Question

1. Distinguish between true biological changes in aging versus secondary causes of aging. Describe how each of these affects longevity.

2. Explain why the understanding of aging as a disease is incompatible with leading theories on why we age. Give examples to support your argument.

3. Describe and give examples of fluid and crystalized intelligence. Describe the “Classic Aging Pattern”. What factors affect learning in old age and why is this important?

4. Describe the 3 Ds of aging and mental health (depression, dementia, delirium) in terms of prevalence and importance. Explain why these three issues are critical to mental health and well-being for older adults.

5. Are older adults happier than younger adults? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

A. Biological ageing= It depends totally on biological factors of our body i.e., life span. It is totally intrinsic. Biological changes occurs are mainly; graying of hair, deterioration in hearing and vision, loosening of teeth, weak muscle tone, deterioration of normal body functions like digestion, excretion etc.

Secondary ageing= It depends upon environmental factorse i.e., smoking, drug abuse, alcohol, lack of exercise. It is extrinsic. It can be occur in early age. Common changes are Wrinkles, slow reflexes, lack of attention, early tiredness etc.

B. Understanding of ageing is incompatible because every person's body functions differently. It somehow depends on their physical and mental work also. People have different capacities and capabilities of doing things that's why some people are able to do a lot more physical work than even in old age than a average youngster can do.

Example: A man who is a retired army officer but still do regular exercise and eat healthy food would be able to handle physical and mental stress better than a boy in a high school who usually smoke and do not indulge himself into any sports or physical activities.

C. Fluid Intelligence= It can be defined as ability to solve problems, use logics in new situations and identify patterns.

This ability is helpful in puzzle solving, reasoning etc.

Crystallized Intelligence= It can be defined as ability to use learned knowledge and experience.

This ability is helpful in reading comprehensions, driving etc.

D. Classic ageing pattern can be characterized by multi-directional age profiles in intellectual performance. Example 1. Age irrelevant abilities are like a person behaves constant in her adulthood whereas age sensitive abilities exhibit moderate to substantial fall or decline with age.

E. Learning in old age is affected due to wide range of factors:-

1. Physical Capacities= There is detoriatiom of most of the organs in old age which affects capabilities of doing work and cause discomfort due to which old people find difficulties in learning new things.

2. Sensory Capacities= Functions of sense organs specially hearing and visualisation diminishes with age leading to difficulty in understanding things.

3. Attitudinal Changes= With age person gains a lot of experience but at the same time it leads to a rigid mind set over many situations and things which works as a obstacle while learning new things.

4. Learning capacity and performance= Ability of learning and performing new things decreases with age.

5. Adjustment Ability= Old people have a certain way of doing things and they becomes static with the same old way that's why it diminishes will to learn new things.

Morale= Due to lack of communication between generations their morale falls down which leads to inferiority and they becomes more afraid of trying out new things.

F. 1. DEPRESSION. It is characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities causing significant impairment in daily life. It is most prevalent because of increasing involvement of youngesters in themselves. This can be diagnosed early if signs are noticed.

2. DEMENTIA. It is a group of conditions characterized by impairment of at least 2 or more brain functions e.g., memory loss and judgement. It affects daily life activities. It is a little less prevalent than depression and more prevalent then delirium. Mostly diagnosed in late stage.

3. DELIRIUM. It can be defined as serious disturbance in mental abilities that results in confused thinking and reduced awareness of surrounding. Prevalent rate is less than depression and dementia. It is a serious problem person can even attack to close relatives.

G. Above 3 diseases are considered to be very critical to mental health because these are reasons of many deaths amongst geriatric group.

In these diseases person suffers mentally. That's why their prevention is much needed in geriatric group.

H. No. Older adults are not happier than younger adults because of decreased self esteem and self dependency. Younger adults are some how busy in their work and find comfort amongst colleagues. Older people becomes vulnerable due to physical and mental changes hence needs more attention and care which makes them more sad and they feels themselves like a burden on others.