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Developmental Psychology - Physical, Cognitive Development 65+

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    Study Guide Developmental Psychology – Physical, Cognitive Development: 65+ 1. Health: Age 65+ Older adulthood can be a long and meaningful stage of life. Although the average life expectancy is about 79 years for women and 72 years for men , many adults live 20 years or more beyond these averages . As people age, health concerns do become more common, but serious decline is not inevitable. 1.1 Where Older Adults Live Most older adults do not live in nursing homes or long - term care facilities. • Only about 5% of adults over age 65 • And about 25% of adults over age 85 live in nursing homes, foster care homes (where older adults live with a licensed family), or similar facilities. Thanks to medical advances and better health care, the older population is growing and staying healthier longer. In fact, experts estimate that within the next 30 years , 1 in 5 Americans will be an older adult. 1.2 Common Health Conditions in Older Adulthood Most older adults have at least one chronic health condition , but these problems do not always limit daily activities — even well into a person’s 80s or beyond. Common health concerns include: • Arthritis and rheumatism • Cancer • Cataracts

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    Study Guide • Dental problems • Diabetes • Hearing and vision loss • Heart disease • High blood pressure (hypertension) • Orthopedic injuries Older adults are also more likely to lose their balance and fall , making hip fractures especially common and dangerous. 1.3 Why Illness Can Be More Serious Colds and the flu can be much more dangerous for older adults. As the body ages: • Organs do not work as efficiently • The immune system is weaker A common and tragic example is when an older adult: 1. Falls and breaks a hip 2. Has successful surgery 3. Later dies from pneumonia or infection This happens because the body may not have enough reserve capacity to recover from illness or infection. 1.4 Nutrition and Medication Challenges Two often - overlooked health risks for older adults are poor nutrition and medication misuse . Nutrition By age 65: • Adults need about 20% fewer calories • But they still need the same amount of nutrients

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    Study Guide This helps explain why many older adults are overweight but undernourished . Cooking may feel difficult or tiring, leading some to rely on fast food, junk food, or skip meals entirely. Medication Use Medication problems are also common: • Some older adults accidentally take too much medication • Others combine drugs that create harmful interactions Because aging bodies are more sensitive to medications, dosages must be carefully monitored . In fact, many elderly patients who are hospitalized in critical condition begin to improve once their medications are reduced or stopped. 1.5 The Role of Exercise and Lifestyle Exercise plays a powerful role in extending life expectancy and improving health. Older adults who: • Stay physically active • Maintain fitness • Eat nutritious foods tend to age better than those who do not. This is an important reminder that healthy habits started earlier in life pay off later on . 1.6 Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease Mental Health Concerns in Older Adulthood The most common mental and emotional problems in older adulthood include: • Depression • Anxiety • Dementia Dementia refers to mental deterioration, also called organic brain syndrome . It affects about 4% of adults over age 65 .

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