Advanced Old Age & Geriatrics Flashcards
What determines if someone is “old”
how person thinks/feels/behaves
what ages are young old
65-74 yrs
what ages are old
75-90 yrs
what ages are very old
+90 yrs
what is the female life expectancy
81 yrs
what is the male life expectancy
76 yrs
define a CENTENARIAN
person who is at least 100 yrs old
define LIFE SPAN
maximum # of years a species is capable of living
what is the human lifespan
120 yrs
define AGING
normal, inevitable progressive process w/irreversible changes over time @ individualized rates
define SENESCENCE
symptoms of normal aging
define AGEISM
bias/unfair treatment of older adults
define GERONTOLOGY
study of aging
describe the CLOCKWORK THEORY
biological theory of aging; connective cells are programmed to stop reproducing after certain amount of time
describe the FREE-RADICAL THEORY
biological theory of aging; unstable molecules from cellular metabolism/substances cause mutation leading to aging, can be countered by antioxidants
describe the WEAR-&-TEAR THEORY
biological theory of aging; cells wear out & stop functioning after repeated injury bc metabolic waste accumulate over time, depriving cells of nutrition leading to mlafunction
describe the IMMUNE-SYSTEM-FAILURE THEORYA
biological theory of aging; decrease immune functions cause a slow response to invaders increasing risk of infection
describe the AUTOIMMUNE THEORY
biological theory of aging; weakened immune system destroys itself, increasing chance of autoimmune diseases
describe the DISENGAGEMENT THEORY
psychosocial theory of aging; individual gradually withdraws from society leading to satisfying transfer of power between old & young
what do critics say about the DISENGAGEMENT THEORY
decrease engagement leads to decrease contentment
describe the ACTIVITY THEORY
psychosocial theory of aging; achieve satisfaction from increase social activity & involvement
describe the CONTINUITY-DEVELOPMENTAL THEORY
psychosocial theory of aging; refers to belief personality & coping pattern don’t change w/age and leads to person’s response to aging
musculoskeletal changes in elderly
- decrease in muscle mass, strength, & tone
- poor balance
- muscle weakness, spasms, stiffness
- decrease flexibility & ROM
- intervertebral disks compact
- trunk length decrease & spinal curve increase
changes in body type in elderly
- decrease shoulder width
- slight increase in chest circumference
- increase head circumference
- nose & ears lengthen
- slow decrease in weight after 55 yrs
- 30% fewer cells
changes in cardiovascular health in elderly
- heart valves thicker & more rigid
- decrease cardiac output & reserve
- poor blood flow w/activity
- increased BP (from rigid blood vessels & collagen + lipofuscin buildup)
define LIPOFUSCIN
pigmented metabolic waste product
list changes in respiratory health in elderly
- calcification of rib cage & costal cartilage
- increase residual volume
- decrease air capacity
- more work to move air
define RESIDUAL VOLUME
amnt of air in lungs after forceful exhalation
define XEROSTOMIA
dry mouth
define DYSPHAGIA
difficulty swallowing
list changes in GI health in elderly
- xerostomia & dysphagia
- diminished gag reflex
- decrease peristalsis
- decrease stomach capacity, digestive juices, enzymes
- decrease nutrient absorption
- need fewer calories & more fluid
list changes of the integumentary system in elderly
- skin = colder, thinner, drier, more fragile, & delayed healing
- decrease activity of oil & sweat glands
- nails = brittle, dyll, yellow, thick
- prone to skin breakdown after bruise/injury
- hair growth on eyebrows, nose, ears, & face (women)
- decrease ability to maintain body temp & sweat increase
- lines, wrinkles, & poor circulation
- decrease in fat
define SENILE LENGTIGO/SENILE LENTIGINES/LIVER SPOTS
irregular dark yellow, brown gray, or black pigmentation from uneven distribution of melanocytes
what are recommendation for elderly to maintain their skin health
- mild soaps, bath oils, & moisturizers
- shower 2-3 times/week & partial baths
- no hot water bottles/heating pads
list changes of the nervous system in elderly
- 5-10% neurons atrophy by 70 & increase from there
- brain lose 7% weight by 80
- cerebral blood flow decrease
- slowed motor response & reaction time
- nerve endings less sensitive
t/f: memory & learning issues can be caused by aging
false. they can only come from a specific disease
list changes in vision health in elderly
- sensitivity to glare increase
- blue & green differentiation decrease
- cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy
- blockage of lacrimal ducts & eye watering
list changes in hearing in elderly
- talk low pitched & moderately loud
- thickening of tympanic membrane & calcification of bone
- accumulation of cerumen
- presbycusis