Physical Dimensions of Aging-2E

by Spirduso, Waneen

• ISBN13: 9780736033152
• ISBN10: 0736033157
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2004-12-27
• Publisher: Human Kinetics

Summary

The physical aging process progresses every dayand so does our understanding of it. Physical Dimensions of Aging, Second Edition,will keep students and professionals up to date on the outcomes of the latest research studies and their implications for the elderly in the real world. Physical aging affects us cognitively, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. The book discusses how people age physically and how this aging affects other dimensions of life.The second edition of Physical Dimensions of Aginghas been updated to integrate research findings on physical aging from more than 100 different journals in myriad fields, creating interdisciplinary coverage on the topic. It provides students and professionals with what they need to know about physical aging in order to conduct clinical research and to work with clients and patients. In doing so, it retains its landmark status as the definitive reference on aging.Moreover, Physical Dimensions of Aging, Second Edition,focuses less on explaining the measurement techniques and research design and more on the outcome of the studies and their practical implications for everyday living. This approach will enable professionals and students to do the following:-Understand the physical aging process and its effects on other dimensions of life.-Apply the latest research in working with adults and the elderly.-Become more effective in their professions. The structure of this new edition is more conducive to learning and features the following:-Chapter objectives-Key terms-Sidebars of capsule research studies-Testimonials, vignettes, and other tidbits that tie the research information to the real world-Review questions to assist students in synthesizing and remembering the information-Short lists of recommended reading for those who want to pursue the topic in more detail-A glossary at the end of the book This second edition is organized into five parts. Part Iprovides an introduction to aging, to the field of gerontology, and to the research process for studying individual differences. Part IIdescribes the physical changes in structure, capacity, and endurance. Part IIIoverviews the factors related to motor coordination, motor control, and skill learning for older adults. Part IVaddresses physicalpsychosocial relationships, including health, exercise, and cognitive function as well as health-related expectations of quality of life for older adults. Part Vhighlights physical performance and achievement especially to showcase the results from consistent effort and hard work of physically elite older adults as inspiration for others.At a time when many people are telling older adults what they can't do, professionals should be telling them what they can do. Physical Dimensions of Aging, Second Edition,will equip professionals to do so.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
Acknowledgments	ix
Part I An Introduction to Aging
Quantity and Quality of Life	3	(28)
What Is Aging?	4	(1)
How Is Aging Described?	5	(9)
What Causes Aging?	14	(4)
Can the Aging Process Be Slowed?	18	(5)
How Does Physical Aging Affect Quality of Life?	23	(3)
Quality of Life Components	26	(2)
Health and Fitness Contributions in Different Age Categories	28	(3)
Individual Differences	31	(24)
Assessment of Individual Differences	32	(2)
Sources of Individual Differences	34	(6)
How Research Design Affects Our View of Individual Differences	40	(3)
Can the Process of Studying People Influence Individual Differences?	43	(2)
Biological Age	45	(5)
Importance of Individual Differences in Understanding Aging Research	50	(5)
Part II Physical Changes in Structure, Capacity, and Endurance
Physical Development and Decline	55	(32)
Changes in Body Shape	56	(5)
Changes in Body Composition	61	(6)
Changes in Bone	67	(10)
Aging Joints: Coping With the Interface of Aging Bones, Muscles, and Tendons	77	(5)
Skin: Taking the Brunt of the Environment for Years	82	(5)
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Function	87	(20)
Aging Effects on the Cardiovascular System	88	(11)
Aging Effects on the Respiratory System	99	(2)
Preventing or Postponing Aging Effects on the Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems	101	(6)
Muscular Strength and Power	107	(24)
Strength and Power	108	(1)
Changes in Muscular Strength With Age	109	(1)
Why Strength Decreases With Aging	110	(6)
Resistance Training for Strength	116	(5)
Muscular Power	121	(10)
Part III Motor Coordination, Motor Control, and Skill
Balance, Posture, and Locomotion	131	(26)
Defining the Multiple Dimensions of Balance	132	(2)
Theoretical Framework of Balance and Mobility	134	(1)
Intrinsic Systems Contributing to Balance and Mobility	135	(2)
Age-Associated Changes in the Systems Contributing to Balance and Mobility	137	(3)
Posture	140	(1)
Evaluating the Multiple Dimensions of Balance	140	(6)
Locomotion	146	(3)
Age-Associated Changes in Gait	149	(1)
Measuring Gait	150	(1)
Falling---When Balance Fails	150	(1)
Can Falling of the Elderly Be Prevented?	151	(6)
Behavioral Speed	157	(20)
Response Speed	158	(4)
Age-Sensitive Factors That Affect Response Speed	162	(3)
Reaction Time and Variability	165	(2)
Other Factors Influencing Speed of Processing	167	(1)
Theories of Response Slowing	167	(4)
Neurobiological Explanations of Age-Related Slowing	171	(2)
Movement Time	173	(1)
Functional Significance of Behavioral Speed	174	(3)
Motor Coordination and Control	177	(34)
Definitions of Coordination, Control, and Learning	178	(1)
Age-Related Sensorimotor Changes That Affect Coordination and Control	179	(2)
Theoretical Strategies to Explain Coordination, Control, and Learning	181	(1)
How Coordination and Control Are Accomplished	181	(3)
Upper Limb and Hand Control	184	(7)
Aging Effects on Two Important Functional Tasks: Driving and Handwriting	191	(7)
Learning Physical Skills	198	(4)
Mechanisms of Learning: Neural Plasticity	202	(1)
Compensatory Strategies for Losses of Coordination	203	(1)
Psychological and Emotional Factors That Influence Coordination and Learning	204	(7)
Part IV Physical--Psychosocial Relationships
Health, Exercise, and Cognitive Function	211	(22)
Concepts of Physical Activity, Health and Fitness, and Cognitive Function	212	(1)
Effects of Health and Physical Activity on Cognitive Function	213	(9)
Mechanisms by Which Physical Activity May Benefit Cognition	222	(7)
Process by Which Fitness May Benefit Cognitive Function	229	(2)
Implications of a Physical Activity--Cognition Relationship for Older Adults	231	(2)
Health-Related Quality of Life	233	(28)
Quality of Life	234	(1)
Well-Being	235	(13)
Physical Function, Physical Activity, Fitness, and Exercise	248	(2)
Influence of Exercise on Well-Being	250	(4)
Characteristics of Exercise Related to Well-Being	254	(7)
Part V Physical Performance and Achievement
Physical Function of Older Adults	261	(26)
Definitions of Physical Function	262	(1)
Hierarchy of Physical Function in Older Adults	262	(13)
Determining Physical Function in the Elderly	275	(5)
Role of Physical Activity in Postponing Disability and Facilitating Independent Living	280	(2)
Exercise Interventions and Physical Function	282	(2)
Expectations for Physical Performance of the Old and Oldest-Old	284	(3)
Physically Elite Older Adults	287	(30)
Who Are the ``Physically Elite'' Older Adults?	288	(1)
Masters Athletes	288	(1)
Studying the Elite Physical Performance of Masters Athletes	289	(2)
Masters Athletes' Record Performances	291	(14)
Estimating Age-Related Changes in Physiological Functional Capacity	305	(4)
Nonphysiological Factors That Influence Maximum Sport Performance	309	(4)
Social Support Systems and the Positive Secular Trend	313	(2)
How Do They Do It?	315	(2)
Glossary	317	(8)
References	325	(42)
Index	367	(6)
About the Authors	373