1 - Foundations of Aging Flashcards
What 5 factors have the biggest effect on health/health care system?
1) Diabetes*
2) Hypertension*
3) Older Adults*
4) Mental Health
5) Infection
The pace of population aging is much _________ than in the past.
Faster
- b/w 2015-2050, the world pop over 60 will double
The proportion of the population ages 65 yrs and older is increasing due to:
1) low fertility rate
2) increased life expectancy
What is the life expectancy of female and male Candians?
Female Canadians: 83.1 years
Male Canadians: 79.8 years
What did healthcare look like before hospitals?
- Care was in the home
- People were dying younger
- scientific advances have turned
aging/dying into a medical
experience controlled by
professionals
When did healthcare begin to change?
- the change was driven by advancements in medicine and public health
- the industrial revolution???
How has the process of aging changed?
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)
The veneration of the _____________________ has been replaced by veneration of ___________________
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
How does ageing change life views/goals?
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
What are the 4 Types of Aging?
1) Chronological
2) Biological
3) Psychological
4) Social
What is Chronological Age?
- measured by # of years lived
What is Biological Age?
- predicted by a persons physical condition and how well the body is functioning
What is Psychological Age?
- indicated by the persons ability and control in terms of learning capacity, skills, emotions, and judgement
What is Social Age?
- measured by age-graded behaviours that conform to social roles in society
2 Theories of Aging?
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
Aging is a wholly unique experience that depends significantly on ____?
What are the Integument changes in aging?
- The function of skin is not affected as we age
- only the appearance of our skin changes
What are the MSK changes in aging?
- As we age, it becomes more difficult to build muscle mass
- Sarcopenia - age related changes in muscles
What are the Cardiovascular changes in aging?
- Cardiac output decreases overtime
○ Leads to heart failure
What are the Respiratory changes in aging?
- Passive recoil decreases: stiffening of the lungs
What are the Renal changes in aging?
- Decreased Glomerular filtration rate
- Affects kidneys and the regulation of electrolytes and filtration
What are the Endocrine changes in aging?
- Changes to glands that secrete fewer hormones
- Menopause
- Hormone changes
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia: enlarged prostate
What are the GI changes in aging?
- Changes in bowel patterns
- Constipation
What are the Neurological changes in aging?
- Brain plasticity decreases
- Increased confusion
What are the Immune changes in aging?
- View the immune system as an organ
○ Organ function decreases as we age
○ Ability to fight off infection is more challenging with age
Implications of Healthy Aging in Nursing
- do not assume
- maximize function and potential
- explore underlying situations that interfere with achieving wellness
What is Ageism?
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
What is Elderspeak?
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?”)
What is the Impact of Ageism?
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
Strategies to Reduce Ageism?
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
Interpersonal VS. Self Ageism
Interpersonal ageism: arises in interactions between two or more individuals
Self-directed ageism: occurs when ageism is internalized and turned against yourself
When does Ageism begin?
- 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
Factors that increase the risk of perpetrating ageism against older people are…
- Being younger
- male
- uneducated
- anxious about death
Factors that reduce the risk of perpetrating ageism are __________?
- having more intergenerational contact
Factors that increase the risk of being a target of ageism are…?
- Being care-dependent
- Working in certain professions
- being female
What are the 5 Primary Health Care Principles?
- Accessibility - refers to availability of health services regardless of age or location
- Public participation
- Health promotion
- Appropriate technology
- Intersect oral collaboration
