14 - Aging and frailty Flashcards
At what age is someone considered a senior?
65+
For the first time ever, Canada has now ___ seniors than children
More
1 in ___ Canadians is at least 65 years old
__ % of the population
1 in 6
16%
If current population trends continue, it is estimated that senior will outnumber children by a factor of ___ in 20 years time
3:2
What is the median age of the Canadian population
40
What is the most common condition found among the elderly? Second most?
- Arthritis
2. High BP
T or F: some older adults have more than 1 condition (give an example)
True
ex: stroke and high BP because they are closely related
What is frailty?
Acceleration in physical and cognitive decline due to aging
Frailty - diagnosis based on these elements (5)
- Muscle weakness
- Decrease physical activity
- Decrease walking speed
- Physical exhaustion
- Unintentional weight loss
What is the holistic definition of frailty?
Increase vulnerability to internal and external stressors (due to decrease physiological reserves)
What does allostatic load refers to?
Refers to the long-term effects of continued exposure to chronic stress on the body
Frailty is a preventable condition
True
Ways to prevent frailty in seniors (3)
Exercise
Nutrition
Socialization!!!
Key terms in frailty - Sarcopenia
Age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass. Associated with increase physiological and functional vulnerability
Key terms in frailty - Osteopenia
Age-related loss of bone mineral density associated with increase risk of osteoporosis
Def of balance disorders
Disturbance that causes an individual to feel unsteady, or have a sensation of movement when standing or lying down
Cause of balance disorders
Certain health conditions (ex: high BP), medications, or a problem in the inner ear or the brain
Def of nutritional problems
Elderly sometimes lose their appetites, and do not eat correctly
They may not feel like eating or are simply lonely. They may not have the energy or are on limited budgets
Physiological changes associated with aging - Cardiovascular change in function
Decrease Vo2 peak and max HR
Increase resting and exercise BP
Vo2 peak in order of population type
Athletic young adults
Athletic older adults
Sedentary older adults
Frail older adults
Physiological changes associated with aging – Musculoskeletal
Decrease muscle strength, flexibility, balance and muscle mass
Muscle strength decrease by ___ for 65 years old men and by ___ for 65 years old women
??
Physiological changes associated with aging – Nervous
Increase time of reaction (decrease conduction speed by 20%)
Decrease sensory system
Why does the nerve conduction decrease by 20% in older adults?
Because of neuronal degeneration
Physiological changes associated with aging – Metabolic
Decrease basal metabolic rate and lean body mass
Increase body fat
Which variable has showed the strongest correlation with the risk of falls in older adults?
Increase time of reaction
Name the factors leading to sarcopenia and frailty
- Lifestyle (low PA level)
- Genetic
- Dietary (decrease calorie and protein intake)
- Medial conditions + insulin resistance (decrease blood flow)
- Decrease testosterone and vitamin D
Which training mode can decrease the risk of reaching the disability threshold?
Strength training
Postural changes associated with frail older adults
- Forward head position
- Rounded shoulders
- Kyphosis (rounded back)
- Knee flexion
- Progressive***
Gait changes in the older adult (1 increase 6 decrease)
- Decreased velocity
- Decreased step length
- Decreased step rate (Cadence)
- Decreased swing phase (time)
- Increased stance phase (time)
- Decreased hip, knee, ankle flexion
- Decreased power generation at push-off
Exercise recommendation for frail seniors – Aerobic large muscle activities GOALS
Increase functional capacity and independence (increase cardiovascular fitness)
Exercise recommendation for frail seniors – Aerobic large muscle activities RECOMMENDATIONS
Intensity = RPE 9-11 (light)
Frequency = 3-5 days/week
Duration 30 min/session
Allow rest periods
Exercise recommendation for frail seniors – Strength low level, progressive resistance exercise GOALS
Prevent or reverse frailty
Exercise recommendation for frail seniors – Strength low level, progressive resistance exercise RECOMMENDATIONS
Start program without weight; add weight slowly
Exercise recommendation for frail seniors – Flexibility (stretching) GOALS
Prevent injury (ex: frozen shoulder)
Exercise recommendation for frail seniors – Neuromuscular (one-foot stand, tandem gait, balance exercises) GOALS
Prevent falls
