Aging

Question 1

outline changes in cognitive capacity associated with aging

Answer 1

crystalline intelligence (experience, LTM) is intact. They have no problems storing and manipulating learnt information. However, fluid intelligence (STM, processing speed) declines.

Aging is associated with reduced ability to differentiate between relevant and irrelevant information.

Question 2

explain what is meant by “compression of morbidity”

Answer 2

Compression of morbidity - occurs when the age of onset of chronic disease increases more rapidly than life expectancy, causing illness to be compressed into a short time period

Question 3

outline changes in psychological well-being among older people

Answer 3

Depression is more prevalent as you get older. More common in women. This can arise because they feel socially isolated, loss of social roles, cognitive impairment and physical disability. Bereavement of friends/family

Question 4

discuss implications of myths, stereotypes, and reality of aging for health care for older people

Answer 4

Stereotypes about older people becoming physically and cognitively impaired can leads to discrimination in treatment.
100 NHS hospitals (unannounced acute care)observed for respecting and involving service users as well as meeting nutritional requirement. over 10 hospitals were found inadequate. Not due to lack of resources but due to attitude towards older patients.

Sex myths etc

Question 5

Aging is associated with reduced ability to differentiate between relevant and irrelevant information. What is the implication of this in medical practice

Answer 5

1. Reduce background noise and distractions
2. Break down information into smaller chunks
3. Repetition
4. Only give important details
5. Allow more time for processing

Do not assume decline in language capacity/ do not used oldese with old people.

Do not fill silence with more questions