Lecture 1 Key Terms Flashcards
Gerontology
The scientific study of the process of aging and the problems of aged persons including physical, mental, and social
“Geron-“
Old man in Greek
Geriatrics
The branch of medicine that deals with the diseases & treatment of older people (65+)
Social aging
Determined by changes in roles, such as retirement, the appointment as a wise woman/ man of the community, or at the birth of a grandchild. Transitions may be marked by special rituals, such as birthday and retirement parties, etc;
Can also be determined by how you perceive yourself to be.
Biological aging
Age of cells & organs and how they are functioning; the physical and biological traits by which we identify one as older (e.g. gray hair, wrinkled skin) are referred to as the aging phenotype and are the external expression of one’s individual genetic makeup and internal changes.
Chronological aging
Your actual age
Physiological aging
How you actually feel. (Ex: a person maybe young, but their knees are aching like you would expect of an older person)
Nonagenarian
A person who is from 90-99 years old
Centenarian
A person who is 100 or more years old
Gerontological nursing
The care specifically for elderly patients
Health
Absence of disease
Wellness
A concept of well of wellness incorporates all aspects of one’s being.This includes: physical, emotional, intellectual,social, spiritual,cultural, and environmental
The wellness model suggests what?
That every person has an optimum level of functioning for each position on the wellness continuum to achieve a good and satisfactory existence
Primary prevention
Intervening before health effects occur through measures. Can include:
* healthy lifestyle behaviors
*stress management
* active social engagement
* cognitive stimulation
* immunizations
Secondary prevention
Screening to identify diseases in the earliest stages before the onset of signs ands symptom. This includes
* evidence-based screening guidelines
* Annual wellness visits
* personalized prevention plan
