General Principles of Aging Flashcards
What happens to homeostasis as we age? What is the consequence of this?
Decreases–decreased ability to return to baseline function after some sort of insult
A major loss in function usually means what? What does this lead to?
loss in ambulation, leading to immobility
What are the CNS symptoms of immobilization?
Dependence, depression, confusion
Why should you be careful with admitting elderly pts?
Will cause immobilization
What are the two major things old people want?
Function and independence
How should you describe older patients?
In terms of function, not in chronological years
Function = age (true of false)
False
What percent of function is present at young adult age, middle age, and old age
Young = 90-100% of function Middle = 10-30% decreased function Old = significant lost of function
What is the age range for young adult?
20-39
What is the age range for middle age?
40-64
What is the age range for old age?
65-74
What is the age range for very old age?
74-84
What is the age range for oldest old age?
85+
True or false: there is likely impariment of function for ADLs at the very old age status
True
True or false: there is likely impairment of function for ADLs at the very old age status
True
True or false: organs age at different rates
true
How much money do 85+ yo pay out of pocket above health insurance? 80-84? 70-75?
85+ = $16,000 / yr 80-84 = $10,0000 /yr 70-75 = $6,000 / yr
What are the five major psychological changes with aging?
- Attitude towards life
- Self image/worth
- Value to society
- Changes with retirement
- Dependence
What is life span?
Length of life (birth to death)
What is longevity?
Number of years of life
What is mean longevity?
Life expectantct
What is the life expectancy in the US?
78.3 years
What percent of people die between the ages of 77-93
95%
What is the maximum longevity?
Maximum life span
What is mean longevity?
Life expectancy
What is the theoretical maximum life span?
110-120 years
Polypharmacy is what?
taking more than 5 drugs at once
What happens to body composition as we age? What is the effect of drugs on this?
Increased fat, altered drug absorption/breakdown
What is the consequence of the decreased appetite of older folks?
Decreased ability to compensate for drugs
Increased stress can cause what things (besides the obvious)?
Skin disorders
What is the favorite self medication in the elderly?
EtOH
What two things does smoking cause that you didn’t know?
Osteoporosis
Cataracts
Do older people, in general, under or over report medical problems?
Under
