Introduction to Gerontology (Final-Unit 6 to 10) Flashcards
Active living
use of energy in voluntary and involuntary physical and mental ways; maintain a good quality of life and independence in old age
Name the physical, psychological and social benefits gained through active living.
- decreased body fat
- decreased risk of medical problems
- improved ability to breath deeply and effectively
- improved digestion
- increased energy
- reduced tension
- more restful sleep
- increased self-confidence
- increased sense of being in control
- decreased depression
- decreased pain
What misconception about the elderly do we still have today?
retirement id the pursuit of a sedentary life, doing private activities and have a passive role in society.
How do seniors contribute to society?
- involved in formal volunteer activities (political or charitable organizations, community and school groups, board or committee members, fundraising duties)
- involved in informal volunteer activities (visiting elders, babysitting, helping shopping, providing care)
- attend church on regular basis
- vote and participate in political organizations
- hobbies, sports, socializing
- some still employed
What is the first indicator of decline in older adults?
the inability to be independent in the completion of activities of daily living
True or False. Physical inactivity is a risk factor for many health problems such as obesity, diabetes, pressure sores.
True
In 2011, only ____ of Canadian seniors reported that they exercise regularly.
half
Why is physical activity getting harder to do today for all ages?
- movies
- spectator sports
- transportation like vehicles and buses instead of biking
- elevators and escalators
- desk jobs
- household appliances for chores
True or false. Caregivers must allow the older person to be sedentary and do all their household responsibilities for them.
False. Something as simple as assisting with household chores enhances good functioning of the body systems and promotes a sense of worth.
How many minutes per day of physical activity is required?
30 to 60 minutes of moderate physical activity.
How can the intensity of the activity being performed be determined?
Using the test-talk where it should be possible to carry on a conversation while exercising (can be labored)
Which typical daily activities produce a moderate level of energy expenditure?
- shopping with a cart
- walking to mow the lawn
- raking
- walking at a pace of 3 miles per hour
- gardening
True or False? It is never too late to start exercising.
True
How should a sedentary senior go about to have an active lifestyle?
1) select an appropriate and enjoyable activity
2) incorporate the activity into their daily routine
Name some tips for an older adult doing physical activity?
- gradual increase in the amount of exercise time
- drink water before and after exercise
- wear clothes allowing easy movement and absorption of perspiration
- athletic shoes providing support and protection
- outdoor exercise avoided in extreme weather conditions
- if pain, tightness or shortness of breath, seek help
What activities can older adults do to improve endurance and how often?
- swimming
- cycling
- jogging
- biking
2. 5 hours per week
What activities can older adults do to improve flexibility and how often?
- stretches
- walking
- yoga
2. 5 hours per week
What activities can older adults do to improve strength/flexibility and how often?
-lifting weights
-yoga
-climbing stairs
2 times per week
List the factors that impact the activities of an older adult.
1) income
- middle income seniors participate in spectator sports, watch TV, listen to music ang going to movies
2) level of education
- little education are least likely to watch TV, listen to music and going to movies
- university degrees read books
3) gender
- women=social activities like visiting, religion, bingo
- men=competitive activities like auto repairs, gardening
4) marital status
- loss of spouse
5) age
6) health
- health problems can place limitations
7) knowledge/availability/accessibility
- reluctant to ask for help
8) retirement
- new routines, new friends
9) relocation
- moving can disrupt the usual patterns of activity
10) motivation
What are the benefits of mental stimulation?
- reduced depression
- feelings of excitement
- increased happiness
Name leisure and activity programs in Canada to help older adults stay active.
- free fishing licences in Saskatchewan
- free entry into provincial parks in Saskatchewan
- free camping privileges in BC
- hunting licenses
- gym memberships
List the most common health problems Canadian seniors face while living at home.
1) arthritis and rheumatism
2) hypertension
3) allergies
4) back problems
5) coronary artery disease
6) cataracts
7) diabetes
8) chronic bronchitis or emphysema
9) asthma
10) stroke (3rd leading cause of death in Canada)
11) Alzheimer’s and dementia (only 1% are affected)
Define and briefly describe osteoarthritis
- fact: most common form of arthritis affecting 1 in 10 Canadians
- cause: breakdown of cartilage protecting the ends of bones that rub together causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness
Define and briefly describe rheumatoid arthritis
- fact: affects people of all ages (more common in women), 42% of seniors have arthritis
- cause: may be autoimmune response, joints become inflamed and so deformed until all function is lost
- symptoms: joint pain, tenderness, deformity, inflammation, stiff, red and warm
- treatment: goal is to relieve pain, stop inflammation, prevent joint and organ damage
Define and briefly describe hypertension
- fact: affects 33% of Canadian seniors, known as the “silent killer” because the person may not know until its too late
- cause: high blood pressure
- factors increasing the risk: age (after 35), ethnicity, family history, obesity, diabetes, stress, alcohol, smoking
- signs and symptoms: flushed face, nosebleed, headache, fatigue, blurred vision, dizziness
- treatment: aimed at preventing future complications by exercising, rest, less stress, stop smoking, take meds
Define and briefly describe allergies
- fact: 20% of seniors affected
- cause: abnormal and hypersensitive reaction to a substance that enters the body through direct contact, inhalation, injection or ingestion
- common allergies: medications, chemicals, plants, foods, environment
- signs and symptoms: runny nose, watery eyes, skin rash, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, death
- treatment: avoid what makes you allergic
Define and briefly describe coronary artery disease
-fact: affect 57% of seniors and first leading cause of death
-cause: clogging of the coronary arteries (blood vessels) that supply the heart with blood
-symptoms:
angina pectoris=shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, dizziness, fatigue
myocardial infarction=pain down neck and jaw, tightness, pressure, burning, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness. anxiety
-risk factors: hypertension, high blood cholesterol, lifestyle, diabetes, age, gender, family history
Define and briefly describe chronic bronchitis
- cause: prolonged inflammation of bronchi due to infection or irritants like cigarette smoke, exposure to chemical fumes and dust
- symptoms: dry cough that then contains mucus and pus
Define and briefly describe emphysema
- cause: obstruction of the air flow to the alveoli which lose their elasticity and become nonfunctional ( can’t exhale)
- factors: smoking=most common, air pollution, respiratory infections
- symptoms: persistent moist cough, wheezing, hunched shoulders, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, anxiety
Define and briefly describe asthma
- cause: swelling and constriction of airways, production of lots of mucus
- factors: allergic reaction, exercise, nervous tension, stress
- symptoms: tightness of chest, difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing
- treatment: drugs and inhalers
Define and briefly describe stroke
- fact: loss of brain function, women more likely to suffer and die than men, third leading cause of death
- cause: interruption of blood flow to the brain or rupture of blood vessels in the brain
- affects: ability to move, feel, movement, see, think, communicate, personality, emotions, behaviour
- symptoms: weakness/numbness of face or arm or leg, confusion, trouble speaking, seeing, walking and loss of coordination
Define and briefly describe diabetes mellitus
- fact: 37% of seniors
- cause: unknown, body unable to use glucose due to no insulin production
- treatment: no cure, diet, exercise and medications
- risk factors: increased urine, thirst, hunger, unusual weight loss, fatigue, dry/itchy skin, blurry eyesight
Define and briefly describe catarcts
- fact: eye disorder affecting 15% of seniors
- symptoms: blurring and dimming of vision until the person is no longer able to see
- treatment: surgery
Define and briefly describe dementia
- conditions: Alzheimer’s disease (leading cause), Parkinson’s disease, brain tumor, trauma, medications
- symptoms: memory loss, difficulty performing tasks, problems with language, disorientation, poor judgement, problems with abstract thinking, misplacing things, changes in mood or behavior, personality
- some can be reversed but many become worse until they are no longer able to care for their own needs or protect themselves
Which disease is the first leading cause of death for seniors?
heart disease