Discuss the arguments put forth by the hormonal stress theory of aging.

What will be an ideal response?


The hormonal stress theory states that aging in the body's hormonal system can lower resistance to stress and increase the likelihood of contracting a disease. When faced with external challenges such as stressful situations, the human body adapts by altering internal physiological processes. This process of adaptation and adjustment is referred to as allostasis. Allostasis is adaptive in the short term; however, continuous accommodation of physiological systems in response to stressors may result in allostatic load, a wearing down of body systems due to constant activity. Normally, when people experience stressors, the body responds by releasing certain hormones. As people age, the hormones stimulated by stress remain at elevated levels longer than when people were younger. These prolonged, elevated levels of stress-related hormones are associated with increased risks for many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.

Psychology

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What part of a neuron contains the material necessary to keep it alive?

a. Axon b. Cell body c. Dendrite d. Corpus callosum

Psychology

Continuity is the tendency to _____

a) perceive objects, or figures, on some background. b) complete figures that are incomplete. c) perceive objects that are close to each other as part of the same grouping. d) perceive things with a continuous pattern rather than with a complex, broken-up pattern.

Psychology

Charise, age 74, is involved in organized religion. Longitudinal research suggests that Charise will __________ than her agemates who do not participate in organized or informal religion

A) be less generative B) reminisce less C) live longer D) experience greater death anxiety

Psychology

Which of the following correlation coefficients shows the weakest correlation?

A. +.70 B. +.15 C. -.10 D. -.80

Psychology