Ageing and Society Flashcards
Describe the changes that have lead to an “ageing population”
Less babies being born
Baby boomers now entering older age
What problems are caused by a small young population and increasing older population?
- Less young people to treat the elderly
- financial problems as pensions have to last longer
- less people are of working age to contribute to economy
- NHS under more stress with ill older people
Patients who are older are at an increased risk of having a disability. TRUE/FALSE?
TRUE
What are ADLs and how can they be used to determine a patients ability?
ADL = Activities of Daily Living
(e.g. cooking/cleaning/washing and dressing themselves)
Allows us to see how well the patient is able to function themself at home or whether they require extra care
Describe the term “healthy life expectancy”
The age to which people will live a healthy life before co-morbidities are introduced
e.g. a patient can live to 55 before developing hypertension
What is “Life extension”?
This is when the portion of a patients life where they are disabled/ experiencing co-morbidities is prolonged
What is “compression of morbidity”?
This gives the patient a longer “healthy life expectancy” and reduces the portion of time that they are disabled
What is the main cause of co-morbidity/ disability?
Cardiovascular disease
- particularly stroke and heart failure
What other conditions are important in patients with co-morbidity and disability?
Cancer
Arthritis/ MSK problems
COPD/ Respiratory problems
Quality of life of older patients is usually compromised. TRUE/FALSE?
FALSE
Older patients may think their healthy life expectancy has been a good life and have a positive outlook regardless of becoming ill
What is “ageism”?
belief that older people are of less value than younger people
Where does ageism often present?
- The media
- Public services (older people disadvantaged e.g. no ramp access etc)
- Employers
- Relatives
- Healthcare professionals
- Older people themselves (begin to believe the stereotype)
What roles do retired older people play in society?
- Older people have experience – at work/ in communities
- Voluntary work
- Role as carers (spouse, grandparents)
- Some do still work
- Consumers
What are the 4 main types of elder abuse?
Financial
verbal
physical
sexual
Close relatives are commonly those found to be committing elder abuse. TRUE/FALSE?
TRUE
e.g. children stealing their elderly parents money would be considered elder abuse