Exam #1: General Principles of Aging Flashcards
What is aging?
Decrease homeostatic reserve
What are the consequences of immobilization?
1) Stiffness/ contracture
2) Atrophy
3) Confusion, sensory loss, depression
4) Dependence & institutionalization
5) Instability & loss of confidence
6) Dehydration & electrolytle imbalance
7) Malnutrition
8) Pressure sores
How long does it take for a geriatric patient to recover from a single day admission to the hospital?
3 days
How should you describe older patients?
In terms of their FUNCTION
What are the functional classifications of age?
- Young adult
- Middle age
- Old age
- Very old
- Oldest old age
What is a young adult?
Someome in the first half of working life w/ 100% of function (20-39)
What is middle age?
Someone in second half of working life i.e. 10-30% decreased function (40-64)
What is old age?
Someone in immediate post-retirement period–significant loss of function but homeostasis maintained (65- 74)
What is very old?
Likely impairment of function or ADLs–general potential for relative independence (74-84)
What are the factors that affect the rate of aging?
- Cellular wear & tear
- Free radicals
- DNA damage
- Hormonal changes
- Immune system changes
- Programmed longevity
- Glycation
What are the biological changes that happen with aging?
Changes in anatomy & physiology that happen with aging e.g.
- graying or hair
- impaired memory
- loss of hearing
- vascular stiffness
What are the social changes that happen with aging?
- Changes in social habits (retirement/ job loss= less socialization)
- May no longer be able to do acquired habits
Why do the economically advantaged tend to live longer?
1) Afford a better diet
2) Have better housing
3) Can get better healthcare
4) Have labor saving devices
What age range is most likely to be successful during a suicide attempt?
65+ white males
What are the psychological changes that occur with aging?
- Attitude toward life
- Self-image/ self-worth
- Value to society
