Geri 1 Flashcards
chronological age
Length of time since birth
perceived age
People’s estimation of someone’s age
subjective age
Person’s perception of their age
Functional age
Reflects cumulative effect of medical & psychosocial stressors on the ageing process
Ageism
Stereotypes or generalizations (usually negative) applied to older adults grounded on the basis of age
Aging anxiety
Fears and worries regarding detrimental effects associated with aging
Age attribution
Tendency to automatically attribute problems to aging process instead of pathologic treatable conditions
Myths
- By 75 yrs, people are quite homogeneous as a group
- Families no longer care for older people
- By age 70 yrs, psychological growth is complete
- Increased disability is due to age-related changes.
- Most older adults are constipated primarily due to age-related changes
Realities
- Older adults are diverse with different values and lifestyles just like young people
- In the US, 80% of older adults’ care is provided by their families
- Some brain functions decline but others continue to develop
- Many problems attributed to old age are pathological and respond to treatment
- Constipation is prevalent among older adults primarily due to risk factors and pathological changes
Demographics
- Average life expectancy: 78
- Older adults are projected to outnumber children by 2035
- increase in the proportion of older adults who are members of minority groups
- gradual increase in overall life expectancy
- women live longer
- Men who are alive are more likely to be married
Change in Cultural Groups
- ↑ racial/ethnic diversity
- ↑ proportion of foreign born older adults (14% of older adults are foreign born)
African Americans
- Heterogeneous, have a wide range of socioeconomic conditions
- Less likely to live alone, may have multi-generational household
- Consequences of racism are
still present and linked to health disparities - Factors contributing to poor health outcomes include discrimination, cultural barriers, and lack of access to health care
- Suspicion of health care providers linked to history of disparities
- Trusted leaders/providers in community provides pathway to care—sometimes associated with religious institutions
Asian Americans
- Strong value on care of older family members
- Less likely to use nursing homes
- More accepting of mental decline in older adult
- Health is physical and spiritual harmony
Hispanic/ Latino
- Diverse group
- Strong cultural respect for family and for older people
- Older adults frequently live with family members
- Health is a gift or reward given as G-d’s blessing
- Most in US speak both Spanish and English
Native American/ Alaska Native
- Value older members of the community, particularly with regard to their roles as grandparents and story tellers
- Strong traditions related to spirituality and religious practices, with each tribe having unique expressions
- Belief in the connection among body, mind, and spirit
- High rates of all of the following conditions: diabetes, tuberculosis, heart disease, substance abuse, and certain cancers (e.g., liver, cervix, kidney, gallbladder, and colorectal
- Poorer health associated with low economic conditions, cultural barriers, access to care, and mistrust of health providers
Cultural competence
Healthcare providers must recognize, respect and integrate clients’ cultural beliefs & practices into nursing care plans
Cultural Self Assessment tool
An awareness-raising tool for gaining insight into the health-related values, beliefs, attitudes, and practices that have shaped and informed the person the nurse has become when providing care
Cultural Humility
Entering a relationship with intention of honoring their beliefs, customs, and values
-self-evaluation
-sensitivity and openness
-address power imbalance
-avoid stereotyping
Health Disparities
measurable differences that are expected/common but not preventable.
Health Inequity
health outcome differences that are unfair, avoidable, and systemic
Health Equity
all people have equal access to highest level of care
Health Literacy
low is associated with:
decreased use of services
shorter life expectancy
multiple chronic diseases
decreased adherence
poor access to health care
lower levels of self-reported functional status
decreased ability to self-mange
increased hospitalizations
Linguistic Competence
awareness of patients linguistic needs with differing primary language or dementia or sensory impairments
use interpreter not family or app
Social Determinants of Health
Conditions that strongly influence life expectancy, health, functional status, QOL, and susceptibility to disease and disability
Include:
-Economic stability
-Education access and quality
-Health care access and quality
-Food insecurity
-Unemployment and job security
-Housing
-Neighborhood and built environment.
-Social support
Strategies to limit bias
cultural self-assessment
use resources to learn more about cultural groups that you frequently care for
ethno-geriatrics: integrates influence of race, ethnicity and culture on wellness of older adults
avoid stereotyping
obtain culturally specific information
Healthy Aging
no illness, and preserved functions
Active aging
high physical and cognitive function
Productive aging
social participation & engagement
Effective aging
the capacity to manage age related life challenges
Successful aging
full concept of aging well
Compression of Morbidity
if onset of chronic illness can be delayed, when life expectancy cannot QOL will be better
functional decline compressed into 3-5 years instead of 20
Biologic Theories of Aging
-Wear and Tear: human machine declined over time. Longevity determined by genetics and care provided.
-Free radical theory: organism age due to oxidative damage that can be fixed with antioxidants.
-Immunosenescence theory: decline in immune system that heightens susceptibility and leads to autoimmune conditions.
-Program theory: predetermined by genetics.
-Caloric restation theory: 30-40% reduction of caloric intake without malnutrition will increase lifespan in animals.
