aim c Flashcards
cardiovascular disease
- arteries narrow due to atherosclerosis
- narrow arteries leads to high blood pressure, stroke, heart attacks
- angina caused by blocked coronary artery
degeneration of the nervous tissue
- cognitive ability typically still present until around 80
- less blood flow to brain increases risk of dementia
degeneration of the sense organs
- vision worsens, hearing worsens, taste buds deteriorate
- cataracts form
- increased risk of glaucoma
osteoarthritis
- a condition that damages the surfaces of bones, prevents joint moving smoothly
- risk increases if female, 40+, obese
- symptoms include pain, stiffness, crepitus, swelling, inability to move joint properly
reduced absorption of nutrients
require:
- protein rich foods for muscle repair
- zinc, calcium, magnesium, sodium
- vitamin d for absorbing calcium
- vitamin c for wound healing
Alzheimer’s
- slow onset
- impacts thought, memory and language
- impacts short term memory
- eventually lose ability to do everyday tasks
vascular dementia
problems with memory, language & thought
caused by problems in the blood supply to the brain (e.g. stroke)
effects of illnesses common with ageing
- additional chronic conditions worsen the risk of stress and depression
- physical aches and pains worsen (arthritis)
- mobility restrictions impact social life
-inability to take part in some hobbies reduces motivation, increases isolation
things that have a positive impact on confidence in later adulthood
- caring less about others’ opinion
- may be a homeowner
- may have reached career peak
- may have successfully raised a family
- can spend time with grandchildren
things that have a negative effect on confidence in later adulthood
- wrinkles
- fatigue
- may feel unsuccessful
- feeling like a burden/reliant on others
positive social changes in later adulthood
- retirement, more leisure time to enjoy
- more contact with friends and family
- respected as an elder
- partner still alive and active to enjoy life together
- adequate pension received
negative social changes in later adulthood
- retirement, causes isolation
- few or no friends and family in life
- no longer has important role
- partner bereavement adjustment is hard
- state pension, struggle to pay bills
financial concerns in later adulthood
living off state pension alone is difficult
rising rents/property maintenance is expensive
effects of culture, religion and beliefs in later adulthood
- in some cultures, family members take care of the elderly
- some cultures have more respect for elders
- ageism is prevalent in the UK
social disengagement theory
- theory that older people withdraw from society
- people lose social ties because they expect death
activity theory
argues older people need to stay mentally and socially active to minimise risks of disengagement
majority are happy to accept changing roles and join social groups with new interests
activities for physically able older adults
golf, walking groups, fishing, travel parties, bowls, classic dance, senior swim sessions
activities for less able older adults
cards, dominoes, wheelchair gardening, disabled travel group, wine tasting group, wheelchair fitness, coffee mornings, cafes
primary services
gp services, dental surgery, opticians
secondary services
specialist hospital consultants, mental health services
acute services
a&e
hospital inpatients
tertiary services
nursing homes, home care hospice, community healthcare workers, hospice care
reasons we live longer now
improved medical technology
no war on UK soil
better quality of life
better housing and sanitation
better nutrition and education
immunisation
better public health
positives of a longer lifespan
longer retirement
disposable income boosts economy
quality time with kids & grandkids
can provide free childcare
some volunteer and give back to society
