This Unit's Questions

1. Describe the Hayflick limit and what it may mean to longevity / the life span.

2. In an average evening of TV viewing, how many commercials are for products that claim to restore youth or concern the signs of aging? How does this compare or contrast with the physical signs of aging?

3. Vision, hearing, taste, and smell change as we age. Describe these changes.

4. Describe the plusses and minuses in terms of hormonal replacement therapy during menopause.

5. Describe common health conditions of those aged 65 and older.

6. What are the risks for Alzheimer's Disease? What are some ideas for preventing Alzheimer's described in your book?

7. Describe gender differences in health.

Respond to scenario below. Your answer should use the information and vocabulary you have come to learn while writing your Didactic Discussion.

The Case of Mavis Johnson from Fried and Mehrotra (1998)

"Mavis Johnson lives in the small town in southern Iowa where she was born. A 90-year-old widow, Mrs. johnson lives off a check from Social Security and a very modest annuity. Her health has declined gradually in the past five years. In addition to very painful arthritis affecting her hands, she has high blood pressure, other cardiovascular problems, and failing eyesight. Most of her family continues to live in this not very affluent farming community. A son and daughter help with chores, grocery shopping, and the maintenance of her small house. Mrs Johnson has monthly appointments with two physicians whose offices are 60 miles away. The county in which she resides maintains a health clinic that is open a few days a week and staffed with public nurses. Mavis wants to see a doctor when she has health concerns, but that entails a trip to the city and the necessity that her son or daughter take off from work in order to drive her to her appointments" (p. 59).

Fried, S. B. & Mehrotra, C. M. (1998). Aging and diversity: An active learning experience. Washington, D.C.: Taylor and Francis.