Early Adulthood Biological Domain

Biological Aging n Asynchronous n Different body systems have different patterns of biological aging n Wide range of individual differences; Not fixed n Numerous factors influence outcomes

Life Expectancy n Number of years someone born in a given year can expect to live n Gains during 20th century amazing n Influencing factors –nutrition, access to medical resources, improved sanitation and safety n Major numeric influence -reduction of infant mortality n Group differences - M > F

Maximum Lifespan and Active Lifespan n Maximum lifespan - genetic limit to length of life –Current range n Active lifespan –Expectation for a vigorous life –Currently 64 –Typical age of onset of frailness - 85

Senescence n Age-related changes n Noted in the late 20s and early 30s n Senescence usually identified first in skin changes n Changes in reserve capacity –Organ reserve - extra capacity of organs to “go the extra mile” –Example - running up a flight of stairs

Primary and Secondary Aging n Primary aging –Inevitable, basic aging process –Actually slower and later than expected n Secondary aging –Results from environmental risks, lifestyle choices –Not inevitable –Potentially reversible

Prime of Health n Less illness n Fewer hospitalizations n Factors: –age –genetics –access to health care –lifestyle choices

Physical Changes in the 20s and 30s (1) n Cardiovascular System –Heart disease = leading cause of adult deaths –Hypertension –Atherosclerosis n Respiratory Changes –Decrease in lung capacity n Organ reserve declines with age –Changes not generally noted in early adults

Physical Changes (2) n Motor Performance –Peaks between 20 and 30 –Key to sustaining capability - practice / training –Decline in strength and speed –Declines may be due to sedentary lifestyle n Immune System (declines after 20) –Changes in thymus –Stress n Reproduction –Fertility declines with age

Athletic Performance n Minor changes in strength, reaction time, and lung efficiency can have tremendous impact on athletic performance n “Hall of Fame” winners peak a bit later than average n Dependent on lifestyle choices

Factors Associated with Health and Fitness n Nutrition –Overweight; High fat diets –Importance of calcium –Changes in metabolism n Exercise –Regular exercise = 20 min 3 times per week –Moderate intensity exercise enhances immune system –Prevent diabetes, cardiovascular disease –Mental health benefits

Other Life Style Choices and Health n Smoking –Health risks clear n Alcohol consumption –depressant –involvement in family violence Back to Unit 4