older adults (333 E2) Flashcards
when does old age begin
65
affects of ageism
-undermine the self confidence
-limit access to care
-takes away personal traits
what defines quality of life in an older person
perception of well being (take of themselves and can do their own ADLs)
universal aging signs during a general survey
-facial wrinkles
-gray hair
-loss of body mass in extremities
-increased body mass in the trunk
normal aging: neurological system
-degeneration of nerve cells
-decrease in neurotransmitters
-decrease in rate of impulse conduction
-voluntary reflex are slower
-less ability to respond to multiple stimuli
-alterations in the quality and quantity of sleep
normal aging: facial features
loss of SubQ fat and skin elasticity
normal aging: vision
-visual acuity declines
-decrease accommodation to near/far vision (presbyopia)
-difficulty adjusting to light changes (from light to dark)
-yellowing of lens
-altered color perception
-increased sensitivity to glare
normal aging: hearing
age related hearing loss (presbycusis), losing the ability to hear high pitched sounds. more common in men
normal aging: taste
-decreased salivary secretion
-taste buds atrophy and loss sensitivity
-often difficult to recognize between salt/sweet/bitter/sour
-health condition & meds can alter taste
normal aging: smell
-loss of smell
-nutrition is a challenge
normal aging: heart / vascular system
-decreased contractile of myocardium (lower CO)
-slight enlargement of heart
-stiffening of heart wall & valves
-HR changes (lowers & doesn’t increase as much w/ exercise)
-BP is sometimes abnormally high
is HTN a normal or abnormal part of aging
common but not a normal part of aging
normal aging: lungs
-strength and lung expansion decreases (cough is less deep & wont clear)
-more susceptible to pneumonia or other infections
-AP diameter of thorax increases
-decrease in # of alveoli & cilia
normal aging: thorax
-kyphosis r/t osteoporosis (preventable)
-calcification of costal cartilage causes decrease mobility of ribs
-chest wall stiffens so less recoil
normal aging: GI system & abdomen
-increased amount of fatty tissue in trunk & abdomen
-Abd more protuberant
-slows of peristalsis
-decreased production of saliva & digestive enzymes
-less tolerant to foods
normal aging: urinary system
-hypertrophy of prostate gland leading to urinary retention, frequency, incontinence & UTIs
-decrease bladder capacity
-urinary incontinence (mainly women)
risk factors for incontinence
age, menopause, DM, hysterectomy, stroke & obesity
normal aging: integument
-decreased turgor, subQ fat & connective tissue
-loses resilience & moisture
-epithelial layer thins
-elastic collagen fibers shrink & become rigid
-wrinkles
-lesions & spots
-sparse hair
-nails growth slows & thickens
normal aging: MS system
-diminishes in proportion to the decline in muscle mass
-osteoporosis
normal aging: repro system - women
-reduced estrogen and progesterone
-dryness of vaginal mucosa, irritation & pain w/ sex
-decrease libido
normal aging: repro system - men
-erection less firm & less forceful ejaculation
-testosterone lessens leads to decrease libido
-no definite cessation of fertility
normal aging: breasts
-estrogen production diminishes
-breast tissue becomes firmer
-decreased muscle mass, tone and elasticity
-gynecomastia (enlarged breasts in men)
-both men and women are at risk for breast cancer
IADLs
transportation, meal prep, shopping
common misconception about aging & cognitive impairments
-confusion or disorientation
-forgetfulness
-loss of language skills or ability to calculate
-poor judgment
these are not normal and need further assessment
