Late Adulthood

• Longevity• The course of physical

development• Health• Cognitive functioning• Memory• Work and retirement• Mental health• Religion

• Theories of socioemotional development

• Older adult in society• Families• Ethnicity, gender, and

culture• Successful aging

Longevity

• Life expectancy and life span• Young old, old old, and oldest old• Biological theories of aging

The Course of Physical Development

• The aging brain• Physical appearance• Sensory development• The circulatory system• The respiratory system• Sexuality

Health

• Health problems• The robust oldest old• Exercise, nutrition, and weight• Health treatment

Cognitive Functioning in Older Adults

• The multidimensional, multidirectional nature of cognition

• Links to cognitive functioning: education, work and health

• Use it or lose it!• Training cognitive skills

Memory in Older Adults

• Episodic Memory• Semantic Memory• Cognitive Resources: Working Memory and

Perceptual Speed• Explicit and Implicit Memory• Memory Beliefs• Noncognitive Factors• Conclusions about Memory and Aging

Work and Retirement

• Work• Retirement in the U.S. and other countries• Adjustment to retirement

The Mental Health of Older Adults

• The nature of mental health• Depression • Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease• Fear of victimization, crime, and elder

abuse• Meeting the needs of older adults

Religion in Late Adulthood

• Religious involvement• Religion and longevity

Theories of Socioemotional Development

• Erikson’s theory• Disengagement theory• Activity theory• Socioemotional

selectivity theory• Selective optimization

with compensation theory

Older Adults in Society

• Stereotyping older adults• Policy issues in an aging society• Income• Living arrangements

Families and Social Relationships

• The aging couple• Grandparenting• Friendship• Social support and social integration

Ethnicity, Gender, and Culture

• Ethnicity• Gender• Culture

Aspects of Successful Aging

• Proper diet• Active lifestyle• Mental stimulation and flexibility• Positive coping skills• Good social relationships and support