Older Adults and Wellness

Question 1

Older Adult

Answer 1

• The population 65 and over has increased from 35.9 million in 2003 to 44.7 million in 2013 and is projected to double to 98 million in 2060
• 85+ population is projected to tripe form 6 mil in 13 to 14.6 in 2040
• 46% of women age 75+ live alone
• People 65+ represented 14.5% of the population in year 2014 but are expected to grow to be 21.7% of the population by 2040

Question 2

Changing demographics

Answer 2

• Racial and ethnic minority populations have increased from 6.3m to 9.5 mil are expected to increase to 21.1 million
• Health and health care disparities result in less quality

Question 3

Nursing Care of the Older adult

Answer 3

• 91% of older adults have at least one chronic health condition
• 77% of older adults have at least two chronic health conditions
• More than one-third of older adults fall each year
• One in four adults older experience behavioral health issues (depression, anxiety, medication misuse)

Question 4

Normal Aging Changes - Physical

Answer 4

• Cognition declines
• Slowed processing speed
• Thinning skin
• Increased bruising
• Vision changes: cataracts and glaucoma
• Decreased taste, peristalsis
• Hearing loss, tooth loss
• Cardiac - ventricular hypertrophy
• Respiratory - decreased lung elasticity

Question 5

Social and Psychological Changes

Answer 5

• Living alone with functional decline
• Limited income
• Loss of independence
• Dependent on others
• Friends / spousal death
• Caregiver

Question 6

Nutritional Factors

Answer 6

-Loss of smell, taste
-Teeth, gums
-decreased HCL secretions
-Assistance with prep
-Social Interaction
>80 - challenge to maintain weight

Question 7

Health Concerns for older adults

Answer 7

• Chronic Illness / multiple comorbidities
• 35.4% have physical limitations
• 12.1% limitations with IADLs
• 29.8% difficulties with ADLs

Question 8

Social determinants of health

Answer 8

• Education affects access
• Where you live matters!
• Access to clean air
• Safety
• Access to transportation
• Access to healthcare
• Over 4.2 million older adults (9.5%) were below the poverty level in 2013

Question 9

SDOH 2

Answer 9

-Changes in financial income with retirement; chronic illness; functional decline; continuum of care; who can help provide supports?; do they have resources?; low health literacy affects placement/long term care options; most older adults have limited incomes/assets

Question 10

Resources

Answer 10

• nurses can help assist with forms or referrals for placements
• meals on wheels
• SNAP (supplemental nutrition assistance program)
• transportation
• Geriatric day care options
• Care giver support groups

Question 11

Common Health Conditions of the Ederly

Answer 11

-Adult onset diabetes, cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, dementia, etc

Question 12

Risk factors

Answer 12

• Vulnerability
• Elder mistreatment
• Caregiver role strain
• Falls
• Depression
• Role relationship changes
• Polypharmacy
• Habits
• Lifestyle

Question 13

Change in Living space / dev concerns

Answer 13

• Move closer to family
• Assisted living
• Skilled nursing facility
• Adult day care

Question 14

Age matters in hospitalizations

Answer 14

• Increased risk for functional decline in elderly
• early mobility programs
• medication reconciliation
• Comprehensive geriatric assessment
• Standardized hand offs

Question 15

Prevention and Promotion

Answer 15

• Promotion similar to middle age adults
• Careful balance of what is risk vs benefits
• no routine cervical screening >65
• No routine colonoscopy >76