Chapter 15B Flashcards
Aging
The patterns of life changes that occur in members of all species as they grow older
Gerontology
The study of individual and collective aging processes
Osteoporosis
A degenerative bone disorder characterized by increasingly porous bones
Urinary Incontinence
The inability to control urination
Cataracts
Clouding of the lens that interrupts the focusing of light on the retina, resulting in blurred vision and possibly eventual blindness
Glaucoma
Elevation of pressure within the eyeball, leading to hardening of the eyeball, impaired vision, and possible blindness
Macular Degeneration
Breakdown of the macula, the light-sensitive part of the retina that is responsible for sharp, direct vision
Dementias
Progressive brain impairments that interfere with memory and normal intellectual functioning
Alzheimer Disease (AD)
A chronic condition involving changes in nerve fibers of the brain that results in mental deterioration
Death
The permanent ending of all vital functions
Brain Death
The irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain stem
Dying
The process of decline in body functions that results in the death of an organism
Thanatology
The study of death and dying
Social Death
A seemingly irreversible situation in which a person is not treated like an active member of society
Bereavement
The loss of deprivation experienced by a survivor when a loved one dies
Grief
An individual’s reaction to significant loss, including one’s own impending death, the death of a loved one, or a quasi-death experience; can involve mental, physical, social, or emotional responses
Mourning
The culturally prescribed behavior patterns for the expression of grief
Grief Work
The process of accepting the reality of a person’s death, coping with memories of the deceased, and eventually moving forward without him or her
Living Will
A type of advance directive
Advance Directive
A document that stipulates an individual’s wishes about medical care; used to make treatment decisions when and if the individual becomes physically unable to voice his or her preferences
Rational Suicide
The decision to kill oneself rather than enduring constant pain, heavy sedation, and waiting for death
Active Euthanasia
“Mercy killing” in which a person or organization knowingly acts to end the life of a terminally ill person
Passive Euthanasia
The intentional withholding of treatment that would prolong life
Hospice
A concept of end-of-life care designed to maximize quality of life and help the dying person have peace, comfort, and dignity
