01:830:101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 20: Aging Brain, Late-Onset Hypogonadism, Sexual Arousal

• School: Rutgers University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: 01:830:101
• Professor: L.Jacobs

Document Summary

A gradual physical decline related to aging. The process of aging whereby the body becomes less strong and efficient tightness of skin is usually the first to go (starting at age 30) Rate of decline is highly variable within and between persons. Depends on your genetic and environmental influences. For most adults, neurological reserves, homeostasis, and allostasis protect the brain. Neurons fire more slowly; messages sent from the axon of one neuron and are not picked up as quickly by the dendrite of another neuron; reaction time lengthens. Brain size decreases; multitasking gets harder; processing takes longer. Severe brain loss before 65 is usually related to drug abuse, poor circulation, viruses, or genes (alzheimer"s disease) Sexual arousal occurs more slowly with age and organsm takes longer. Distress at slower responsiveness is more associated with anxiety, interpersonal relationships, and expectations than with aging. Adults of all ages report sexual satisfaction within relationships--especially within committed, monogamous relationships.