Older Adults Flashcards
Health Status of Older Adults
Age Group: 65 years or older
Growth in number and proportion of older adults living in the United States; projected to reach almost 30% of population by 2060
Increased demands on public health system, medical and social services, and health care delivery
Chronic disease contributing to disability, diminished quality of life, and increased health care costs
Globally: # of adults over age 65 expected to reach 1.4 billion by 2050
- Those over age 80 years growing faster than any other group
National Health Status of Older Adults
Increased life expectancy (females > males)
Older adults healthier than ever before
Young–old (65–75 years)
Old–old (75–85 years)
Oldest old (85–100 years); approximately 40%
Elite-old (centenarians)
Frail elderly (over age 85 years and need assistance with ADLs)
Common Misconceptions About Older Adults
Inability to live independently
Most w/ diminished intellectual capacity or senility
Homogeneity: All alike w/ no individual differences
Inability to learn new things
W/drawn, inactive, nonproductive
Liability: Expensive, drain on economy
Characteristics of Healthy Older Adults
Lifetime of healthy habits
Strong social support system
Positive emotional outlook
Affected by
- Personality traits
- Life experiences
- Current physical health
- Current societal supports
Health Needs of Older Adults: Primary Prevention
Health education; Follow-through of sound personal health practices;
- Recommended immunizations
- Good Oral Health
Nutrition, oral health, exercise, safety needs, sleep
Economic security needs: Retirement, Social Security
Psychosocial needs
- Maintaining independence
- Social interaction
- Companionship
- Purpose
Spirituality, advance directives
Top 5 Immunizations for Adults
COVID-19
Influenza
Pneumococcal
TDAP
Zoster Recombinant
Health Needs of Older Adults: Secondary Prevention
Patient is at risk for colon cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, osteoporosis, prostate cancer
Colonoscopy, Mammogram, Prostate-Specific antigen, Dexa Scan,
Focuses on early detection of disease & prompt intervention
Routine screening for HTN, diabetes, cancer
Health Needs of Older Adults: Tertiary Prevention
Patient already has a disease
Ex) Treating a patient w/ syphilis using Penicillin
Follow-up & Rehab
Health Issues:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Osteoporosis
Common Health Problems of Older Adults
Alzheimer’s Disease
Arthritis: Leading cause of disability
Cardiovascular Disease (Leading causes of Death): CHF, prolonged HTN, PVD
Cancer: Age is a significant risk factor
- If history of family history, have them screened for that type of cancer 10 years prior
Depression
Diabetes: Focus on med management, diet change, exercise
- A1C
Hearing Loss
Obesity
Osteoporosis:Dextra Scan
Elder Abuse
Intentional or neglectful acts by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult
Tends to go underreported
- No one witnessed it
- Facility’s are reluctant to report due to threat of lawsuit
Physical Abuse
Neglect
Emotional or psychological abuse
Verbal abuse & threats
Financial abuse & exploitation: Most common type
Sexual abuse
Abandonment
Criteria for Effective Health Services
Comprehensiveness
Affordable housing options
Adult day and memory care programs
Access to high-quality health care services
Health education (including preparation for retirement)
In-home services
Recreation and activity programs
Specialized transportation services
Safe and outdoor spaces
Services for Healthy Older Adults
Goal: Maintenance of Functional Independence
Living arrangements & care options
- Skilled nursing facilities
Intermediate care; assisted living
- Personal care homes
Continuing care retirement communities
Presbyterian Village, Austell
St. George Village, Roswell
Respite care services
Hospice and palliative care
If a patient needs around-the-clock care…
…they need to go to a nursing care
Respite Care Services
Gives caregivers a break
Palliative Care
Consists of comfort & symptom management
Does NOT provide a cure
Primarily intended to relieve the burden of physical & emotional suffering that often accompanies the illness associated w/ aging