Developmental Psychology

Achieve Test Prep: Developmental Psychology

o Digestion and absorption slow o Adjustments often have to be made in order to maintain daily functioning

Health Problems of Late Adulthood: During late adulthood, there is an increase of incidence of chronic disease. The most common chronic diseases are arthritis and hypertension. There is also an increase of acute disease among this age range, with the most common acute illnesses being heart attack and stroke. Women have higher rates of chronic disease during late adulthood, while men have higher rates of heart disease. Regardless of gender, the leading causes of death during this age period are heart disease and cancer. Death from infectious disease rises during this age. The increase of disease is most likely due to immune-senescence, the slowing of the immune response. Heart disease is not typically a result of the aging process, although cardiac processes lose efficiency due to chronological age. The significant factors to increase the risk of cardiac disease are lack of exercise, smoking, poor diet, and high blood pressure. Cancer is responsible for approximately 25% of deaths among the elderly. There are numerous risk factors for cancer. Cancer begins before there are visible symptoms. Immuno-senescence increases the likelihood of cancer. There are two areas of significant importance during late adulthood: - Nutrition o Vitamin and mineral needs increase with age, while caloric requirements decrease with age  Elderly individuals need to ingest more nutrients with less calories o Aging cells hold water less efficiently, requiring more water o The elderly need to continue to exercise to keep multiple body systems healthy - Sexual Activities

o There is generally no biological imperative to suddenly end sexual activity o While there may be a decline in sexual activity, many individuals still have a healthy sex life into late adulthood o Approximately 70% of individuals in late adulthood continue sexual activity

Aging Theories:

1. Wear and Tear Theory

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