Introductory Concepts of Geriatrics Flashcards
Conventional age to define “seniors” or “older adults” is…
65+
Is debatable - spectrum because 65 is relatively young (increased longevity)
Seniors have an important implication on healthcare because…
$
They account for a large amount of healthcare spending
(43.6%)
Aging is a ____ process
Heterogenous
Higher age does not equal being sick
Protocols and guidelines in geriatric care are less useful compared to younger ages because…
Increased diversity of health with aging
Care must be individualized
Factors that can affect health as we age include…
Lifestyle
Genetics
Socioeconomic status
Education
Social engagements and support
Life expectancy refers to…
Proportion of maximum age a person may live
Male avg 81, Female avg 84
Health span refers to…
Number of years that are spent free from functional limitations, morbidity, and pain
Goal of most geriatric models of care is to prolong the health span
Functional capacity is an indicator of…
Ability to carry out everyday tasks
Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) may include…
Bathing
Ambulation
Toileting
Transfers
Eating
Dressing
BATTED
Instrumental activities of daily living (IADL’s) may include…
Supportive tasks that are required to maintain independence
Shopping
Cooking/Cleaning
Using transportation/communication
Managing money/medication
SCUM
The clinical frailty scale is measured based off of…
Degree of functionality and ability to carry out ADL’s and IADL’s, with/without help
Functional reserve refers to…
When body systems have capability beyond what is needed for everyday activities
Older adults have a lower functional reserve compared to younger adults
Impairment in function relates to functional capacity in that…
An individual experiences Impairment in function when their demands exceed their functional capacity (ability to carry out everyday tasks)
Lower functional reserve in adults (ex: increase risk of decline when faced with illness/injury)
Functional decline refers to…
Reduction in ability to perform ADL’s or IADL’s due to decreased physical/cognitive function
Changes in the GI system with absorption involve…
Decreased gastric acid secretion
Slower gastric emptying + delayed intestinal transit
Decreased blood flow