Cours 14 : Aging and fragility Flashcards
At what age is someone considered a senior?
65+
What is going with aging in Canada?
Canada has now more seniors than children
1 in 6 Canadians is at least 65 years old
What is the median age of Canadian population?
40, just know that there’s more adults than before
What is the most common condition found among the elderly?
Hypertension
Conditions are found with the increase of age
What are the top 3 conditions found in seniors?
- Hypertension
- Arthritis
- Heart diseases
What is frailty?
Typically found in elderly adults over 65 year old.
It’s the acceleration in physical & cognitive decline due to aging
Diagnosis based on :
muscle weakness
decrease in physical activity
decrease in walking speed
physical exhaustion
unintentional weight decrease
What is the holistic definition of frailty?
Increase in vulnerability to internal and external stressors (due to the decrease of physiological nerves)
What is an allostatic load?
Refers to the long-term effects of continued exposure to chronic stress on the body
What are ways to prevent frailty in seniors?
Exercise, nutrition and socialization
What is sarcopenia?
Age related loss of skeletal muscle mass. Associated with an increase of physiological and functional vulnerability
What is osteopenia?
Age related loss of bone mineral density . associated with increase risk of osteoporosis. -1 to -2.5 SD (T-score)
What are balance disorders?
- Disturbance that causes an individual to feel unsteady, or have a sensation of movement (ex: spinning) when standing or lying down
– Can be caused by certain health conditions (ex: high BP), medications, or a problem in the inner ear or the brain
What are nutritional problems?
– Elderly sometimes lose their appetites, and do not eat correctly.
– They may not feel like eating or are simply lonely. They may not have the energy or are on limited budgets
What are the physiological changes in the cardiovascular system?
-↓ VO2 peak and Max HR
-↑ Resting and Exercise BP
vo2 peak for frail adult = 14 ml/kg/min
What are the physiological changes in the musculoskeletal system?
-↓ Musc Strength, Flexibility,
Balance and Muscle Mass
65 yr old men : decrease by 20%
65 yr old women : decrease in 25% to 50%
What are the physiological changes in the nervous system?
-↑ Time of reaction (↓ conduction
speed by 20%)
-↓ Sensory System
decrease in nerve conduction by 20% because of neuronal degeneration
What are the physiological changes in the metabolic system?
-↓ Basal Metabolic Rate and Lean
Body Mass, which can lead to increase for diabetes
-↑ Body Fat
Which variables has showed the strongest correlation with the risk of falls in older adults?
Increase of time of reaction
Which training mode can decrease the risk of reaching the disability threshold?
Strength training
Range of muscle mass and strength between individuals
What are the postural changes associated with frail older adults?
Forward head position
Rounded shoulders
Kyphosis (rounded back)
Knee flexion
What are the gait changes in the older adult?
Decreased velocity (= speed)
Decreased step length
Decreased step rate (cadence)
Decreased swing phase (time)
Increased stance phase (time)
Decreased hip, knee, ankle flexion
Decreased power generation at
push-off
What are the exercise recommendation for frail seniors for aerobic mode?
Increase in functional capacity and independence
Intensity : pre = 9-11
Frequency : 3-5 days/week
Duration : 30 min/session –> 2 x 15 mins or 3x 10 mins
Allow rest periods
What are the exercise recommendation for frail seniors for strength mode?
Prevent or reverse frailty
Start program without weight
10-15 reps for 3 sets
3 days/week
What are the exercise recommendation for frail seniors for flexibility mode?
Prevent injury (ex : frozen shoulder)
Stretches sustained for 10 to 30 sec (3 to 5 reps)
2-3 times /week
