CH. 29 GERONTOLOGY Flashcards
according to the national institute on aging, older people are encouraged to do what?
encouraged to exercise, eat well-balance diets, and get regular check-ups
what is aging?
it is progressive and universal
what plays a part on how one ages?
interest, personal and financial resources, family structure, genetics, and attitude
what are the common signs of depression?
poor hygiene, insomnia, and the inability to concentrate
do all individuals age the same?
no
what kind of changes does the body go through for an elderly?
both physiological and psychological
what are the changes with vision?
pupil size diminishes, lens may become cloudy
what are the common vision problems?
cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration
what are the changes with hearing?
hearing loss is not uncommon
what type of hearing loss is normal for the elderly?
presbycusis
which of the senses diminishes in old age?
taste and smell
reduced ability to taste could lead to what?
lead to decrease in appetite
reduced ability to smell because?
detecting odors becomes difficult and could be dangerous because of the inability to smell smoke or gas
what is the major cause of wrinkled skin, “liver spots”, leathery looking skin, and cancer?
sunlight exposure
what is a serious problem with the integumentary system for the elderly?
hypothermia and hyperthermia
