Intro to Geriatrics Flashcards
The branch of medicine which treats all problems peculiar to old age including the clinical problems of senescence & senility
Geriatrics
The process or condition of growing old,
especially the condition resulting from the deleterious effects
of the aging process
Senescence
The mental & physical deterioration associated with
the aging process
Senility
s defined as the scientific study of the
problems of aging in all aspects-
● Clinical ● Biological ● Historical ● Sociological
Gerontology
The length of the longest-lived member of a
species
Life-span
The length of time an average individual
can expect to live depending on his/her current age
● Although usually calculated at birth, life expectancies can be
predicted from any other age point
Life expectancy
The optimization of a person’s health
while minimizing any physiological declines as the result of
the aging process
Successful Aging
The typical declines in physiological
functions over time which reflect the combined effects of
disease, adverse environmental conditions, & poor lifestyle
choices
Usual Aging
Major Health Challenges Facing the Elderly
Intellectual Impairment (Dementia, Delirium, & Depression)
Incontinence
Immobility & Instability
Iatrogenic Drug Reactions
Pain Syndromes from arthritides/trauma/other muscular disorders
lead to increased
immobility which exacerbates arthritic disorders &
contributes to osteoporosis, disuse atrophy, & decreased muscle
strength leading to a lifetime of immobility & compromised ADLs
It is estimated that the number of prescription drugs,
over-the-counter medications, & self-selected supplements that
the avg. older person is taking is
12
It is estimated that almost ___% of older outpatients receive
inappropriate medications!!!!
25
Adverse drug reactions are the most common
iatrogenic illness
In 1995, ____% of the 70+ age group had 1 or more of
the following chronic disorders
79
By 2030, 1 out of every __ people living in the United
States will be aged 65 or older
5
