Developmental Psychology
Lecture 21
12-11-00
Old Age, Dying, & Death: Outline
Cognitive changes
Theories of aging
Adaptation
Elderly abuse
Successful aging
Conceptions of death
Preparation for death
Cognitive Changes
Loss of sensory acuity
Reduced STM
Explicit memory loss > implicit memory loss
Reduced executive control processes
Types of Dementia
Multi-infarct dementia (MID)
Subcortical dementias
Parkinson’s diseasse
Multiple sclerosis
Infections, e.g., mad-cow disease, alcoholism
Reversible dementia
Overmedication
Depression, anxiety
Alzheimer’s Disease
Nerve fiber tangles and plaques
Reduced neurotransmitters
Loss of recall memory
Genetic basis (apoE4)
Stages of Alzheimer’s
Absent-mindedness
Loss of concentration, memory, & vocabulary; aimless speech
Debilitating memory loss
Cannot communicate or care for themselves
Completely mute & non-responsive
All 5 stages may take 10-15 years
Factors Leading to Memory Problems
Neural/organic
Knowledge
Strategies
Metamemory
Affect & anxiety
Biological Theories of Aging
Wear and tear - not accurate for most
Use it or lose it - exercise is important
Cellular accidents - cell replication inexact
Free radicals - interfere with DNA molecules
Declining immunity - fewer B and T cells
Genetic programming - genetic clock & Hayflick limit of cell replication
Biological Aging
"Compression of morbidity" = reduced time spent disabled or in pain
It is a psychological blessing and a consequence of both healthy lifestyle and geriatric medical care
4 Keys to Long Life
Moderate diet with lots of vegetables and little meat & fat
Work continues throughout life
Family & community involvement regularly
Exercise & relaxation every day
Psychological Theories of Aging
Self theories
Erikson - ego integrity
Identity theories
Jung - introversion
Levinson - identity
Selective optimization theories
Continued searches for meaning & identity
Need for confirmation & coherence
More Theories of Aging
Stratification Theories
Disengagement theory
Activity theory
Feminist theory
Critical race theory
Dynamic Theories
Continuity theory
Epigenetic systems theory
Different Paths to Adaptation
Critical match: competence-environment
Elderly change/select environments with:
age-segregated housing
family care
physical abilities & health
financial resources
retirement
continuing education
community service
Positive Forces in Old Age
Aesthetic sense & creativity
Wisdom
Life review
Abuse of the Elderly
Physical abuse and neglect
Financial abuse
Psychological abuse
Keys to Successful Aging
Shifting matches between competence-environment
Active,healthy lifestyle
Family support over generations
Emotional support of friends
Feelings of control, ego integrity, positive identity
Developmental Views of Death
Childhood
Adolescence
Young adults
Middle-aged adults
Elderly adults
Kubler-Ross’s Stages of Dying
Denial
Rage
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance
Preparations for Death
Life review
Dying trajectory
Hospital, hospice, or home
Self-determined death
Physician-assisted suicide
Voluntary euthanasia
Burial, cremation, commemoration
Survivors’ grieving & coping
Lifespan Review- Erikson’s Stages & Favorable Outcomes
Infancy - Hope
Early childhood - Will
Preschool - Purpose
School age - Competence
Adolescence - Fidelity
Young adulthood - Love
Middle adulthood - Care
Old age - Wisdom