1.

In the United States, older people are generally treated with less respect than needed because

of an effect of the social clock called ageism. Ageism is discrimination against others due to being

in a certain age group and based on stereotypes. Older people are thought to be forgetful yet

wise, cranky, and incapable of participating in activities (i.e. physical activity or work). Although

they are more susceptible to disease and cognitive decline, they have job expertise that

employees could put to use (i.e. retraining to keep an experienced worker), and they are pushed

by society to retire as the typical retirement age is 66 due to social security. They are also treated

with special care by close family members, friends, and/or a nursing facility because they have a

role transition into from being a care giver to a care receiver.

2. In order to be more blue zone in nature, my grandmother could garden and walk around

regularly instead of sitting on the couch and watching television. She could walk around the block

in her neighborhood with her dog, walk the mall, or go on the treadmill. She could garden and

plant flowers in her yard or at a community garden. Strong social networks are also important

because loneliness shaves about five years off of ones life. Also, older adults have fewer people

within their convoy, or a smaller social network. My grandmother could spend more time with her

children and grandchildren because, according to the socioemotional selectivity theory, older

adults prefer more meaningful relationships and emotional goals rather than knowledge-based

ones. The television, computer, iPhone, and iPad can impede and promote blue zone living.

Sitting with these devices will make the older adult less active, hindering longevity and increasing

the risk of secondary aging. For example, the lack of exercise could contribute to obesity, which

is a risk factor for diabetes. However, these devices have applications (i.e. Facebook) that

increase social support and allow one to connect with family and friends; so, my grandmother

could use a Facebook account to be more social, more connected, and less shy, unlike nonusers.

3. Aubrey De Grey has the perspective that aging is a disease because it could be prevented

through medical care. Ninety-percent of medical care and deaths are caused by diseases of old

age, and one cant simply avoid them by being careful as he states that it is natural. Instead, he
believes one can prevent or slow down the damage caused by aging in the same manner one

prevents or treats most infectious diseases like the flu. Primary aging is inevitable and

unstoppable; but, aging as a disease corresponds to secondary aging, the changes that happen

as a result of internal or external factors, because it actually can be controlled to an extent. For

instance, one can control many risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death,

including tobacco use, obesity, and diabetes. If one exercises and diets regularly and properly,

ones risk for this disease could be lowered. However, if one has a disease like Alzheimers, then

there is no cure like the flu, and the brain damage (i.e. plaque and tangles) can only be slowed.

4. Super attributes include quick muscle reflexes, memory gain, and living longer. Genetically

engineering people with these attributes is possible through Daf-2 gene mutations and other gene

edits, but there are pros and cons. Pros include counteracting diseases, a greater health span,

longevity, and lowering the morbidity or illness rate. These could slow down the effects of

secondary aging. Cons include the procedure being unethical and misused, having strict control

over selective traits, and only living to the maximum age. According to the genetic limits theory,

every species has a maximum life span humans up to 110-120 years. Although one could live

longer than they would have without alterations, there is a Hayflick limit and a genetic program

that sets an upper age limit; so, one cannot continuously keep living with super attributes.

5. I am most looking forward to gaining emotionally meaningful goals in my late life because,

within the socioemotional selectivity theory, these include balancing my emotional states,

spending time with my small social network and myself, being needed, and feeling good. The goal

shift from knowledge based to emotionally based means that I have accepted the fact that I am

close to death, so I will not be afraid of solitude and death itself. I will also be less stressed, not

focused on gaining knowledge, and will have a decline in social roles, contrasting me now as an

emerging or young adult. Lastly, I want to gain leisure time because I have been constantly busy

and unrelaxed as a young adult; but, I will have to make certain that I plan for retirement since

56% have not planned financially, and women dont plan as well and can actually plan worse.