Developmental Psychology

10.3 Physical Changes of Late Adulthood Let’s look at some of the physical changes that happen during late adulthood. • General Aging o There are apparent physical changes occurring o Tissue and organs typically change o Skin, hair, and the shape of one’s body will change o An individual’s bones will weaken, and one may lose weight o There is some slowing of one’s behavior • Sleep Pattern Changes o Changes in the central nervous system occur, leading to changes in sleep o The number of hours of sleep needed do not change during this stage o REM sleep remains the same o When people get older, they will begin to sleep less soundly • Changes in the Senses o Vision  80% of elderly individuals need corrective eye wear (contacts or glasses)  10% of elderly individuals do not need corrective eye wear  10% may have one of the following eye conditions • Presbyopia: Common elderly affliction • Senile Macular Degeneration which is the deterioration of the retina o This affects 1 out of 6 people after the age of 24 o There is an increased change of the individual developing diabetes o Hearing  1/3 of the population are affected by hearing problems  When hearing problems occur, most people do not seek medical attention  A stigma is used against using aids that help with hearing, usually because it is consistent with old age • Other System Changes o As a person ages, there will be bodily systems that won’t be as efficient o A person’s heart will begin beating slower o A person’s lungs will lose the elasticity on the membrane wall, and will lose capacity o Sexual desires and responses will slow down o A person’s digestive system will slow down and create slower absorption o Many elderly individuals will end up having to adjust their life to maintain daily functioning

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