PSY E111 Lecture Notes - Lecture 31: Cardiac Output, Old Age, Longitudinal Study
Document Summary
Physical changes include a general decline in physical and sensory qualities. Muscular strength, reaction time, sensory abilities, and cardiac output begin to decline after mid-twenties. Old age: motor abilities: at 70, our motor abilities also decline. A 70-year old is no match for a 20 year old individual. After age 70, hearing, distance perception, and the sense of smell diminish, as do muscle strength, reaction time, and stamina. After 80, neural processes slow down, especially for complex tasks. Life expectancy: rose from 49 in 19- to 67 in 2004, and now to 80 in some developed countries. Women outlive men and outnumber them at most ages. Look up longitudinal studies section of textbook. Influences of successful aging: biological: no genes predisposing dementia or other diseases, appropriate nutrition, psychological: optimistic outlook, physically and mentally active lifestyle, socio-cultural: support from family and friends, meaningful activities, cultural respect for aging, safe living conditions.
