Module 1 - Intro to the Older Adult Flashcards
Gerontology
study of the aging processes and individuals as they mature throughout the lifespan and includes:
- study of the physical mental and social changes of aging
- analysis of the changes in society as a result of an aging population
- application of this knowledge to policies and program development
Purpose of the Specialty of Geronotology
Dispel the myths of aging
Well educated member of the health care team
Improved health outcomes
Prevent adverse outcomes
Improve quality of care - not only length of life
Relatively new science - recognized
»»>Congress created the national institute of health in 1974
Core Elements of Evidence Based Practice in Gerontological Nursing Practice
nursing practice decision making follows research
relies on synthesis and analysis of information
benchmarking
Benchmarking
performance compared with best practices
Core Elements of Standards for nursing practice for Gerontological Nursing Practice
guide and evaluate nursing practice
state and federal regulations
joint commission
ANA standards
principles based on scientific data
Functions of the Gerontological Nurse: G.e.r.o.n.t.o.l.i.g.i.c.a.l
G - guide persons of all ages toward a healthy aging process
E- eliminate ageism
R- respect rights of older adults and ensure others do the same
O - oversee and promote the quality of service delivery
N - notice and reduce risk to health and well being
T- teach and support caregivers
O - open channels for continued growth
L - listen and support
O - offer optimism, encouragement and hope
G - generate, support, use and participate in research
I - implement restorative and rehabilitative measures
C - coordinate and manage care
A - assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care in an individualized holistic manner
L - link services with needs
Functions of the gerontological nurse: N.U.R.S.E
N - nurture future geron nurses for advancement of the specialty
U - understand the unique physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of each older adult
R - recognize and encourage the appropriate management of ethical concerns
S - support and comfort through the dying process
E - educate to promote self care and optimal independence
Places Older People Receive Care
Skilled nursing facility (nursing homes - 5% here)
Retirement communities (55+)
Adult Care Center (daycare kinda)
Residential Care (live in homes with multiple older adults and nurses)
Transitional Care
Rehabilitation (short term after replacement surgery)
Community Based Home care (help at home with an aide)
Hospitals
Life Expectancy
length of time that a person can be predicted to live
Life Span
maximum years that a person has the potential to live
Compression of Mortality
delaying or compressing the years in which serious illness and decline occur so that an extended life expectancy results in more functional, healthy years
Maintenance and prevention allow for more functional and healthy years down the road
Comorbiditiy
the presence of multiple chronic conditions simultaneously
Young-Old
60 to 74 years old
Middle - Old
75-84 years old
Old-old
85 +
Centenarians
over 100 years old
Life expectancy continues to rise on average and the average recently in 2010 was…
78.3 years old
Disparities for life expectancy exist according to …
gender and race
Men average life expectancy versus Female average life expectancy
Men - 75.7 y/o
Female - 80.8 y/o
___ are more likely to be living alone in old age
Women
UN estimates the old age population will increase from what to what?
7.6% to 16.2%
China (129 million), India (77 million), US (40 million), Russian Federation (27 million) nowadays
Highest life expectancy is where and what is it?
Japan- 82.9 years old
Lowest life expectancy is where and what is it?
African republic - 47 years
HP2020 has what goals for Older Population?
Access to quality health services
coordinated and manage health care needs
management of health care needs
recognizing minimum education to care for older adults
support research to equip providers with tools that needed to care for adults
What ways do older generations meet financial needs?
Social security
supplemental security income
main source of income is more than half still from part time
Education nowadays…
has more colleges graduates than previous ones
What needs and services should we anticipate for when the current “young” become the older generation?
Low birth rates (less children to care for aging parents)
better educated than preceding generations
household tends to have higher income
favor more casual dress
high tech consumers
more likely to report feeling stressed
exercise more frequently
Leading cause of death is …
heart disease related to obesity
Average length of stay in a hospital for the elderly is…
5 days
___ is on the rise
obesity
Most older adults have at least one what?
Chronic illness
approximately 80% have them
Since the 1980s what has occurred in regard to chronic disability?
Limitations in ADL has decreased but about 1/5 report still having chronic disability (among the elderly)
___% of elderly have at least 1 chronic illness, and ___% have 2 or more
80% = 1
62% = 2+
Top 10 Chronic Illnesses/Conditions in Adults 65+
Hypertension
Hyperlipidemia
Arthritis
Ischemic Heart Disease
Diabetes
Chronic Kidney Disease
Heart Failure
Depression
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
What is main source of health insurance in adults 65+
Medicare
Medicare
Federal health insurance program
Medicare Part A
covers hospital and other services
Medicare Part B
covers medical visits services and other services
Medicare Part C
Medicare advantage plans
not free, must purchase
supplement what A and b cannot do
Medicare Part D
covering drug plan
does not cover all drugs and sometimes if you reach the maximum and have to pay out of pocket afterwards
Theories of aging depend on…
the person
no single theory is perfect for one person
Biologic Theories of Aging
Genetic Theories
Cross Linking Theories
Evolutionary Theories
Free Radical Theories
Wear and Tear Theories
Genetic Theories
Biologic Theory of Aging
aging is based on DNA
ex: Alzheimers
Cross Linking Theories
Biologic Theory of Aging
based on cellular division - has to do with body chemistry for aging
Evolutionary Theories
Biologic Theory of Aging
Based on natural selection and how you adapt to the environment - that is what determines aging
Free Radical Theories
Biologic Theory of Aging
Aging is related to free radicals and prevention through antioxidants
Wear and Tear Theories
Biologic Theory of Aging
The body is a machine and aging is the machine breaking down over time so you should maintain upkeep and maintenance to slow aging
Biologic Theories of Aging Implications for Nursing
the diversity, complexity, and number of theories show there is no one role that impacts the aging process
So, identify elements known to influence aging to promote positive practices and health promotion
Psychosocial Theories of Aging
Disengagement Theory
Activity Theory
Continuity Theory
Developmental Tasks
Gerotranscendence
Disengagement Theory
Psychosocial theory of aging
role reversal situation where the person goes against society and says it is now someone else turn to care for them
Activity Theory
Psychosocial theory of aging
Person determined to stay young and want to go backward
do not give in to old age
Continuity Theory
Psychosocial theory of aging
People remain the same and do not care they are aging - nothing changes they believe
Developmental Tasks Theory
Erikson theories
Psychosocial theory of aging
Gerotranscendence
Psychosocial theory of aging
Most seniors follow this
people start thinking about what is really significant and meaningful to them, so they care less about tangible things and possessions, and more about relationships and connections
meaning of things matter more to them
meaning promotes well being to them
Psychosocial Theories of Aging Implications for Nursing
nurses play a large role in helping persons experience health, satisfaction and positive experiences
therefore, if we view aging as a process that is negative and hopeless we will negatively impact our patients
view aging as an opportunity to increase satisfaction and joy
Things that Contribute to a Long and Health Life for Older Adults
Diet
Activity and Exercise
Play and Laughter - release endorphins and remember good times
Faith - not about us, about their believes
Empowerment - help them have control if family oversteps
Stress Management - lots of loss during this time in life (job, people, etc)
What is the most important/used level of prevention for Older People?
Tertiary since its often too late for primary and secondary for most current elderly
Primary Prevention for Older People
Health Promotion (less realistic but we could prevent falls):
Educate about lifestyle
injury Prevention
Nutritional assessment
exercise prescriptions as appropriate
avoid tobacco/moderation of alcohol (difficult to get them to stop)
limit exposure of carcinogens
Secondary Prevention for Older People
Early Diagnosis:
Screening and Health Assessments for function, cognition, mood, mobility, pain integrity, QOL, nutrition, neglect/abuse
referral for and disease cure
MONITOR FOR ABUSE AND NEGLECT- VERY IMPORTANT
Tertiary Prevention for Older People
The level done most for elders
Integrative care model based on all of the data that we get from doing all of the assessments and screening
multidisciplinary rehabilitation of physical, occupational, speech, and recreational aspects
Short term placement in rehab facilities
appropriate service to increase independence - walkers, canes, home health
Elders need socialization so recreational therapy is very much needed to get them in groups and activities
use PT, recreational therapy, therapy, treatment, etc
With older adults its important to do what with services and needs?
Match services to needs!
How can we match services to needs
services must address physical, emotional, social, and spiritual factors
must consider unique and changing needs
care and services must be flexible
services MUST BE individualized
Ageism
Applying prejudices and stereotypes to older adults due to their age
Inner Resource
a strength within the person that can be drawn upon when needed
Life Review
a process of reminiscing or reflecting on one’s life
reflecting to learn from the experiences
Retirement
the period in which one no longer works
after a while they may feel like its a sad situation since you feel little or no purpose
How does Ageism affect society?
Biases against older adults leads to alienation through stereotypes and misconceptions
The consequences of ageism include ERODING DIGNITY
How do we prevent Ageism?
Need to heighten societal awareness of the realities of aging
They DO have stories and knowledge to tell us
How do roles change with the elderly?
Children of them may become sandwiched as they have to care for both their parent and their own children
Sometimes grandchildren have to take on the role of caring for the elders
Spouses often have to care for the other spouse and this can be rough as they are losing a best friend and life partner
Important Environmental Safety Measures for Older Adults
lighting
temperature
colors (vibrant colors since vision declines)
scents (don’t upset with perfumes or something too strong)
floor coverings
furniture (no clutter)
Sensory stimulation to keep them using it
noise control
psychosocial considerations
fall and restrains (don’t use restraints as they can kill - need to reduce fall risk)
Interventions for Safety for Older Adults
nutrition and hydration
sensory deficit consideration
mobility assistance with tools and PT
preventing infections
medication use cautiously (be aware of polypharmacy!)
safe driving (many dread when the doctor takes their license away)
early detection of issues
