Chapter 5 and 6 Flashcards
Theories of aging- what “fits” OT best???
Activity and continuity theories relate most to OT.
review failure to thrive
Failure to thrive in elders is a sharp decline in weight and health. Sometimes for unknown reasons.
What are the effects of cardiac function changes in elderly which impact therapy?
Systolic hypertension
Increased risk of heart disease
Heart murmurs
Slower heart response to sympathetic nervous system input
Maximum stroke volume, heart rate and cardiac output decreases
What is the effect of impaired pulmonary function in the elderly on engagement in occupations?
Lungs loose elasticity
Weakened postural muscles
Increased kyphosis
Decrease in lung volume
Decreased aerobic endurance
What is the impact of impaired immune system functioning on OT practice?
T & B cells function is different in older adults compared to younger persons (primary aging change)
T & B cells can’t fight infections
1)Chronological age determines the way an elder acts & feels
What are some examples of this myth?
The aging process varies with each individual, and each person has different perceptions about it.
Treat elders as individuals within their own particular contexts, history, and circumstances.
2)You can’t teach an old dog new tricks!
“Older adults want to learn when the learning process is interesting, relevant, and recognizes the experience they bring to the educational context” (Padilla, p. 42-43)
3)As you age, you naturally become older and wiser
Unrealistic expectations of elders (positive or negative) may cause the elder to feel like a failure.
Forgetfulness or memory loss may occur.
Intelligence does not decline with age; IQ scores increase until the late twenties and then level off and remain unchanged until late in life.
Continued intellectual stimulation promotes successful aging.
4)Elders are not productive, especially at work!
Work assists in regulating life activities and providing meaningful life experiences associated with identity, financial security, status, and opportunities for socialization.
Retirement changes this, and elders must find other activities to replace work life.
Many seniors continue to work past age 65 years.
5)Elders become more conservative as they age
Many elders are receptive to new ideas and accept fresh roles.
Adults learn continuously from their life experiences and may pursue new interests and goals.
Their habits and preferences contribute to consistency in personality, but personality may be influenced as individuals deal with crisis points in each phase of life.
6)Elders prefer quiet and tranquil daily lives
Some elders do prefer to be sedentary
Other elders want to be active!
Important to assess leisure interests and promote involvement in previous interests
All elders become senile!
Seniors will take longer to process verbal directions and to respond
Seniors may have reduced hearing
Seniors have reduced fluid intelligence which makes responding in new situations more challenging
This DOES NOT MEAN THEY ARE CONFUSED!!
