Lifespan and Development 2 Flashcards
What is primary aging?
The inevitable process of the body’s natural deterioration that takes place during life
Primary aging is a normal part of the aging process that occurs with time.
What is secondary aging?
Results from disease and poor health practices and are often preventable to some degree
Secondary aging can often be mitigated through lifestyle changes and healthcare.
List three manifestations of aging.
- Cellular changes
- Altered metabolic processes
- Impaired immune response
What happens to tissue repair as one ages?
Speed and effectiveness of tissue repair decreases
This decline can lead to longer recovery times from injuries.
What are the alterations to skin associated with aging?
- Thinning of epidermis
- Decreased Vitamin D and glandular activity
- Thinning of dermis
- Decreased blood supply and hair production
Define ‘old-old’ in terms of age.
‘Old-old’ refers to individuals aged 65 years and beyond
This demographic is increasingly significant in healthcare.
What characterizes early adulthood?
The time between adolescence and middle age, approximately from 20-40 years
This stage is marked by significant intellectual, emotional, and social development.
What is lifespan development?
Refers to age-related changes that occur from birth throughout a person’s life into and during old age
List the six stages of lifespan development.
- Infancy
- Early childhood
- Middle childhood
- Adolescence
- Early adulthood
- Late adulthood
What precautions should be taken when dealing with elderly patients?
- No jewellery
- No long or artificial nails
- Hand washing to prevent infections
- Beware of friction in manual handling activities
- Regular changes in posture/position
What age range is considered middle age?
The ‘Young Old’ from 40-65 years
This stage generally sees gradual signs of degeneration.
What changes occur in the neurological system with aging?
- Reduced mobility & independence
- Increased risk of falls
- Decreased reaction times
What are common degenerative changes in the brain due to aging?
- Memory loss
- Anterograde amnesia
- Dementia
- Alzheimer’s
What happens to heart function as a person ages?
- Reduction in maximum cardiac output
- Changes to the conducting cells
- Reduction in elasticity of cardiac muscle
What is the difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis?
Osteopenia is a precursor to osteoporosis, which involves more severe bone density loss
Osteoporosis significantly increases the risk of fractures.
