Older Adult Directed Reading Flashcards
What Integumentary changes occur with older adults?
Wrinkles & dry transparent skin
Decreased skin turgor, subcutaneous fat, and CT
Thickened nails
Thinning and graying of hair
What changes occur with older adults?
Less chest wall movement, vital capacity, and cilia
Less CO
Increased BP
Decreased peripheral circulation
What neurological changes occur with older adults?
Slower reaction time
Decreased sense of touch, taste, and smell
Decline in visual acuity
Decreased ability for the eyes to adjust to changes in light
Presbycusis
Reduced spatial awareness
What gastrointestinal changes occur with older adults?
Less saliva production, digestive enzymes, intestinal motility
Increased risk of dental problems
What musculoskeletal changes occur with older adults?
Decreased height, muscle tone, & strength
Decalcification of bones
Degeneration of joints
What genitourinary changes occur with older adults?
Less bladder capacity
Prostate hypertrophy
Less estrogen/testosterone production
Atrophy of breast tissue
What endocrine changes occur with older adults?
Decreased sensitivity to insulin
Decline in T3 production
What immune system changes occur with older adults?
Decreased antibody production, autoantibody production, T-cell functioning, core body temp, stress response, response to immunizations
What cognitive changes occur with older adults according to Piaget’s theory?
Piaget: Formal Operations
Decline in cognitive functioning, lessened overall functioning (Overall health + wellbeing)
What are some cognitive disorders associated with the elderly?
Delirium
Dementia
Depression
What is the onset and cause of Delirium?
Acute, temporary, can have a physiological source
What is the onset and cause of Dementia?
Chronic, progressive, possibly has no known cause
Tell me about the onset of Depression
Chronic, acute, or gradual onset
According to Erikson’s theory, what are some things that the elderly need to adjust to?
Erikson: Integrity vs Despair
Adapt to lifestyle changes regarding retirement, changes in family structure, changes in living environment
Deal with multiple losses + Face death
What body image changes occur with older adults?
Decreases in physical health and endurance
Increasing bodily limitations over time
What do the elderly need to do in terms of their social development?
Find ways to remain socially active, overcome isolation, maintain sexual health
What cardiovascular diseases are the elderly at risk of developing?
Coronary Artery Disease
Hypertension
What factors affecting mobility are the elderly at risk of developing?
Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Falls
What mental health disorders are the elderly at risk of developing?
Depression
Dementia
Suicide
Alcohol Use Disorder
Tobacco Use Disorder
What are some disorders the elderly at risk of developing?
Stroke
Diabetes mellitus
Cancer
Incontinence
Abuse & Neglect
Cataracts
Chronic Pain
Dental Issues
What are some immunizations that the elderly may need to take?
DTAP, Varicella, Flu Vaccine, Herpes Vaccine, Pneumococcal Vaccine, Hep A + Hep B Vaccines, Meningococcal Vaccine
What are some annual screenings for the elderly?
Hearing
Fecal Occult Blood
Digital Rectal + Prostate-Specific Antigen
DXA Scanning
Eye Examinations
What are some periodic screenings for the elderly?
Mental Health Screening
Diabetes Screening
Cholesterol Screening
What are some factors that influence nutrition for the elderly?
Difficulty getting to and from places, low income, impaired mobility, depression or dementia, social isolation, meds that alter taste or appetite, unappealing prescribed diets, constipation, incontinence
What are some nutritional recommendations for the elderly?
Increase intake of vitamin D, B12, E
Increase intake of folate, fiber, & potassium
Increase fluid intake
Take a low dose multivitamin along with mineral supplementation
Limit sodium, fat, refined sugar, alcohol intake
What do psychosocial interventions do?
Improve self-concept + Alleviate social isolation
What psychosocial interventions should you do for the elderly?
Utilize things like therapeutic communication, touch, spatial orientation, validation therapy, reminiscence therapy
Attend to physical appearance
Promote the use of assistive devices
What injury prevention measures should you do for the elderly?
Install rails + Remove throw rugs + Remove clutter + Remove cords from hallways & walkways + Properly use mobility aids + Practice safe med use + Ensure adequate lighting + Wear aids if needed + Install smoke & carbon monoxide detectors + Secure fire alarms and meds in a safe location
What are some difficulties that the elderly may face in terms of self-concept?
Coming to terms with the effects of aging
Finding ways to maintain a good quality of life
Becoming more dependent on others for ADL’s
