PSY 180 - Psychology of Aging - Textbook

Chapter Learning Objectives

• Examine and define Erikson’s theory of Psychosocial Development and its stages applicable to late adulthood.
• Examine and define activity theory, disengagement and continuity theory.
• Identify the main attitudes and beliefs about aging.
• Examine how the elderly can remain productive in later life by redefining their social roles and activities.
• Examine whether volunteerism can lead to positive health benefits.
• Examine the  interventional strategies available for preventing cognitive decline.
• Understand that role of social engagement in preserving hippocampal function.

Chapter Key Points

• The main social theories present differing viewpoints about the types of activities the elderly should do during that stage.
• Because life slows down as wee age this does not mean that we stop developing psychosocially.
• In old age people face the psychosocial crisis of “integrity vs. despair.”
• Remaining socially engaged in later life is central to aging well.
• Volunteering in late life is associated with health benefits such as reduced risk of hypertension, improved self-related health and well-being, delayed physical disability, enhanced cognition, and lower mortality.
• As the elderly population increases, so too does the need to find interventions for improving age-related cognitive impairment; consequently, social engagement interventions can be useful.
• Exercise can be a helpful in preserving hippocampal function in old age.