aging

Question 1

Characteristics of psychological aging

Answer 1

Increased neuroticism

Negative emotions decrease (positive remain)

Males and females become more similar in values

Memory better fir past events but slower for new

Poorer fluid intelligence but declined in crystalisied intelligence

Question 2

Chronological aging vs biological aging vs functional aging

Answer 2

Chronological
Years

Functional
Ability to functional physically and socially

Biological
Physical changes that reduces efficiency of organ systems

Question 3

What are the challenges faced for aged care services in rural areas?

Answer 3

Small resident work force

Difficulties in attracting trained staff

Long distance to travel to provide care

Small populations make ‘for profit’ model less viable

Patients need to travel to receive care

‘lack of residential aged care in rural and remote locations

Question 4

What are the benefits of telehealth?

Answer 4

Increased access to health servive for rural areas

Lower cost

Convenient

Less travel

Support for rural health professionals

Question 5

How does elderly health issues relate to social factors?

Answer 5

Social isolation –> increased heart attack, depression and early death

Economic hardship –> alcoholism, heart disease and mental disorders

Depression and physical limitations have a firm relationship

Question 6

Biological factors that lead to social isolation

Answer 6

Decreased mobility, vison and hearing

Weaker memory

Question 7

ageism

Answer 7

discrimination based on age

Question 8

What should a GP consider alongside symptom treatment for care of older people?

Answer 8

Social support

Advanced care planning

Mental health

In-home assistance

Question 9

What are the three theories of programmed aging?

Answer 9

Hayflick phenomenon
Cells limited to number of divisions

Endocrine theory
Hormones control pace of ageing

Immunological theory
Faults in immune system overtime lead to increase vulnerability to infectious disease

Question 10

Theories of non progarmed aging

Answer 10

Free radical
Damage caused by build up of chemical by-products

Wear and tear
Accumulated damage at molecular level

Interal and external stressors

Influnced by chemical by-products of metabolism

Question 11

Common health issues faced by elderly

Answer 11

Arthritis

Vision and hearing loss

Constinece ‘falls

Dental health

Nutrirtion

Diabates

Pain

Medication management

Sleep disorders

Depression

Cancer

Dementia

Question 12

Varying perspectives on death

Answer 12

Death = failure of cures = natural part of life

Talking about it is taboo

Loss of independence

Social loss of relationships = leaving society

Question 13

What are the two deaths recognised by AUS law?

Answer 13

cardiac and brain

Question 14

What are the three different types of advanced care planning documents?

Answer 14

Advanced care directive:

Enduring power of attorney:

Statement of choices:

Question 15

Advanced care directive

Answer 15

states medical treatment preferences following loss of capacity

Question 16

Enduring power of attorney

Answer 16

Appoint relative or trusted friend to make legally binding decisions

Question 17

statement of choice

Answer 17

record your personal values and preferences for health care (not a legal document)

Question 18

Benefits of age care planning.

Answer 18

Decrease stress on surviving relatives

Reduces aggressive end of life treatment

Higher satisfaction with quality of care

Increase palliative care referrals

Increase likelihood of clinicians following patient’s wishes

Decreased likelihood of in-hospital death

Question 19

What are the requirements for becoming an enduring power of attorney?

Answer 19

Adult

Descion-making capacity

Not a health provider or paid carer