Learning Objectives

Following the completion of this chapter, students will be able to:

1. Describe the patterns of health maintenance, decline, and compensation experienced by young, middle-aged, and older adults.
2. Define reserve capacity and explain age-related changes in reserve capacity during adulthood.
3. Describe structural and functional changes in the skeletal system during adulthood and explain how and why osteoporosis and arthritis deviate from expected patters of decline.
4. Describe structural and functional changes in the cardiovascular system during adulthood and explain how cardiovascular diseases and individual characteristics interact to affect adult health.
5. Describe structural and functional changes in the respiratory system during adulthood and explain how respiratory disorders affect aging adults.
6. Describe structural and functional changes in the immune system during adulthood and explain the effects of mature-onset diabetes and AIDS on the system.
7. Describe structural and functional changes in the neurological system during adulthood and explain what typically occurs with dementia.
8. Identify the neurological and behavioral characteristics of Alzheimer's disease.
9. Define cancer and describe the nature, prevalence, prevention, and treatment of the two most common types of cancer developed by men and women.
10. List and describe the most common diseases and disorders experienced by women and men during young, middle-aged, and older adulthood.
11. Explain the relationship of socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity to health during adulthood.
12. Describe the effects of personal relationships with family members and friends on health.
13. List and explain the health effects of two harmful substances over which individuals have control.
14. Define stress and explain how strategies used to cope with stress are related to physical health. Explain how age influences the ability to cope with stress.
15. Explain how diet, dental care, and exercise are related to physical health.