ABSTRACT
The developmental exchange is a central feature of social development, interpersonal dynamics, situated learning, and personal transformation. It is the enabling process in Guided Autobiography (GAB) settings that promotes the achievement of personal goals and group accomplishments. Nevertheless, these exchanges are embedded in the GAB structures of time, events, participants, themes, perspectives, medium, and quest for relevance. Ongoing research studies are gradually clarifying the actual, ideal, and social image of self as well as the processes, outcomes, and specific learning topics achieved during the GAB experience as they unfold through the listening, participating, and diversifying structures of the developmental exchange.
Subject(s)
Autobiographies as Topic , Interpersonal Relations , Learning , Narration , Group Processes , Human Development , Humans , TrustABSTRACT
Cognitive vitality is essential to quality of life and survival in old age. With normal aging, cognitive changes such as slowed speed of processing are common, but there is substantial interindividual variability, and cognitive decline is clearly not inevitable. In this review, we focus on recent research investigating the association of various lifestyle factors and medical comorbidities with cognitive aging. Most of these factors are potentially modifiable or manageable, and some are protective. For example, animal and human studies suggest that lifelong learning, mental and physical exercise, continuing social engagement, stress reduction, and proper nutrition may be important factors in promoting cognitive vitality in aging. Manageable medical comorbidities, such as diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, also contribute to cognitive decline in older persons. Other comorbidities such as smoking and excess alcohol intake may contribute to cognitive decline, and avoiding these activities may promote cognitive vitality in aging. Various therapeutics, including cognitive enhancers and protective agents such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, may eventually prove useful as adjuncts for the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline with aging. The data presented in this review should interest physicians who provide preventive care management to middle-aged and older individuals who seek to maintain cognitive vitality with aging.
Subject(s)
Aging/psychology , Cognition Disorders/diagnosis , Cognition Disorders/prevention & control , Cognition , Life Style , Chronic Disease/therapy , Cognition Disorders/therapy , Exercise , Humans , Learning , Nutritional Physiological Phenomena , Sleep , Social Support , Stress, Psychological/therapyABSTRACT
Concepts of mental health have evolved for the most part from considerations of childhood and young adulthood. The second half of life has received little attention in theory, research, and service. Increased attention to aging on the part of the behavioral sciences is seen likely as advocacy and numbers of older people continue to increase.