12.5 The Aging Individual

Question 1

The Term “Old”

Answer 1

• Determined based off attitude, mental health, physical health, and degree of independence.

Question 2

Physiological Aspects of Aging

Answer 2

Memory
- Memory deficiencies and slower response times
- Short term memory deteriorates over time but long term memory does not.
- Mentally active people show less decline than non mentally active

Question 3

Crystallized Abilities

Answer 3

• Knowledge acquired in the course of socialization process tends to remain stable over the adult life span
• Knowledge accumulated over the years

Question 4

Fluid Abilities

Answer 4

• Involved in solving novel problems decline gradually.
• Ability to process new information, learn and solve problems

Question 5

Learning Ability

Answer 5

• Does not diminish with age, continuous throughout life
• ## Slowing of reaction time occurs for nearly all tasks

Question 6

Loss and Grief

Answer 6

• Grief and loss in older adults can be great due to numerous losses
• Grief is cumulative which can result in bereavement overload which is a risk for depression
• Seniors need socialization and companionship which elevates morale and life satisfaction.

Question 7

Self-Identity

Answer 7

Promotion of Self Identity
- Sustain family relationships
- Absence of alcoholism
- Absence of depressive disorder

Question 8

Death Anxiety

Answer 8

• Universal phenomenon about death are a result of cumulative life experiences
• Highest in middle age and stabilizes by later adulthood.
• Elderly do not fear death, they fear abandonment, pain and confusion.

Question 9

Psychiatric Disorders

Answer 9

• Neurocognitive disorders are the most common such as Alzheimer’s
• Delirium
• Depression
• Anxiety
• At risk for substance abuse (opioids)
• Sleep disorders

Question 10

Sociocultural Aspects of Aging

Answer 10

• Old age is considered 65+
• They want to die with respect and dignity

Question 11

Sexual Changes with Age

Answer 11

• Menopause at 40-50
• May cause hot flashes, night sweats, sleeplessness, irritability, mood swings.
• Testosterone declines at 40-60
• Erections occur more slowly

Question 12

Retirement

Answer 12

• Standard of living may drastically change after retirement due to 20-40% reduction of income.

Question 13

Long-term Care

Answer 13

• Most elderly prefer to be in their own home.
• People may think a nursing home is a place where people go to die.

Question 14

Elder Abuse Signs

Answer 14

Psychological Abuse
- Depression, withdrawn, anxiety, sleep disorders

Physical Abuse
- Bruises, welts, lacerations, burns, punctures

Neglect
- Hunger, poor hygiene, inappropriate dress,

Sexual
- Pain/itching in genital area, bruising/bleeding

Financial
- Patient complains of lack of sufficient funds.