Late Adulthood Psychology, Unit 6

Today’s Objectives 1. Describe the physical changes of late adulthood 2. Describe the social development during this stage 3. Explain the cognitive changes and diseases that effect cognitive change in late adulthood 4. Discuss the trials of dealing with death and dying

Physical Changes Physical deterioration: hair thins and grays, bones become fragile, muscles lose power, joints stiffen and wear out, circulation slows, blood pressure rises, and overall health decreases Physical deterioration: hair thins and grays, bones become fragile, muscles lose power, joints stiffen and wear out, circulation slows, blood pressure rises, and overall health decreases

Social Development Shrinking social groups and fewer social roles Shrinking social groups and fewer social roles Enjoyment of retirement is highly dependent on financial stability Enjoyment of retirement is highly dependent on financial stability Remain sexually active Remain sexually active

Cognitive Changes Intellect slows, but does not decay in old age unless there is neurological damage or disease Intellect slows, but does not decay in old age unless there is neurological damage or disease Alzheimer’s disease and dementia: cause serious decline in intellect/memory Alzheimer’s disease and dementia: cause serious decline in intellect/memory Physically changes, rearranges, and destroys neurons Physically changes, rearranges, and destroys neurons

Facing the End of Life 5 stages of dying: 1. denial 2. anger 3. bargaining 4. depression 5. acceptance 5 stages of dying: 1. denial 2. anger 3. bargaining 4. depression 5. acceptance Widowhood can cause severe decline in mental health Widowhood can cause severe decline in mental health Most men will remarry, most women will not! Most men will remarry, most women will not!

Exit Ticket 1. Describe the physical changes of late adulthood 2. Describe the social development during this stage 3. Explain the cognitive changes and diseases that effect cognitive change in late adulthood 4. Discuss the trials of dealing with death and dying