Explain brain/neuronal changes in later adulthood, assuming healthy aging (the absence of disease).

The Aging Assignment 

 

Using only your textbook chapters/course notes (and specific website/links for #4 and #5), answer the following questions fully and accurately. Be sure to use your own words without simply copying book explanations. I want to see what YOU have learned!

 

1. Explain brain/neuronal changes in later adulthood, assuming healthy aging (the absence of disease). Be specific. What are the implications of this? That is, how do neuronal changes matter for the daily life of the older adult?

(1-2 paragraphs)

 

2. Discuss the intelligence and memory capabilities of a typical, healthy 50- year-old person (think ‘middle adulthood’ for this one) as compared to a typical, healthy 80-year-old.

 

*Be sure to include specific types of intelligence and memory, addressing specific changes from time 1 (about 50 years old/middle adulthood) to time 2 (about 80 years old). You will need to use multiple adulthood chapters for this.

(2 big paragraphs)

 

3. What are they keys to a happy life in later adulthood? What advice would you give an older adult for successful psychological aging and well-being? Be specific, according to your course learning.

(1-2 paragraphs)

 

4. What is dementia and how might it disrupt normal aging? Use your textbook and the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org to 1) define dementia, 2) identify and describe the most common type of dementia, and 3) brainstorm/explain 2 ways that everyday life for an older adult with dementia may look different from what you would expect with normal aging.