Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 17: Problem 3

Explain the extent to which people slow down as they age and the consequences of this slowing Reaction time among the elderly is slower, a fact that is explained by the peripheral slowing hypothesis (processing speed in the peripheral nervous system slows down) and the generalized slowing hypothesis (processing in all parts of the nervous system slows down).

Short Answer

Expert verified
As people age, they experience a slow-down in processing speed in the nervous system. This is explained by two hypotheses: the Peripheral Slowing Hypothesis, in which the peripheral nervous system slows down, and the Generalized Slowing Hypothesis, which suggests a generalized slow-down in all parts of the nervous system. This often leads to reduced reaction times, difficulty in learning new tasks, processing information, and physical challenges.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Peripheral Slowing Hypothesis

The Peripheral Slowing Hypothesis posits that slowing occurs due to a decrease in processing speed in the peripheral nervous system as we age. In simpler terms, this means that the speed at which our brain communicates with the rest of our body (our peripheral nervous system) decreases with age.
02

Understand the Generalized Slowing Hypothesis

The second hypothesis is the Generalized Slowing Hypothesis. This suggests that slowing with age occurs due to a decrease in processing speed throughout all parts of the nervous system, not just the peripheral. This implies that our overall cognitive and physical functions slow down with age.
03

Consequences of slowing down with age

With a decreased processing speed in the nervous system, there are multiple effects on an individual. These can include reduced reaction times, which can affect a person's ability to perform tasks quickly or react swiftly in urgent situations. Furthermore, the decrease in cognitive functions may lead to difficulty in learning new tasks or processing information. It might also lead to physical challenges, like decreased mobility or coordination.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Describe how learning and education continue in late adulthood. The popularity of programs like Road Scholar attests to the desire of many older people to continue learning. Older students can significantly enhance college courses by bringing their experiences and prior learning to the classroom.

Discuss the possible extension of the life span through scientific advances and its implications. The life span may be further increased by technological advances such as telomere therapy, the use of antioxidant drugs to reduce free radicals, development of low-calorie diets, and organ replacement.

Describe how the senses are affected by aging. Physical changes in the eye bring declines in vision, and several eye diseases become more prevalent in old age, including cataracts, glaucoma, and age- related macular degeneration (AMD). Hearing also declines, particularly the ability to hear higher frequencies. Hearing loss has psychological and social consequences, since it discourages older people from engaging in social interactions. Declines in the senses of taste and smell also occur in late adulthood.

Describe how sexuality is affected by aging. Despite some changes in sexual functioning, sexuality continues throughout old age, provided both physical and mental health are good.

Describe how well older adults function cognitively. According to sequential studies, such as those conducted by developmental psychologist K. Warner Schaie, intellectual abilities tend to decline slowly throughout old age, but different abilities change in different ways. Training, stimulation, practice, and motivation can help older people maintain their mental abilities.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Psychology Textbooks

Relationships

Read Explanation

Biopsychology

Read Explanation

Approaches in Psychology

Read Explanation

Research Methods in Psychology

Read Explanation

Developmental Psychology

Read Explanation

Sensation and Perception

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free