fat,’’, all of which felt ‘‘bad’’ about aging or themselves because of their weight
- 79% dyed greying hair
**Lesbians**
- 73% wanted to lose weight
- 73% didn’t associate sense of self with body weight
- 27% dyed greying hair
- differences emphasize relationship between femininity, appearance, and heterosexuality
59
how do young gay men compare to heterosexual men in their body image?
young gay men..
- report greater feelings of body dissatisfaction
- are less likely to have a positive body image
- are less likely to be at a desirable weight
- engage in more disordered eating
- are more likely to aspire to a more muscular physique
60
what are some trends for plastic surgery based on age, sex, and ethnicity?
- number of plastic surgeries has increased for people older than 20
- there has been an increase in plastic surgery for females and a decrease for men
- it is most common for caucasian people to have plastic surgery, followed by hispanics, african americans, and asian americans
61
how does the cardiovascular system change as we age?
- left ventricle is the chamber that pumps oxygenated blood out to the arteries, it’s performance is key to the efficiency of the system
- the walls of the left ventricle lose their ability to contract enough to accomplish an efficient distribution of blood through the arteries
- arteries accommodate less blood flow because fats circulating through blood form hard deposits called plaque
62
what is cardiovascular efficiency dependent on?
- **aerobic capacity** - maximum amount of oxygen that can be delivered through the blood
- **cardiac output** - amount of blood that the heart pumps per minute
- aeorbic capacity declines about 5-10% per decade
63
what are the different types of cholesterol and how do they affect us?
- **high-density lipoproteins (HDLs)**, good cholesterol, transport lipids out of the body
- **low-density lipoprotiens (LDLs)**, bad cholesterol, transport cholesterol to the arteries
- measures of an individual’s cholesterol levels reflect the ratio of HDLs and LDLs
- blood levels of triglycerides reflect the amount of fat stored in the body’s cells
- cholesterol and lipid metabolism is very important, exercise can be beneficial
64
how does the respiratory system change as we age?
- as we age, the respiratory muscles lose the ability to expand and contract the chest wall, lung tissue is less about to contract and expand
- by age 40, all measures of lung functioning in adulthood tend to show age-related losses
- losses are more severe in women
65
what is lung age and why is it important?
- **lung age** - mathematical function showing how old your lung is based on a combination of your age and forced expiratory volume
- individuals can determine how much they are placing themselves at risk by engaging in behaviours such as smoking
66
how does the urinary system change as we age?
- as we age there is a change in blood flow through the kidneys and a decrease in the ability to raise and lower the urine’s concentration
- aging can also make the elasstic tissue of the bladder no longer able to retain or expel urine efficiently
- many men experience hypertrophy (enlargement) of the prostate which puts pressure on the bladder
67
what is urge incontinence and stress incontinence? how can they be treated?
- **urge incontinence** - individual experiences a sudden need to urinate and may even leak urine
- **stress incontinence** - individual is unable to retain urine while engaging in some form of physical exertion
- a condition related to urge incontinence is overactive bladder; need to urinate more frequently than ntomal
- treatment includes medication, exercise, and behavioural control
68
how does the digestive system change as we age?
- saliva production decreases with age which can lead to difficulties in eating and less efficient processing of food
- esophogus is less able to contract and expand as food moves down into the stomach
- fewer gastric juices are secreted and digestive products leave more slowly
69
how can fetal incontinence be controlled and why does digestive health change?
- **fecal incontinence** can be controlled with behavioural changes and amount of fibre in the diet
- lifestyle factors that change in middle and later adulthood contribute to overall digestive health
- families typically become smaller as children move out of the home
- financial resources may decrease when people retire
- age‐related mobility and cognitive problems can make cooking a more difficult task
70
how does smell change as we age? what contributes to these changes?
- the area of the olfactory epithelium shrinks with age and the total number of receptors becomes reduced throughout the adult years
- 13% of 60‐ to 69‐year‐olds and 39% of those 80 and older showing some form of olfactory dysfunction
- potential contributors are: a history of smoking, sinus problems, certain medications, and chronic disease
71
how does taste change as we age?
- dentures are another cause of loss of taste sensitivity because they may block the receptor cells of the taste buds
- older adults often experience an increase in detection ability for sour and bitter tastes
- makes them prefer sweet and salty foods
72
how does touch change as we age?
- changes in the receptors under the skin cause an inability to discriminate touch as we age
- loss of touch sensitivity in the hands is greater for men than for women
- changes in touch sensitivity in the feet can contribute to difficulties with balance
73
how does our sensation of pain change as we age?
- chronic back pain is exacerbated by osteoarthritis in the hip
- experience of pain can also interfere with cognitive performance
- pain can be hard to detect in older people with major cognitive impairments
- symptoms of benign pain may diminish along the aging process because they become used to daily aches and pains of bones, joints and muscles
- cohort factors may interact with ages changes to alter the likelihood that complaints about pain will be expressed
- obesity is highly associated with chronic pain, even after controlling for education and related conditions like diabetes, arthritis, and depression
PSYC 322
flashcards
Decks in class (14)
# Cards
-
1. Themes and Issues in Aging25
-
2. Models of Development34
-
3. Research Methods in Aging28
-
4. Physical Changes73
-
5. Longevity and Health82
-
6. Basic Cognitive Function52
-
7. Higher Order Cognitive Function37
-
5.2. Alzheimer's34
-
8. Personality21
-
9. Relationships53
-
10. Retirement68
-
12. Long-Term Care32
-
13. Death and Dying43
-
14. Successful Aging45
