Ageing Flashcards
Why is our population as a whole ageing?
- Older population itself lives longer
- Improved healthcare
- Decreases in infant + childbirth mortality
Why are our current ageing trends worrying?
- High prevalence of disease in elderly
- Draw heavily on healthcare resources
Types of ageing
- Primary
- Secondary
What is primary ageing?
Natural decline
What is secondary ageing?
Results from disease, disuse or abuse (lifestyle + environmental)
Why do we age?
- Wear and tear
- Cellular
- Rate of living (born with limited amount of physiological capacity
- Programmed cell death
Types of cellular ageing
- Type 1 –> Hayflick limit
> Limit to number of times cells can divide (divisions decrease as we age) - Type 2 –> cross linking
> Proteins in cells interact to produce molecules - makes body stiffer - increases as we age - Type 3 –> free radicals
> Interact with molecules and cause cellular damage + shut organs down - Type 4 –> DNA
> Is unstable to replicate itself when cells divide/DNA repair system
Physiological changes in the brain as we age
- Age-related structural changes in neurones:
> Cell body + axon (neurofibrillary tangles)
> Dendrites
> Plaques
Physiological changes in the cardiovascular system as we age
- Accumulation of fat deposits
- Stiffening of walls of arteries due to tissue change
Physiological changes in the respiratory system as we age
Rib cage + air passageways become stiffer
Physiological changes in appearance and movement as we age
- Skin + muscle tissue decline
- Internal bone mass decline
Physiological changes in the senses as we age
Transmissiveness, cataracts, etc.
Physiological changes in immune function as we age
Changes in immune system cell (eg. lymphocytes)
Psychological and cognitive changes as we age
- Information processing (eg. language, memory)
- Attention
- Pyschomotor speed (eg. reaction time)
- Mental + psycho-social health concerns
- Organic mental disorders
- Changing relationships
Techniques to promote healthy lifestyle factors and combat cognitive decline as we age
- Physical activity
- Mental stimulation
- Avoiding excessive exposure to alcohol
- Treating depression + managing stress
- Controlling common medical conditions
What causes the menopause?
Decline in oestrogen (+ possibly endorphins)
Primary and secondary menopause symptoms
- Primary:
> Hot flushes
> Night sweats - Secondary:
> Vaginal dryness
> Depression
> Somatic symptoms
> Fatigue
Treatment of menopause
HRT (less used today)
What is dementia?
Family of diseases (Alzheimer’s most common)
What happens in dementia?
- Relentless progressive cognitive decline
> Permanent brain damage (incurable) - Microscopic changes involving neurones:
> Neurofibrillary tangles
> Neuritic plaques
Characteristics of dementia
- Communication difficulties
- Spatial + temporal disorientation
- Aberrant behaviours (physical aggression, shouting, etc.)
- Incontinence + inappropriate toilet behaviours
- Memory loss
- Change in personality
- Depression + paranoia
- Diminished ability for self-care
- Inappropriate sexual behaviours
- Wandering
- Family stress + burden
Individual risk factors of elder abuse
- Poor physical health
- Poor mental health
- Gender
- Mental disorders + alcohol/substance abuse in the abuser
Relationship risk factors of elder abuse
- Shared living situation
- Financial dependency
Community risk factors of elder abuse
Social isolation of caregiver
Socio-cultural risk factors of elder abuse
- Stereotypes
- Systems of inheritance or land rights
- Lack of funds for care
What is ageism?
Stereotyping, prejudice and/or discriminating against a person on the basis of their age
Types of ageism
- Structural
- Institutional
WHO healthy ageing definition
Process of developing + maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age
What contributes to healthy ageing?
- Person’s ability to meet their basic needs
- To learn, grow + make decisions
- To be mobile
- To build + maintain relationships
- To contribute to society
Key factors to make the transition to retirement positive and stress-free
- Financial planning
- Maintaining a life beyond work
- If not motivated to retire then delay it
- Keep busy - voluntary work
- Maintain friendships, see friends regularly, make new friends
- Be optimistic
