Chapter 7 —
1. Discuss the various physiological changes of aging to which smoking contributes.
2. Describe effects of aging with regard to the cardiovascular system.
3. Explain the controls of the endocrine system and how it relates to aging.
4. Discuss factors that decrease mobility in the musculoskeletal system.
Chapter 8 —
1. Think of the role models you know who are at least 65 years old. What personality traits do you appreciate in these older people? How can you ensure that you will have some of these traits when you are older? Do you think one can develop these traits? Why or why not?
2. Brainstorm 10 things you want to learn before you die. The list needs to include new learning—you may say travel and that is fine, but what do you intend to learn in your travels? New learning is the most important (e.g., a new sport, dance, language, learning to play an instrument, any skill, etc.). Discuss why new learning is important.
3. Generally speaking, the level of cognition declines as one gets older. How can you ensure that this decline will be minimal? List five things that you can personally do to improve your cognitive level.
4. Discuss wisdom. What is it and what makes someone wise? Do you equate being wise with being older? Why or why not? In the United States, how do we view wisdom compared to other world cultures?
