topic 11
Late
Adulthood
return to
Infotrac topics
Instructions 1.Select an article from the list below.
2.Click on the "Take Me to Infotrac" button. 3.Type in the Infotrac passcode packaged with your textbook. 4.Type in key words from the article's title to isolate your search. You may find it useful to print out the
Student Guide to the Infotrac list of articles before beginning your search. For tech support, contact us at:
Critical Thinking Questions Late adulthood as a
developmental stage is a time when individuals must deal with loss (of partners, physical health and youthful appearance, employment) and prepare for their own personal death. Erik Erikson theorized that this stage of life was one
characterized by integrity (looking back on a life that was worthwhile) vs. despair (a hopeless feeling of loss).
The articles below present contrasting views of old age. After
reading the articles, answer the following questions: Do the authors of these articles agree in their perspective on aging? Summarize the main points of each article. What factors might account for differences in the articles? What
questions are left unanswered by the authors of these articles? "Riding the 'age wave'." (growing number of elderly Americans are demonstrating a new vitality in their golden years)(Editorial) David R. Gergen.
U.S. News & World Report, April 27, 1998 v124 n16 p76(1). "Loss in late life." (Coping with Loss, part 9) Brice Pitt. British Medical Journal, May 9, 1998 v316 n7142 p1452(3).
Research Question One of the losses often associated with late adulthood is
a decline in cognitive ability. Researchers in human development are interested in learning which factors predict this cognitive decline, which is not experienced by all elderly persons. The study presented below is an example of such
research.
After reading the article, answer the following questions: What was the design of this study? Who were the subjects? How large was the sample? What were the main
findings of this research? What questions might be asked about the research methods that were used in relation to the findings? "Occupation type as a predictor of cognitive decline and dementia in old age."
Anthony F. Jorm, Bryan Rodgers, A. Scott Henderson, Ailsa Korten, Patricia A. Jacomb, Helen Christensen and Andrew MacKinnon. Age and Ageing, July 1998 v27 n4 p476(8).
Suggested Readings from Infotrac College Edition "Ways to
make 'usual' and 'successful' aging synonymous: Preventive gerontology." (Successful Aging) William R. Hazzard. The Western Journal of Medicine, Oct 1997 v167 n4 p206(10). A comprehensive review of predicted and actual
changes in the patterns of aging and the role of preventive gerontology in promoting health in old age.
"The new gerontology." (senescence, genetics, and
research)(Cover Story)(Editorial) John W. Rowe. Science, Oct 17, 1997 v278 n5337 p367(1). This article is a brief overview of changes in aging and gerontology. "Building communities that promote successful aging."
(Successful Aging) Linda P. Fried, Marc Freedman, Thomas E. Endres and Barbara Wasik. The Western Journal of Medicine, Oct 1997 v167 n4 p216(4). This article addresses the issue of an increase in proportion of aged
persons. Suggestions are made for promoting a healthy community that allows for participation of the elderly. "What degree of medical treatment do nursing home residents want in case of life-threatening disease?" Claus Moe
and Marianne Schroll. Age and Ageing, March 1997 v26 n2 p133(5). A cross-sectional descriptive study investigated the amount of medical treatment desired by nursing home residents, their families, and nursing home staff
members. Results may inform families and nursing home staff members of need to assess resident's desires. "Population-based study of pain in elderly people: a descriptive survey." Bruno Brochet, Philippe Michel,
Pascale BArberger-Gateau and Jean-Francois Dartigues. Age and Ageing, May 1998 v27 n3 p279(6). A descriptive research project concludes that pain is a health issue among the elderly.