2. Stages of Adulthood  Young adulthood: Ages 19-40  Develop intimacy; close personal relationships  Middle adulthood: Ages 40-65  Develop a sense of having contributed to society  Late adulthood: Ages 65 – death  13.3% of population (2011)  Goal is to feel satisfied with his/her life  Tries to understand purpose of his/her life

3. Young Adulthood  Marriage??  Parenthood??

4. Middle Adulthood  Health concerns (eyesight, hearing, bones, heart disease, diabetes (type 1 or type 2), cancer, etc.)  Physical transitions (menopause)  Mental transitions  Emotional transitions  Social transitions

5. Late Adulthood  Health concerns (eyesight, hearing, bones, heart disease, osteoporosis cancer, etc.)  Physical transitions  Mental transitions  Emotional transitions  Social transitions  Financial Planning

6. Gerontology  Branch of science dealing with aging & problems of the aging population  Gerontologists – people who study aging  Geriatrics – branch of medicine that deals with the problems & diseases of old age/aging people

7. Mental Aspects of Aging  Dementia – the loss of mental functions such as thinking, memory, and reasoning that is severe enough to interfere with a person’s daily functioning  Alzheimer’s disease – most common form of dementia (4.5 million Americans suffer)  The main cause of death for the elderly is long term disorders

8. Caring for the elderly  Nursing home – usually for the elderly who need assistance  Adult day care – similar to child day care  Retirement communities – age minimum; smaller homes (one floor); for active, healthy adults  In-home care – ramps; increased lighting; expanded door ways; lower cabinets  Hospice – program that helps the dying patient and family members

9. Elder Abuse  The abuse or neglect of older family members  Can occur both within the family and in institutional settings (nursing homes)  Physical, emotional, sexual or financial abuse

10. Types of Elderly Mistreatment  Neglect – caregiver fails to provide care & services which threatens health  Abuse – physical, emotional, or sexual  Exploitation – misusing or stealing financial resources/funds  Abandonment – desertion of an older adult by a caretaker  Most of the mistreatment/elderly abuse occurs at home by family members

11. Characteristics & Signs of Elderly Mistreatment  Bruises, broken bones, abrasions  Poor hygiene  Malnourished/dehydrated  Over/under medicated  Anxious  Timid  Depressed  Seldom seen/never seen  Missing glasses, dentures, hearing aids, etc.

12. Older Adult Protective Service Act  Established in 1988  Provides protective services to those elderly people who seem to be in danger or harm  60 or older  Must be lacking in responsibility, incapacitated, or at risk or danger