aging and PA

Question 1

What is ageism?

Answer 1

Ageism is discrimination based on age or assumed age. It can also be defined as the combination of negative attitudes toward older adults and the lack of knowledge about the aging process, which results in a pessimistic view of older adults and aging.

Question 2

What is another way to describe ageism in our society?

Answer 2

Ageism has been called “the third great “ism” in our society, after racism and sexism.”

Question 3

How does ageism relate to ableism?

Answer 3

Both ageism and ableism involve societal expectations and pressures. For example, ageism may manifest in the pressure for older adults to appear younger, while ableism may manifest in the expectation for people to be able-bodied

Question 4

What are some increased health risks associated with aging?

Answer 4

Some examples include heart disease and joint issues.

Question 5

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Answer 5

Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic, progressive, and neurodegenerative disorder that causes the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain

Question 6

What is the role of the basal ganglia and dopamine in movement?

Answer 6

The basal ganglia is the region of the brain that helps coordinate movement and select appropriate movement strategies for different situations. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that influences movement production in the basal ganglia. When there is a lack of dopamine, movement production from the basal ganglia is also lacking, which can lead to inappropriate movements like tremors

Question 7

What are the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Answer 7

○ Resting tremor
○ Rigidity
○ Bradykinesia (slowness of movement and difficulty initiating and maintaining movement)
○ Gait/postural instability

Question 8

What are some other symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?

Answer 8

Loss of dopamine and slurred speech.

Question 9

When do symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease usually become noticeable?

Answer 9

Around the age of 60

Question 10

What is the ratio of men to women diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease?

Answer 10

2:1 (men:women)

Question 11

How many Canadians are living with Parkinson’s Disease?

Answer 11

100,000

Question 12

How can physical activity support those with Parkinson’s Disease?

Answer 12

Exercise stimulates dopamine production

Question 13

What is dementia?

Answer 13

Dementia is an umbrella term that encompasses a group of chronic, progressive neurological disorders that lead to decreased cognitive functioning due to reduced activity and death of brain cells

Question 14

What is the most common type of dementia?

Answer 14

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which accounts for approximately 63% of all dementia cases.

Question 15

What is the second most common type of dementia?

Answer 15

Vascular dementia (also known as post-stroke dementia), which accounts for approximately 20% of all dementia cases

Question 16

What are some other forms of dementia?

Answer 16

Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and hydrocephalus

Question 17

What are some tips for working with or supporting individuals with dementia?

Answer 17

○ Do not distort their reality; play along.
○ Remember that most reactions/behaviors are caused by confusion, fear, and sadness.
○ Be aware that their emotions may be heightened or very low.
○ Be patient.
○ Understand that their coordination and balance may vary.
○ Be mindful that they may not remember things, so be careful with cues.

Question 18

What is the most common form of arthritis?

Answer 18

Osteoarthritis, which involves the wearing away of the cartilage that caps the bones in joints

Question 19

What is Rheumatoid arthritis?

Answer 19

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints.

Question 20

What is the saying about physical activity and arthritis?

Answer 20

“Motion is Lotion”

Question 21

What are some tips for engaging in physical activity with arthritis?

Answer 21

○ Keep the impact low.
○ Use heat before activity.
○ Move gently.
○ Go slowly.
○ Ice afterward.

Question 22

What professionals might someone work with to support aging individuals?

Answer 22

○ Occupational therapists
○ Recreational therapists
○ Physiotherapists
○ Geriatricians (doctors who specialize in older adults)
○ Home care and other support staff
○ Family members
○ Nurses

Question 23

What is the difference between multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary approaches

Answer 23

• Multidisciplinary: Involves various professionals coming together to look at a problem from their own perspective. The results from each discipline are then combined. Think of this approach as “stapling” different perspectives together.
• Interdisciplinary: Primarily done by academics who work to integrate their knowledge.
• Transdisciplinary: Involves the production of knowledge between academics and non-academics, where all stakeholders can contribute their perspectives.