Intro E2 Ch 9 Flashcards
Older adults age
65 and over
What are older adults in reference to populations in the US what is there general name
The fastest growing population in the US in the world
Baby boomers
How are older adults living longer
Due to medical advances in the last century
What constitutes physical deterioration of older adults
Immune system Skin Hair Vision Balance
Immune system weakens
Continued wrinkling
Loss of subcutaneous tissue (wrinkling)
Graying of hair
Decline in vision and hearing
Declining balance and mobility
How do balance and mobility contribute to the quality of life of older adults
Older adults must keep moving have a healthy diet and consistent exercise
As far as safety what are older adults higher risk for and why
Higher risk for falls due to decreased balance and vision
What should the environment of older adults look like: space wise, living rooms, bathrooms and overall walking
Open spaces in living rooms
No rugs or trippable item
Safety bars in showers/ restrooms
Walkers and canes for stability
Should older people be driving
It is risky, at some point driving becomes too risky especially if dementia occurs
Driving privileges may have to be removed for safety
As far as temperature what happens because of the loss of subcutaneous tissues
Older adults get hotter and colder more easily skin becomes for delicate
What does the nutrition Of an older adult look like
Older adults need less calories because of slowed metabolism but still need a healthy balanced diet with an emphasis on hydration and adequate fiber
Why do older adults need an emphasis on hydration and adequate fiber
Because of a natural reduction in body fluids related to aging
How much sleep do older adults require and how much do they really get
Other does require 5 to 6 hours of sleep but often get 10 to 12
Who are older adult healthcare in reference to health care and what does their health care look like
Older adults are the greatest consumers of healthcare and the most expensive because of multiple illnesses
What are older adults eligible for over 65
Those over 65 with paid into Social Security or eligible for Medicare part a which is free
Medicare part a coverage
Hospital visits 80%
Medicare part B
Covers healthcare provider office visits
Medicare part D
Prescription drugs Limited
Why is older adult healthcare more expensive (what are they managing)
More expensive because of chronic illness management
What is polypharmacy how does his problems stem and what is it lead to
Polypharmacy is medication is prescribed by multiple providers without coordination or oversight by one provider
Happens because of multiple providers
May lead to drug to drug interactions and adverse effects
How does one prevent polypharmacy from happening
Have a primary care provider and get ALL drugs at one pharmacy
What are chronic illnesses often seen in older adults
Hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, arthritis, peripheral vascular disease
What are issues with activities of daily living ADL in older adults
With severe mobility issues older adults may need help with ADL and help may feel like a loss of independence which may result in grief
Why do older adults feel grief over the loss of independence
Because they’re not able to do things for themselves they once did
What must nurses do in reference to Older adults newfound grief
They must manage feelings of grief and sadness and retain as much independence as possible
Give examples of ADL
Getting out of bed
Showering
Dressing
Grooming
Toileting
What is extremely important for older adults in reference to activity
Keeping active mentally, physically and socially
What do older adults have morals in reference to formal operations for PIaget
Older adults have more crystallized intelligence meaning much wisdom to share And others have much to gain
Older adults psychosocial task
Age 65+

Ego identity (integrity) V despair
Looking back on life
Question: did I live a full life
Outcome: being able to look back accept and embrace past/present life
Success: feeling a sense of wisdom and fulfillment
Failure: feeling a sense of bitterness, resentment, despair
What is integrity
Accepting the past, present and future which includes ego transcendence
Define ego transcendence
Appreciating their life and now focusing less on themselves and more on other people to make their life meaningful
How does despair come about
If older adults are not able to find peace and joy in life, are unhappy in the life they lived and are miserable
As an older adult what can come about because of despair
The failure to thrive: refusing to eat sad, give up on life a severe depression
Moral status of older adult
Post conventional: universal ethics principle
Doing the right thing for the right reason because it’s the right thing to do
What happens when older adult require assistance for a living
They may be cared by family members
May attend adult day care centers
If needing minimal assistance: may live in assisted living facilities
If needing 24 hour nursing care: may live in long-term facility
Is long term care covered by Medicare
 no, families must pay out of pocket is often very costly
What are older adults requiring care from others vulnerable to
Elder abuse from family members, acquaintances, care providers
What type of elder abuse are there
Taking advantage: wiping out their bank accounts
Neglect, isolate, verbally, physically, abuse older adult, sexual abuse
Is memory loss in normal part of aging
Extensive memory loss is not a normal part of aging
(I.E forgetting your name forgetting where you are, who your family members are) is not normal = dementia
Define dementia
Chronic or persistent disorder of mental processes caused by brain disease or injury

What is dementia marked by
Memory disorders, personality changes, impaired reasoning
What percentage of dementia does Alzheimer’s account for
60 to 80%
Define Alzheimer’s
Is a progressive brain disease causing plaques and tingles to damage and kill neurons
What does Alzheimer’s affect
MEMORY THINKING AND BEHAVIOR
Risk factors for dementia
Over the age of 65, family history, genetics
Who is more likely to develop Alzheimer’s
Women over men
Early stage of Alzheimer’s description
Functions independently but problems coming up with write names or words, trouble remembering names, getting lost in familiar places
Middle stage of Alzheimer’s
Classification and description
The longest stage of Alzheimer’s
Requires more care, forgetful of own history, frustrated and angry, withdraw from social situations, help with ADL is necessary, wandering
Late stage of Alzheimer’s description
Requires extensive help with ADL , May not be able to walk, sit or swallow, may not be able to communicate, may die from pneumonia
What is the cause of Alzheimer’s
There’s no known calls and no known cure but medication help
