19 Older Adulthood

Older adulthood can be divided into several age categories:

• Young-old ( 65-74)
• Oldest-old (75-84)
• Oldest-old (85 and older)

As you answer the following question, consider your knowledge about aging as well as the NASW Code of Ethics.

There are several dimensions of aging identified by Morgan and Kunkel (2016): Physical aging, psychological aging, and social aging.

Note: Click the drop down icons.

Myths of Aging

1. Older adults are not able to learn new things or adapt to change.
2. All older adults have the same experiences.
3. Older adults do not engage in intimate/sexual relationships.
4. The majority of older adults reside in nursing homes.
5. Most older adults have dementia or mild cognitive impairment.
6. The majority of older adults will have arthritis.
7. Depression is a normal part of aging.
8. The majority of older adults have hearing loss.
9. Mental health in old age cannot be treated.

Note: Watch for any answer choices on the exam about older adults that engage in paternalism, view older adults as stagnant, and stereotype older adults. Older adults are capable of growth, change, and the ability to adapt. Knowledge about the myths of aging will help to eliminate answers that are not correct.

physiological changes

• Skeletal system changes that result in height changes.
• Bone density and bone mass changes.
• Some older adults may have arthritis.
• Sensory system changes:
  • Sense of smell and taste
  • Balance and gait
  • Degenerative changes in vision and hearing
• Changes in the cardiovascular system.
• Respiratory system changes.
  • Skin changes:
    • Wrinkles
    • Sagging
    • Skin may become thin, resulting in skin tears and bruising
    • Dry skin

Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Brain

A normal part of the aging process includes the loss of some neurons and changes in the weight of the brain (Hutchison, 2017). Approximately 15-20% of persons 65 years and older have mild cognitive impairment (Alzheimer’s Association, n.d.). Dementia is best conceptualized as an umbrella term and includes the significant decline in memory, language skills, cognitive skills, problem-solving, ability to focus, etc.

If you are unfamiliar with Alzheimer’s disease, the following is a good short video to view:

psychological changes

There are different perspectives about aging and personality changes; some literature suggests, for the most part, there are no major changes to our personalities as we age. George Vallant described personality as having two elements: character and temperament (Hutchison, 2017).

References

Hutchison, E.D. (2017). Essentials of human behavior: Integrating person, environment, and the life course (2nd. ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.

Morgan, L.A., & Kunkel, A. (2016). Aging, society, and life course. Springer Publishing Company, LLC.