FRIENDSHIP IN LATE ADULTHOOD

"Study is the bane of childhood, the oil of youth, the indulgence of adulthood, and a restorative in old age"

There are several aspects of life that change as a person grows old. This write up explores few theories that explain ageing as well as affect ageing either directly or indirectly and the importance of friendships in late adulthood.

Ageism

~Prejudice against a person because of their age
OLDER ADULTS
~cultural emphasis on growth strength and progress
~respect for the youth
~increasing age segregation

Cellular clock theory

-Leonard Hayflick's (1977) theory that cells can divide a maximum of about 75 to 80 times and that, as we age, our cells become less capable of dividing.

Free-radical theory

- people age because when cells metabolize energy, the by-products include unstable oxygen molecules known as free radicals . The free radicals ricochet around the cells, damaging DNA and other cellular structures (Afanas'ev, 2009). The damage can lead to a range of disorders, including cancer and arthritis

What is activity theory?

The more active a person is throughout the corse of their life is directly related to the happiness felt in late adulthood--positive reflection (integrity)

How do the five senses changes in late adulthood?

Vision- visual acuity, color recognition, depth perception decline
~cataracts: thickening of lens
~Glaucoma: optic nerve damage
~Macular degeneration: deterioration of the retina
Hearing- degeneration of cochlea
smell and taste- loss of some ability
touch and pain- only minor change

What is Erikson's final stage of psychosocial development? Integrity vs Despair: realizing death is close people reflect and review upon their life I) -satisfaction: piecing together a positive review D)- Realizing one's life was not well spent, reflection is negative. characterized by isolation in early adulthood being unable to create meaningful relationships What is socio-emotional selectivity theory? More selective about contacts -maintaining close relationships with those who directly maximize their joy Withdrawal from certain social contact -cutting ties with people who don't maximize happiness or cause negativity Isolation does not equal despair -Done only to maximize happiness

What are marriages like in late adulthood?

~people who are still married have happier lives, being less stressful adding to positive health consequences

Social consequences of divorce

Weaken kinship ties when it occurs in later life, especially in the case of older men

What is the main reason older adults choose to cohabit?

~Companionship is the main reason why the number of Cohabiting older adults chose to live together
~followed closely by financial reasons- cost of living is less

What are benefits of friendship in late adulthood?

~having a group of close friends in late adulthood helps to lower mortality rates, and symptoms of disease
~less likely to go to a assisted living

What are the two other components of successful aging?

1.)    Productivity
-contribution to social network
-willingness to take on complex challenges
~New pursuits

2.)Life satisfaction
~sense of personal well being
~Perception is important
~Social comparisons

citations: 
http://quizlet.com/8560893/psych-late-adulthood-flash-cards/

http://rcgates.com/psyc/c24_pv.html

http://www.searchquotes.com/search/Late_Adulthood/