1 - Foundations of Aging

Question 1

What 5 factors have the biggest effect on health/health care system?

Answer 1

1) Diabetes*
2) Hypertension*
3) Older Adults*
4) Mental Health
5) Infection

Question 2

The pace of population aging is much _________ than in the past.

Answer 2

Faster
- b/w 2015-2050, the world pop over 60 will double

Question 3

The proportion of the population ages 65 yrs and older is increasing due to:

Answer 3

1) low fertility rate
2) increased life expectancy

Question 4

What is the life expectancy of female and male Candians?

Answer 4

Female Canadians: 83.1 years
Male Canadians: 79.8 years

Question 5

What did healthcare look like before hospitals?

Answer 5

• Care was in the home
• People were dying younger
  - scientific advances have turned
  aging/dying into a medical
  experience controlled by
  professionals

Question 6

When did healthcare begin to change?

Answer 6

• the change was driven by advancements in medicine and public health
• the industrial revolution???

Question 7

How has the process of aging changed?

Answer 7

BEFORE
The population used to die younger (due to lack of medical knowledge and limited healthcare)
- The leading causes of death used to be infection and trauma

TODAY
- the leading cause of death is cancer
(As you age, your baseline health gradually decreases)

Question 8

The veneration of the _____________________ has been replaced by veneration of ___________________

Answer 8

Elders within the community, independence

What this means:
- in the past, communities respected and honored their elders for their wisdom and experience. This respect has shifted towards valuing independence and self-sufficiency, where individual autonomy is prioritized over respect for elderly

Question 9

How does ageing change life views/goals?

Answer 9

EARLY IN LIFE
- you have a broad life view: interested in expanding your horizon
- you care about travelling, finding love, going to school, and getting a job

LATER IN LIFE
- The big “R” - relationships
- as you, your social network becomes the most defining factor of your wellbeing
- you experience more loss and trauma (ppl close to u are dying)
- you may also experience a health crisis; bc health declines with age

Question 10

What are the 4 Types of Aging?

Answer 10

1) Chronological
2) Biological
3) Psychological
4) Social

Question 11

What is Chronological Age?

Answer 11

• measured by # of years lived

Question 12

What is Biological Age?

Answer 12

• predicted by a persons physical condition and how well the body is functioning

Question 13

What is Psychological Age?

Answer 13

• indicated by the persons ability and control in terms of learning capacity, skills, emotions, and judgement

Question 14

What is Social Age?

Answer 14

• measured by age-graded behaviours that conform to social roles in society

Question 15

2 Theories of Aging?

Answer 15

Stochastic Theories: changes that occur bc of errors within cells DNA (ie. oxidative stress)
- random

Non-Stochastic Theories: changes that occur because of predetermined/programmed processes

• both agree that cells become disorganized, are no longer able to replicate, and cell death occurs

Question 16

Aging is a wholly unique experience that depends significantly on ____?

Question 17

What are the Integument changes in aging?

Answer 17

• The function of skin is not affected as we age
• only the appearance of our skin changes

Question 18

What are the MSK changes in aging?

Answer 18

• As we age, it becomes more difficult to build muscle mass
• Sarcopenia - age related changes in muscles

Question 19

What are the Cardiovascular changes in aging?

Answer 19

• Cardiac output decreases overtime
  ○ Leads to heart failure

Question 20

What are the Respiratory changes in aging?

Answer 20

• Passive recoil decreases: stiffening of the lungs

Question 21

What are the Renal changes in aging?

Answer 21

• Decreased Glomerular filtration rate
  
  • Affects kidneys and the regulation of electrolytes and filtration

Question 22

What are the Endocrine changes in aging?

Answer 22

• Changes to glands that secrete fewer hormones
• Menopause
• Hormone changes
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia: enlarged prostate

Question 23

What are the GI changes in aging?

Answer 23

• Changes in bowel patterns
• Constipation

Question 24

What are the Neurological changes in aging?

Answer 24

• Brain plasticity decreases
• Increased confusion

Question 25

What are the Immune changes in aging?

Answer 25

- View the immune system as an organ ○ Organ function decreases as we age ○ Ability to fight off infection is more challenging with age

Question 26

Implications of Healthy Aging in Nursing

Answer 26

- do not assume - maximize function and potential - explore underlying situations that interfere with achieving wellness

Question 27

What is Ageism?

Answer 27

Ageism: prejudice toward older adults through attitudes and behaviour - refers to the stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel) and discrimination (how we act) directed towards people on the basis of their age. - can be institutional, interpersonal or self-directed (WHO) - it is especially prevalent in the Western world, where aging is viewed with depression, fear, and anxiety - Ageism toward older adults has resulted in negatives attitudes about working in areas (ie. long-term care (LTC) homes), making it challenging to recruit and retain health care workers

Question 28

What is Elderspeak?

Answer 28

Elderspeak: (“baby talk”) directed toward older adults - a form of ageism in which younger people alter their speech on the assumption that older adults have difficulty comprehending what is said - When communicating with older adults in a bed or wheelchair, position oneself at their level rather than talking over or standing above them Ex. Speaking slowly or loudly or both Using a singsong voice Using the pronouns “we,” “us,” and “our” in place of “you” Using pet names such as “honey,” “dearie,” or “sweetheart” Answering questions for the older adult (e.g. “You would like your dinner now, wouldn’t you?”)

Question 29

What is the Impact of Ageism?

Answer 29

Associated with: - a shorter lifespan - poorer physical and mental health, - slower recovery from disability - cognitive decline - Reduces older people’s quality of life, increases their social isolation and loneliness, restricts their ability to express their sexuality and may increase the risk of violence and abuse against older people. - Can also reduce younger people’s commitment to the organization they work for - Contributes to poverty and financial insecurity in older age - it costs society billions of dollars

Question 30

Strategies to Reduce Ageism?

Answer 30

1) Policy and Law - the human rights code protects people from discrimination based on age 2) Education - to destroy myths, reduce prejudice, and limit discrimination 3) Intergenerational Contact - reduces stereotypes and prejudice

Question 31

Interpersonal VS. Self Ageism

Answer 31

Interpersonal ageism: arises in interactions between two or more individuals Self-directed ageism: occurs when ageism is internalized and turned against yourself

Question 32

When does Ageism begin?

Answer 32

- begins in childhood and gets reinforced overtime ○ At a young age, we pick up cues from people around us which get internalized ○ People use stereotypes to guide feelings/ behaviours

Question 33

Factors that increase the risk of perpetrating ageism against older people are…

Answer 33

- Being younger - male - uneducated - anxious about death

Question 34

Factors that reduce the risk of perpetrating ageism are __________?

Answer 34

- having more intergenerational contact

Question 35

Factors that increase the risk of being a target of ageism are…?

Answer 35

- Being care-dependent - Working in certain professions - being female

Question 36

What are the 5 Primary Health Care Principles?

Answer 36

1. Accessibility - refers to availability of health services regardless of age or location 2. Public participation 3. Health promotion 4. Appropriate technology 5. Intersect oral collaboration