Adulthood and Aging Adulthood and the Social Clock

Adulthood and Aging

Adulthood and the “Social Clock” Social Clock – the culturally preferred timing of social events such as marriage, parenthood and retirement. - When should you get your driver’s license? - At what age should you graduate college? - When should you get married? Should you get married? - At what age should you have a “real job”? - When should you become a parent? Grandparent?

Cognitive Changes in Adulthood Do memory and level of intelligence normally increase, decrease or stay the same as we grow older? - Memory - Recall – younger subjects are better at RECALLING details of events - Recognition – older subjects are better at RECOGNIZING words or events

Cognitive Changes in Adulthood Types of Intelligence 1. Fluid Intelligence – One’s ability to reason speedily and abstractly; tends to DECREASE during late adulthood 2. Crystallized Intelligence – One’s accumulated knowledge and verbal skills; tends to INCREASE with age

Physical Changes and Transitions How do physical changes affect us in middle and late adulthood? - Mid-Life – 36 to 64 years - Some cultures welcome the outward signs of aging; others attempt to stop the physical process. - Menopause – the time of natural cessation of menstruation; when a woman can no longer reproduce

Diseases Related to Aging Alzheimer’s – progressive and irreversible brain disorder characterized by gradual deterioration of memory, reasoning, language and finally physical function * The brain basically shuts down step by step.

“Away From Her” While watching the film “Away From Her”, take notes on the major events in the lives of the main characters. Describe how the wife reacts to her disease and how the husband reacts to the disease. There are blood tests you can take to see if you are predisposed to developing Alzheimer’s. If you knew that one day you would be in this situation would you want to know? Or would you rather not know? Explain you decision.

The Five Stages of Dying 1. Denial – refuse to believe that one is dying 2. Anger – becoming angry that life will soon end 3. Bargaining – “God, if you just let me live, I promise I’ll be better. ” 4. Depression – feeling great sadness over dying 5. Acceptance – coming to terms with your mortality

Socratic Seminar In groups of 6, I want you to brainstorm on the following topic and come up with at least two questions or scenarios for the class: - You are an 85 year old version of yourself. You have just been told by a doctor that you only have 6 more months to live. As you go through the 5 stages of dying, you accept your fate. Now you are reflecting on your life. Which was most important to you: those you loved or your life’s work and legacy? Explain and defend your questions and answers. - 10 minutes to compile questions. - 5 minutes to discuss per group.