lect 1 Flashcards
gerontology
the scientific study of the process of aging and the problems of aged patients
geriatrics
branch of medicine that deals with the disease and treatment of older patients
what does older age entail biologically?
slower metabolism and lower vitals
projected population of 65+ in 2030
72 million
by 2035 there will be more older adults than children
true
which age group is the fastest growing?
85+
what is the most confusing to geriatric patients when they are hospitalized?
insurance
statistics of older adults who suffer from at least one chronic medical condition
3/4 of the population
what is biological aging?
refers to aging phenotype and external expression of one’s individual genetic makeup
what is chronological aging?
a combination of either social or biological aging
nonagenarian
adults aged 90 - 99
centenarian
adults aged 100+
primary interventions for older adults
- immunization
- high dose flu vaccine (60 mcg hemagglutinin)
- healthy behaviors
- stress management
- active social engagement
- cognitive stimulation
number 2 high priority
secondary interventions for older adults
- annual wellness visits
- screening guidelines
- prevention plan
what are the biological theories of aging?
- programmed aging
- error theories (wear & tear theory and cross-linkage theory)
examples of strategies for annual wellness visits
- mammograms
- prostate checks
- glucose checks
- eye exams
- skin screening
- colonoscopy
wear & tear theory
cells eventually “wear out” or become damaged
cross-linkage theory
damage from errors with cross-linked proteins
cross-linkages inhibit proteases and cannot destroy damaged proteins
what are the psychological theories of aging?
- activity theory
- continuity theory
- Erikson’s theory
- Peck’s theory
activity theory
continued activity, productivity, and the ability to “stay young” indicates successful aging
continuity theory
aging reflects a continuation and maintenance of the patterns of roles, responsibilities, and activities