Chapters 13/40/ Flashcards
myths about older adults
-are sick
-cannot learn new things
-too late to improve health
-genetics determine longevity
-not sexual
-drain on society
-senile
-usually live in nursing home
-poor
-unhappy
immune system failure theory
System loses ability to protect the body from disease and becomes more susceptible to diseases that eventually kill us; older people become more susceptible to disease such as pneumonia.
disengagement theory
ex: if an older adult who has heart disease may develop shortness of breath may be unable to continue daily walks with their friends. The older adult will develop less contact with their friends which may lead to fading friendships.
2030
1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60 years or over.
2050
the worlds population of people aged 60 will double (2.1 billion)
longevity
aged 80 years old
age associated memory
-normal physical changes of aging
-begin occurring early in adulthood
-often goes unnoticed until a problem develops
cardiovascular
-increased heart size, decreased cardiac output, less elastic blood vessels.
Respiratory
-thickened alveolar walls, weakened respiratory muscles, decreased vital capacity.
-respiratory failure, sob, lack of o2 to meet body needs.
musculoskeletal
-thinned intervertebral disks, decreased bone calcium, smaller muscle mass, less elastic ligaments and tendons
-osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, tendonitis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
integumentary
-thinner, drier skin; loss of subcutaneous fat, slower rate of hair and nail growth
-pressure injuries, resulting from friction or shears
urologic
-decreased bladder capacity and tone
-loss of nephrons, decreased sphincter control
-urinary incontinence
neurologic
-presbyopia (farsightedness)
-cataracts; decreased peripheral vision
-presbycusis (age related hearing loss)
-decrease in touch, smell, and taste receptors; slowed reaction time; balance may be affected
-decreased sensory perceptions; safety risk, fall risk, and decreased appetite
endocrine
-Slowed production of all hormones, decreased metabolic rate.
-delayed insulin response, hyperthyroidism, or hypothyroidism
gastrointestinal
-decreased secretion of saliva and other digestive enzymes, slowed peristalsis, slowed liver and pancreatic functions, reduced absorption of nutrients
-constipation, malnutrition, and anemia
reproductive
-decreased hormone production; atrophy of ovaries, uterus and vagina; benign prostatic hypertrophy; slowed sexual responses.
-menopause, andropause, infertility, decreased libido, and sexual dysfunction.
health concerns
-hypertension (most common)
-arthritis (second most common)
-heart disease (third most common)
-obesity (may contribute to arthritis and hypertension)
-anemia
-diabetes
-cancer
-malnutrition
-cirrhosis
-mental illness
-dementia (degeneration of brain tissue) (small percentage of older adults)
biologic theories are based on cellular function and body physiology. Which biologic theory proposes that cells are damaged by toxins in the environment?
free radical theory
most people older than age 75 have least one chronic health concern. Which is not a health concern of the older adult?
menopause
Signs a person needs help
-neglected hygiene
-significant weightloss
-home neglect
-inappropriate behaviors
-frequent falls
-social isolation
-altered relationship patterns
-inability to find the right words
-unpaid bills
-confusion about meds
-making unusual purchases -
five common physical care problems
- impaired/alteration in mobility
- Alteration in elimination- incontinent constipation, fecal impaction
- alteration of nutrition- poorly fitting dentures
- sensory deficits - cataract, tinnitus>a condition with constant ringing in the ear.
- polypharmacy- use of multiple meds, otc drugs.
decreased bone density
bone density test determines if you have osteoporosis-
osteoporosis
brittle bone and fragile bone
osteopenia
bones are weaker than normal but not so far gone that they break easily, hallmark of osteoporosis.
