ADULT DEVELOPMENT AND AGING FINAL
PAPER FULL QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS
EXPERT REVIEW EDITION
●● What are the major hypotheses in cellular theories of aging?
Answer: Cellular theories suggest that there may be a limit on how often
cells may divide before dying (called the Hayflick limit), which may
partially explain aging. The shortening of telomeres may be the major
factor. A second group of cellular theories relate to a process called
cross-linking that results when certain proteins interact randomly and
produce molecules that make the body stiffer. Cross-links interfere with
metabolism. A third type of cellular theory proposes that free radicals,
which are highly reactive chemicals produced randomly during normal
metabolism, cause cell damage. There is some evidence that ingesting
antioxidants may postpone the appearance of some age-related diseases.
●● How do programmed-cell-death theories propose that we age?
Answer: Theories about programmed cell death are based on genetic
hypotheses about aging. Specifically, there appears to be a genetic
program that is triggered by physiological processes, the innate ability to
self-destruct, and the ability of dying cells to trigger key processes in
other cells.
●● How do the basic developmental forces interact in biological and
physiological aging?
, Answer: Although biological theories are the foundation of biological
forces, the full picture of how and why we age cannot be understood
without considering the other three forces (psychological, sociocultural,
and life cycle)
●● How do our skin, hair, and voice change with age?
Answer: Normative changes with age in appearance or presentation
includes wrinkles, gray hair, and thinner and weaker voice.
●● What happens to our body build with age?
Answer: Normative changes include decrease in height and increase in
weight in midlife, followed by weight loss in late life.
●● What age-related changes occur in our ability to move around?
Answer: The amount of muscle decreases with age, but strength and
endurance change only slightly. Loss of bone mass is normative; in
severe cases, though, the disease osteoporosis may result, in which
bones become brittle and honeycombed. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis are two diseases that impair a person's ability to get around and
function in the environment.
●● What are the psychological implications of age-related changes in
appearance and mobility?
Answer: Cultural stereotypes have an enormous influence on the
personal acceptance of age-related changes in appearance. Loss o
PAPER FULL QUESTIONS AND SOLUTIONS
EXPERT REVIEW EDITION
●● What are the major hypotheses in cellular theories of aging?
Answer: Cellular theories suggest that there may be a limit on how often
cells may divide before dying (called the Hayflick limit), which may
partially explain aging. The shortening of telomeres may be the major
factor. A second group of cellular theories relate to a process called
cross-linking that results when certain proteins interact randomly and
produce molecules that make the body stiffer. Cross-links interfere with
metabolism. A third type of cellular theory proposes that free radicals,
which are highly reactive chemicals produced randomly during normal
metabolism, cause cell damage. There is some evidence that ingesting
antioxidants may postpone the appearance of some age-related diseases.
●● How do programmed-cell-death theories propose that we age?
Answer: Theories about programmed cell death are based on genetic
hypotheses about aging. Specifically, there appears to be a genetic
program that is triggered by physiological processes, the innate ability to
self-destruct, and the ability of dying cells to trigger key processes in
other cells.
●● How do the basic developmental forces interact in biological and
physiological aging?
, Answer: Although biological theories are the foundation of biological
forces, the full picture of how and why we age cannot be understood
without considering the other three forces (psychological, sociocultural,
and life cycle)
●● How do our skin, hair, and voice change with age?
Answer: Normative changes with age in appearance or presentation
includes wrinkles, gray hair, and thinner and weaker voice.
●● What happens to our body build with age?
Answer: Normative changes include decrease in height and increase in
weight in midlife, followed by weight loss in late life.
●● What age-related changes occur in our ability to move around?
Answer: The amount of muscle decreases with age, but strength and
endurance change only slightly. Loss of bone mass is normative; in
severe cases, though, the disease osteoporosis may result, in which
bones become brittle and honeycombed. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis are two diseases that impair a person's ability to get around and
function in the environment.
●● What are the psychological implications of age-related changes in
appearance and mobility?
Answer: Cultural stereotypes have an enormous influence on the
personal acceptance of age-related changes in appearance. Loss o
