266 (ageing) Flashcards
UN definition of an older person
60+
subcategories of older persons
young-old: 65-74
middle-old: 75-84
old-old: 85 and over
oldest-old: over 100
definition of an older ATSI Australian?
over 50
changes in body functions and processes: cardiovascular
heart pumps less effectively
left ventricle enlarges
valves stiffen and thicken
fatty deposits and fibrous tissue are deposited
changes in body functions and processes: digestive?
delayed swallowing
decreased gastric pH = less absorption
changes in body functions and processes: endocrine?
increased insulin resistance
lower thyroid function
increased risk of type II diabetes
changes in body functions and processes: immune?
t cells become less responsive
b cells produce fewer antibodies
changes in body functions and processes: integumentary?
fat layer decreases, leading to wrinkles, thinning of skin, loss of elasticity, drier skin
clustering of melanocytes leads to pigmentation spots
hair blubs lose pigment (greying)
increased calcium deposits = nails thicken and become ridged
fewer sweat glands, less perspiration
changes in body functions and processes: musculoskeletal
bones become less dense, depleted of calcium and minerals
thinning and curvature of spine = loss of height
stiffening, loss of joint cartilage = loss of flexibility
diminished muscle mass, tone, contractility = muscle weakness, slower movements
changes in body functions and processes: nervous system?
shrinkage of nerve cells = slower transmission of messages
breakdown of nerve cells in brain leads to plaques and tangles
changes in body functions and processes: respiratory?
weakening of ribs and diaphragm = diminished ability to expand the chest, decreased breathing capacity
changes in body functions and processes: sensory?
degenerative diseases = loss of visual acuity
difficulty seeing closer objects
pupil sphincter becomes rigid, pupil becomes less small
thickening of eardrum + structural and nerve changes = diminished hearing
tongue atrophy = loss of taste
atrophy of olfactory bulb = loss of smell
changes in body functions and processes: reproductive?
shrinking and atrophy of female reproductive organs
diminished secretion of female hormones and secretions
penile erection problems due to diminished blood flow
enlargement of prostate gland = increased frequency of urination
diminshed blood flow = changes to renal function inc. less urinary output, less excretion of wastes
diminished bladder tone and capacity
weakness of bladder muscles = increased urinary frequency and urgency, incontinence
RLT factors influencing ALS
biological
physchological
sociocultural
environmental
politicoeconomic
RLT activities of living
maintaining a safe environment
communicating
breathing
eating and drinking
eliminating
personal cleansing and dressing
controlling body temperature
mobilising
working and playing
expressing sexuality
sleeping
dying