Ageing Flashcards
What is Gillick competence
When a child is deemed to have sufficient understanding and intelligence to enable them to fully understand the treatment being proposed. The test for understanding is not wether a wise decision would be made, but wether the child has capacity of making a choice
Havighurst theory (traditional)
Activity theory. Aging is normal and should be accepted. Suggests activity as a main source of satisfaction in old age
Programmed theory (modern biological theory)
We are ‘programmed’ to age and die. Ageing isn’t a result of wear and tear but is a programmed and necessary part of genetics. Programmed theory asserts that if ageing was due to wear and tear there’d be more variation in lifespan. Some things that affect it is nutrition, medical care, demographic factors.
Run-out-of-programme theory:
Similar to programmed. Every person has a limited amount of genetic material that will run out over time. Ageing and death are not the result of wear and tear but natural and and necessary part of genetics.
Wear and tear theory:
Effects of ageing are caused by damage to cells and body systems over time. Systems wear out due to repeated use and can no longer function properly. Resulting in ageing
Genetic theory:
Lifespan is largely determined by genes we inherit. The genes of an animal determines lifespan. Longevity is primarily determined at moment of conception. Evidence in support: support in people with parents who have lived long lives will likely live long lives.
Cross link theory
Depends on the casual formation of chemical bonds or cross links between protein molecules. Getting older tendons, skin, etc lose elasticity due to formation of cross links between protein collagen. Cross links can alter structure and shape of molecules so they cannot carry out their functions.
Immunological theory
Rate of ageing is controlled by immune system. As we age, number of cells decrease. Including cells that make up immune system. Process of human ageing is a prolonged auto-immune phenomenon= age- associated immune deficiency. Leads to increased vulnerability to infectious disease. Thus, ageing= death.
- theory is not fully understood
- does not acknowledge the primary cause of ageing
Free radical theory
Ageing is because cells accumulate free radical damage over time. Describes any molecule that has a free electron, this property makes it reach with healthy molecules in a destructive way, leads to cell and tissue damage because of extra electron it creates an extra negative charge. Unbalanced energy makes the free radical bind to balanced molecule, making it unbalanced. Diet, lifestyle, drugs, radiation are accelerators of free radical production in body.
Systems in the body during ageing:
Integumentary system
Consists of skin and derivates (sweat, oil glands) (nails, hair). Fewer fibroblasts. collagen thickens. Sclerosis of connective tissue. Dermis becomes thinner. Skin pigments drier
Systems in the body during ageing:
Respiratory system
Alveoli enlarge and lose elasticity= emphysema. Gas exchange reduced. Fewer cilia leads to a greater risk of infection.
Systems in the body during ageing:
Cardiovascular system
Endocardium thickens and chambers of the heart hypertrophy. Causes raised blood pressure, congestive cardiac failure, artherosclerosis.
Systems in the body during ageing:
Gastrointestinal system
Hypoxia causes reduced cell activity of the gut. Poor muscle tone= constipation. Less saliva produced. Parietal cells of gastric pits reduce output of HCl acid.
Systems in the body during ageing:
Urinary system
By 75 there may only be 60% of orignal nephrons left. Kidneys is less able to concentrate urine and less responsive to ADH. Bladder becomes less stretchy bladder muscles weaken.
Systems in the body during ageing:
Neurological system
Changes due to hypoxia. Neurotransmitter level falls. Short term memory loss. Brain and spinal cord lose nerve cells and atrophy. Presbyopia. Cataracts. Glaucoma
