CHAPTER XIII: LATE ADULTHOOD

This chapter focuses on three major aspects of development: PHYSICAL, COGNITIVE

and PSYCHOSOCIAL.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
AGEISM- In the Philippine culture, very few Filipino families influenced by the Western
culture seems to show negative attitudes towards late adulthood may be because of their
emphasis on growth, strength and progress but in general Filipinos view late adults with
respect. Ageism may be the most destructive social prejudice of all.

KEY TERMS:
GERIATRICS field of medicine concerned with care of the aged.
GERONTOLOGIST researchers specializing in Gerontology.
GERONTOLOGY study of old age.

Aging should be seen as a normal and natural continuation of our development rather
than as something to be feared.

THE AGING PROCESS

Growing older cannot be prevented the decline of the body begins almost as soon as
growth stops. The decline is gradual throughout adulthood.
The two higher sense organs which are vision and hearing continue to become poorer
as aging goes on. Impaired vision more than impaired hearing that is common among late
adult. Lower sense taste, touch, smell, pain and balance are also impaired in many of the
very late adults.

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Because of aging, OSTEOPOROSIS (lose of bone calcium that causes bones to become
more porous and fragile) occurs, starts in middle age. Gradual slowdown of functioning
of the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and genital-urinary systems really affects
movements of late adults. Severe disability or even death may occur when an injury to
the body is sudden.

5 Causes of the Aging Process

1. Wear and Tear aging states that the human body is like a machine. Parts of the
human body deteriorate as the years of exposure to radiation, pollution, disease
and other stresses.
2. Aging DNA production of new cells become inadequate there develops an error
catastrophe (body can no longer control). Disease or death occurs.
3. Molecular Aging biochemical process which certain molecules become crosslinkage (linked with other). Cause major changes in cardiovascular system such
as hardening of the arteries. Each cell of the body becomes less flexible and
adaptable.
4. Decline of the Immune System there are 2 types of cell B-cells (manufactured
in the bone marrow) and T-cells (made by the thymus). Researchers believe
reduction of T-cells may explain why immune system becomes less efficient with
aging. Because of aging, autoimmune diseases attacks normal body tissues rather
than harmful invaders.
5. Limit in Cell Reproduction Leonard Hayflick discovered that cells cultured
from human embryos do not multiply infinitely. Based on researchers, there is a
limited number of times the cells of living creatures even in ideal conditions, will
reproduce.
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
Measuring Intelligence

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Observations among the Filipino elderly show that there is really a decline on intellectual
sharpness among the 70s and more among the 80s.
However, researchers abroad have been questioned by critics that overestimate the
amount of normal decline. It cannot be ignored that some older individuals are
intellectually superior to the average younger adults and some do not show any decline at
all.
The Information-Processing Approach
This model compares the human brain to a computer (input, programmed, in memory and
output). It is very noticeable that perceptual processes (body movements, reaction time
and speed) which the brain registers new information slow down with age.
Memory (ability to remember) declines with age, memory loss is a minor problem and it
may occur in some type of memory.

Types of Memory
1. Sensory Register Momentary afterimage that occurs in the brain after a
person perceives something.
2. Primary Memory Memory over a short period of time.
3. Secondary Memory Stored for several minutes or hours and shows
greatest loss with age.
4. Tertiary Memory Memory for information stored in the mind relatively
long ago.
Since vocabulary and language skills are built as earlier skills, many older people
continue to improve in self- expression.

Learning in Old Age

Dementia Pathological loss of intellectual functioning. When it happens before 60 it is
called presenile dementia; after age 60 it is called senile dementia.
3 Identifiable Phases of Dementia
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1. General forgetfulness particularly names.

2. General confusion with notable deficits in concentration and recent memory.
3. People are no longer able to take care of their basic need because they are so
forgetful.
Major Causes of Dementia
Alzheimers disease first major cause of dementia though the cause of it is still
unknown. It may be a slow virus, genetic predisposition or errors in DNA and RNA
replication, autoimmune disease or poisons from diet or environment.
Multi-infarct dementia (MID) there is destruction of some of the brain tissue which
occurs because an infarct or temporary obstruction of the blood vessels, prevents blood
reaching that part of the brain.

Organic Causes of Dementia

Parkinsons disease produces dementia as well as distinctive rigidity or tremor of the
muscles. Downs syndrome and brain tumors can cause dementia as so can head
injuries that results in an excess of fluid pressing on the brain.
A small group of elderly are demented because of psychological factors. In some cases
person is unusually anxious and under pressure and of course depression. Drug and
alcohol abuse can affect the intellectual functioning of the person.

New Cognitive Development in Late Life

There are positive changes in other aspects of their life. They seem to see art and nature
in a deeper more appreciative way. Become more philosophical and reflective than they
once were, showing a rise in inferiority.
PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
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Theories
Disengagement theory most controversial theory, explains that in old age the individual
and society mutually withdraw from each other.
4 Processes of Disengagement
1. An individuals social sphere becomes increasingly narrow.
2. Individual anticipate these change and accept their participation in this
narrowing.
3. Individuals become less role-centered, style of interaction changes to a less
dynamic or passive one.
4. Older people are less likely to be taken for new roles.
Activity theory opposite of the disengagement theory. The more activities in older
people engage in, the more roles they participate in or play, the greater their life
satisfaction.
Continuity and Discontinuity Continuity theory: basic personality characteristics
whether genetic or result of experiences remain stable with time. Discontinuity theory:
life events such as retirement change of residence, failing health and death of spouse may
cause discontinuity in personality and behavior.
Diversity theory patterns of psychological development are at least as in earlier periods
that variability and diversity increase with age.

Changes in Achievement Patterns

Retirement for them can be seen as an opportunity to develop old interests and discover
new ones. Many of these late adults find ways to express their cultural or practical
interest and become more active church members.

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Affiliation Needs
Affiliation needs are more important than achievement needs. Family bonds and
friendship are important to their well-being in late adulthood. The overall relationship
between parents and their grown children is usually strong and close.
Having grandchildren is an important source of pride and gratification for many
grandparents. Some of them are central to the lives of their grandchildren and are treated
with respect, affection or fear with authority.

The Special Elderly

At some point old persons are so ill or disabled that they no longer can bathe dress or
prepare a meal. Almost all are cared for by close relatives at home. Very rarely nursing
homes are looked upon as a last resort.

Gerontophilia (reverence for the old) is till the norm in the Philippines. It is
hoped that in the Philippines will not go into the period of Gerontophobia (fear
of aging).

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