WJEC GCSE Health and Social Care, and Childcare

Later adulthood Older people keep and use their intellectual abilities in much the same ways as adults and middle-aged people. Both the young- old (60–75 years) and the old-old (75 years and over) need and enjoy intellectually stimulating activities in their lives. The speed at which older people are able to think and respond is generally reduced by ageing, but thinking ability and intelligence are not affected. There are many negative ideas about older people’s intellectual abilities. It is true that a minority of older people develop dementia-related illnesses and have memory problems – but the majority do not. People who develop dementia-related illnesses tend to have memory problems, especially in recalling recent information, and become confused more easily. These types of illnesses also result in the gradual loss of speech and other abilities that are controlled by the brain. Older people can develop and use their intellectual abilities in many different ways. Harriet, aged five, has recently started primary school. She loves going to Ysgol Bryn Coch and has made several new friends already. Harriet’s teacher reads stories to the class and encourages all pupils to take part in a range of practical activities. Harriet’s favourite activities are painting and playing games in the kitchen corner. 1. List three things that you would expect Harriet to learn in her first year at Ysgol Bryn Coch. 2. Would you expect Harriet to be able to count to ten by the end of her first year at school? Give a reason for your answer. 3. Explain why Harriet’s teacher tries to help her learn the difference between ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ when she is at school. Case study 1. Which life stage is a person usually in when they first learn the difference between ‘right’ and ‘wrong’? 2. List three skills or abilities that rely on intellectual development during childhood. 3. Explain why the problem-solving skills of an adolescent are usually better than those of a child. 4. How are the intellectual skills of a person likely to change in later adulthood? Check your understanding Many different types of learning happen at primary school. Dementia-related illnesses Brain conditions that cause a gradual decrease in the ability to think and remember, which affect a person’s daily functioning. Key term 23 4 Understanding intellectual development