GERO 200 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Arteriosclerosis, Speech-Language Pathology, Coronary Artery Disease
Document Summary
Absolute lifespan: maximum possible years that a human can live. Mean human lifespan: the chronological age by which 50% of humans have died; another way to look at longevity is: how many years people are projected to live after they have reached age 65. Intrinsic aging: universal normative aging of the human body. Extrinsic aging: aging due to exposure to toxins, smoke, noise, radiation, etc. Loss of skin elasticity, graying hair, stooping posture, and weight gain. Less observable signs are presbyopia, hearing loss, calcium loss in bones, a less effective immune system, reduces organ reserves, gerd, and decreased ability to achieve homeostasis. Slowing and declining in physical functions are often offset by gains in cognitive and. Older adults" driving safety is hotly debated, but drivers 55-65 are the safest because of experience. Individual differences in visual acuity, reaction times, and judgment are all important to driving ability. Health status of the age has improved markedly in the past 50 years.
