Developmental Psychology

Sample Solution

  Factors Contributing to Later Life Expectancy Life expectancy has been increasing steadily in recent decades, and this trend is expected to continue. In the United States, for example, life expectancy at birth has increased by more than 30 years since 1900. This means that people are living longer and healthier lives than ever before.

Full Answer Section

  There are a number of factors that contribute to later life expectancy. Some of these factors are genetic, while others are environmental. Genetic Factors Some people are simply born with genes that make them more likely to live longer. For example, people with certain genetic variants have been shown to be at lower risk for age-related diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Environmental Factors Environmental factors also play a role in later life expectancy. These factors include things like diet, exercise, and access to healthcare. Diet Eating a healthy diet is one of the best things people can do to improve their chances of living a long and healthy life. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It also limits processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats. Exercise Regular physical activity is also important for maintaining good health and longevity. Exercise helps to keep the body strong and healthy, and it can also help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Access to Healthcare Access to healthcare is another important factor that can affect life expectancy. People who have access to quality healthcare are more likely to get preventive care and treatment for chronic diseases. This can help them to live longer and healthier lives. Gender Differences There are also some gender differences in life expectancy. In general, women tend to live longer than men. This is thought to be due to a combination of factors, such as hormonal differences and lifestyle choices. Genetic Factors Some of the gender differences in life expectancy are due to genetic factors. For example, women have a gene that protects them from heart disease. This gene is called APOE4, and it is more common in women than in men. Lifestyle Factors Women also tend to make healthier lifestyle choices than men. For example, women are more likely to eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get regular medical checkups. These lifestyle choices can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall health. Ethnic Differences There are also some ethnic differences in life expectancy. In general, people of Japanese descent tend to live longer than people of European descent. This is thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic Factors Some of the ethnic differences in life expectancy are due to genetic factors. For example, people of Japanese descent have a gene that protects them from Alzheimer's disease. This gene is called APOE2, and it is more common in people of Japanese descent than in people of European descent. Environmental Factors Environmental factors also play a role in ethnic differences in life expectancy. For example, people of Japanese descent tend to have a lower incidence of smoking than people of European descent. Smoking is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases, so this difference in smoking rates can help to explain some of the difference in life expectancy between these two groups. Other Variables In addition to the factors mentioned above, there are a number of other variables that can affect life expectancy. These variables include socioeconomic status, education level, and marital status. Socioeconomic Status People with higher socioeconomic status tend to live longer than people with lower socioeconomic status. This is likely due to a combination of factors, such as access to better healthcare, more education, and healthier living conditions. Education Level People with higher levels of education also tend to live longer than people with lower levels of education. This is likely due to the fact that education can help people to make healthier lifestyle choices and to access better healthcare. Marital Status Marital status can also affect life expectancy. Married people tend to live longer than unmarried people. This is likely due to the fact that married people have more social support and that they are more likely to take care of their health. Health Related Concerns in Late Adulthood As people age, they are more likely to develop health problems. Some of the most common health concerns in late adulthood include:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Alzheimer's disease
• Depression

These health problems can have a significant impact on quality of life in late adulthood. However, there are many things that people can do to reduce their risk of developing these problems and to manage them