Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 17: Problem 4

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.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Aging affects the senses significantly. Vision declines due to diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and AMD. Hearing, particularly higher frequencies, is also reduced with age, affecting social interactions. Finally, taste and smell experience declines leading to changes in food preferences and safety.

Step by step solution

01

Explanation of Age-Related Changes in Vision

Aging affects vision significantly. As the eyes age, they undergo physical changes leading to decline. For example, age-related diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) become more prevalent. Cataracts cloud the eye's lens, reducing visual acuity. Glaucoma increases pressure within the eye, damaging the optic nerve, and macular degeneration deteriorates the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision.
02

Understanding Age-Related Changes in Hearing

Hearing loss, particularly the ability to hear higher frequencies, is another common effect of aging. The decrease in hearing impacts not only the physical but also the psychological aspect of the elderly, often discouraging them from participating in social interactions because of the discomfort or inability to communicate effectively. This drawback can potentially lead to conditions like depression or social anxiety.
03

Discussing Age-Related Changes in Taste and Smell

The senses of taste and smell also decline as one ages. The taste buds lose their sensitivity, and foods may not seem as flavorful as before. Similarly, the sense of smell diminishes, potentially impacting food preferences and safety, for example, the ability to smell spoiled food or detect smoke.

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

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).

Summarize the physical changes that occur in old age. Old age is a period in which outward physical changes unmistakably indicate aging, but many older people remain fit, active, and agile well into the period. Older people experience a decrease in brain size and a reduction of blood flow (and oxygen) to all parts of the body, including the brain. The circulatory, respiratory, and digestive systems all work with less efficiency.

Describe what it is like to grow old in the United States today. The number and proportion of older people in the United States and many other countries are larger than ever, and elderly people are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population. Older people as a group are subjected to stereotyping and discrimination, a phenomenon referred to as ageism.

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.

Summarize how wellness can be maintained in old age. Psychological and lifestyle factors can influence wellness in old age. A sense of control over one's life and environment can have positive effects, as can a proper diet, exercise, and the avoidance of risk factors, such as smoking.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Psychology Textbooks

Personality in Psychology

Read Explanation

Aggression

Read Explanation

Addiction

Read Explanation

Clinical Psychology

Read Explanation

Careers in Psychology

Read Explanation

Psychological Treatment

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