Late Adulthood Summary
Ashley Hawkins
Bryant & Stratton College
NURS 125 Lifespan Development & Nursing
Late Adulthood
11/29/2012
Physiological Characteristics * U.S. government defines old age as over 65. * Hair has become thinner and grey or white. * Skin is thinner and more fragile. * The individual may have shrunk in height.
Cognitive Development * The older adult experiences memory changes, particularly in remembering names and faces of people. * Normal memory loss can be associated with aging, and temporary memory loss can be due to depression or anxiety. * Older adults need more time to process thoughts and perform tasks. * They continue emotional learning and emotional competencies. * Their past experiences may influence their expression of emotion and responses.
Psychosocial Development * Social network of friends usually narrows due to death of peers. * Remaining an integral part of an extended family provides valuable social activity and relationships. * Basic needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness motivate social activities that enhance general well-being. * An environment that helps meet these basic needs enables the older adult to maintain positive social interactions
Sexuality * The notion that the older adult is sexually inactive is untrue. * Some older adults may feel guilty or abnormal because they continue to have sexual feelings. * Most common cause of sexual dissatisfaction is lack of a partner * Divorces, widowhood, or ill or disabled spouses are common problems. * Men may develop erectile dysfunction and women may experience painful intercourse as a result of atrophy of vaginal tissues and decrease in natural lubrications.
Exercise Needs * 2 ½ hours of moderate intensity aerobic exercise, like brisk walking. * Muscle strength training 2 or more days a week. * Regular exercise helps maintain bone and
Bryant & Stratton College
NURS 125 Lifespan Development & Nursing
Late Adulthood
11/29/2012
Physiological Characteristics * U.S. government defines old age as over 65. * Hair has become thinner and grey or white. * Skin is thinner and more fragile. * The individual may have shrunk in height.
Cognitive Development * The older adult experiences memory changes, particularly in remembering names and faces of people. * Normal memory loss can be associated with aging, and temporary memory loss can be due to depression or anxiety. * Older adults need more time to process thoughts and perform tasks. * They continue emotional learning and emotional competencies. * Their past experiences may influence their expression of emotion and responses.
Psychosocial Development * Social network of friends usually narrows due to death of peers. * Remaining an integral part of an extended family provides valuable social activity and relationships. * Basic needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness motivate social activities that enhance general well-being. * An environment that helps meet these basic needs enables the older adult to maintain positive social interactions
Sexuality * The notion that the older adult is sexually inactive is untrue. * Some older adults may feel guilty or abnormal because they continue to have sexual feelings. * Most common cause of sexual dissatisfaction is lack of a partner * Divorces, widowhood, or ill or disabled spouses are common problems. * Men may develop erectile dysfunction and women may experience painful intercourse as a result of atrophy of vaginal tissues and decrease in natural lubrications.
Exercise Needs * 2 ½ hours of moderate intensity aerobic exercise, like brisk walking. * Muscle strength training 2 or more days a week. * Regular exercise helps maintain bone and