Exam 14: Physical and Cognitive Development in Late Adulthood

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Vision - In middle-age, adults begin to have difficulty focusing on near objects and seeing in dim light. In old adulthood, vision deteriorates further and people have difficulty seeing distant subjects and perceiving depth. Consequently, many older adults cope by giving up driving, wearing corrective lenses, using magnifying lenses, and switching to large-print books. Cataracts, cloudy masses that form in the lens, become common and cause blurred vision. These can be corrected with surgery that replaces the lens.
Hearing - In old adulthood, hearing problems make it difficult to follow conversations, especially when there is background noise. Often, those affected tend to avoid interaction with others. Some older adults cope by wearing hearing aids; others refuse to wear them because they feel that they make them look old.
Smell and taste - As people age, taste sensitivity declines, and food tastes bland. Spices and other seasonings may help. Because the sense of smell also declines, it's especially important for older people to have smoke and gas alarms.
Touch - In old age, sensitivity to touch in the extremities declines because of poor circulation. This makes it harder to grasp or manipulate objects. Often, people have to give up lifetime hobbies, such as needlepoint.
Balance - Declines in the sense of balance as people age cause them to be more vulnerable to falls. The problem is magnified by poor vision and depth perception, weak muscles, cognitive impairment, and medicinal side effects, such as dizziness. Falls in old age are riskier because of brittle bones that are more likely to fracture. Some old people cope by limiting their activity. Lack of activity, however, increases muscle weakness and socially isolates the old person.

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Students should mention that in order to raise life expectancy, it is necessary to eradicate diseases that claim young lives, such as tuberculosis, influenza, diarrhea, diphtheria, and pneumonia. Among the measures they might undertake to ensure that children live are better sanitation, clean water, antibiotics, good hospitals, trained doctors, vaccinations, and adequate nutrition. Then, to further extend life expectancy, students could suggest measures that can counteract the toll of chronic diseases. For example, exercise programs, nutritional education, and preventive screenings.