Chapter 9 (Elders)

Question 1

Identify the various age ranges elders/old adults are categorized into.

Young old?

Middle old?

Old-old?

Answer 1

Young old: 65-74

Middle old: 75-84

Old-old: 85+

Question 2

Define Ageism

Identify several myths/misconceptions people have regarding elder populations

Answer 2

Ageism is prejudice & discrimination against the aged.

Elders are still active & well, still working, engaged in community volunteer and advocacy programs.

Question 3

Identify and describe several changes in physical and mental/psychological health elders experience during the aging process

Answer 3

• Skin thins, loss of bone density, features of the head enlarge, kidney function decreases, heart muscle deteriorates, amount inhaled and exhaled decreases, sight loss, hearing loss, decrease sex drive
• Short-term memory loss, adaptibility, depression due to poor health perception, lack of social support, senility and Alzheimer’s

Question 4

Identify the top causes of death for elder populations

Answer 4

1. Heart disease
2. Cancer
3. Stroke
4. Chronic lower resp disease
5. Alzheimer’s

Question 5

List the Kubler-Ross’s 5 psychological stages to coping with death

Answer 5

1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

Question 6

Describe the typical health behaviors of elders compared to the general population’s.

Answer 6

Elders have more favorable health behaviors than the younger population…. they are less likely to smoke, drink, or be overweight.

• Alcohol use is 5x greater in men*
• Overuse of prescriptions*

Question 7

Identify high risk health behaviors of elder populations

Answer 7

• ATOD
• physical activity
• immunization
• sex ed

Question 8

List and describe strategies for healthy aging for elder populations

Answer 8

• Develop healthy relationships
• improving fitness
• eating healthy
• spiritual life

Question 9

Identify factors affecting the size and age of a population

Answer 9

• Baby boomers 1946-1964
• Increased life expectancy
• Migration of elders from one country to another

Question 10

List and describe 6 factors affecting community health programs for older Americans

Answer 10

1. Marital status
   
   • women 3x more likely to be widowed
2. Living arrangements
   
   • 2/3 live with someone
   • 5% live in homes
3. Racial & ethnic composition
   
   • growing more diverse
4. Geographic distribution
   
   • 2/5 in southern states
5. Economic status
6. Housing
   
   • 30% pay more than they can afford