Late Adulthood

Gains & Losses

Gains & Losses

Continuity Theory
G

Growth Maintenance Regulation of loss

ro w

th

ce an of en on t i n i t a la M gu Re ss Lo

Social Trends for Older Adults

Life expectancy 76.7 1 in 89 Older Adult in 1999

In 2050: 1 in 5

Age 85+ fastest growing group Women Poverty Increased education Mental disorders Health impairment

People of color

Physical Changes

Mobility
Muscle/ bone strength Joint functioning Pain

Cardiovascular functioning Respiratory system Digestive system

Sensory
Energy Hearing Sight Taste

Cognitive Declines
Fluid

intelligence speed

Terminal Drop/ Decline

Processing Memory

Sensory register STM

Reaction Internalized

time stereotypes

Dementia/ AD
Dementia Severe cognitive impairment Extreme memory loss Disorientation

Alzheimers Disease 1% in 65 year olds

20% in 80 year olds

Dementia w/ language deficits Plaques & tangles Early vs. Late onset 5 Stages

Psychosocial Factors

Time of transition
Health Roles Occupation Housing Social support
Loss

Transportation Financial Economic position Marriage

Functioning

of friends and other support

of spouse Divorce

and loss

Sexuality

Perceived control

Well-being in Late Adulthood

Erikson

social witness to human condition Seeking to integrate experiences

Maslow

More likely to reach selfself-actualization

Self-Determination Theory
Autonomy Competence Relatedness

Identity Theory
I

know who Ive been, but who am I now? Identity assimilation Identity accommodation

Selective Optimization with Compensation

Selection Optimization Compensation Control

strategies:

Primary Secondary

Selective Optimization of SocioSocio-Emotional Experience

Selective

social network Emotional experiences

Increase emotional regulation Positive maintained Negative reduced Complexity increased

Life Review
Increased

reflection Integration of life experiences Connect past with future

Valuation

theory

Self
Process Organization

Wisdom
Broad,

practical, comprehensive approach to lifes problems

Rich factual knowledge Knowledge about pragmatics of life Contextual approach Acceptance of uncertainty Recognition of individual differences

Activities that Promote Healthy Aging

Exercise Nutrition Mental

and Physical Activity

Health

Social support Education SelfSelf-efficacy

Social

Connections