Understanding Psychology

Chapter 5: Adulthood and Old Age

Web Activity Lesson Plans

"Postpone Aging"

Introduction
Students have read about the gradual physical, intellectual, social, and emotional changes that occur in adulthood and old age. In this exercise, students will explore recent studies that focus on prolonging health and enhancing life well into old age.

Lesson Description
Students will use information from these Web sites to learn about recent research on aging. Students will read about scientific discoveries, understand how lifestyle choices can affect aging, and learn how to calculate their life expectancy. Students will then apply this information by calculating their own life expectancy and identifying habits, which could be modified to make them healthier in old age.

1. Students will characterize current research about longevity and identify factors that can improve health in old age.
2. Students will be able to use this knowledge to calculate their life expectancy and identify habits that may impact their health in old age.