T1: Chapter 10: Life Span: Older Adults - RM Flashcards
What age group is considered “older adults”?
Age 65 and older
T/F: The number of older adults has risen significantly because of increasing life expectancy.
True
Older adulthood is a time of ______. Most health problems experienced by older adult are ______ in nature and often affect the person’s ability to live ______.
transition
chronic
independently
What 3 ways can aging be examined?
1) life expectancy
2) percentage of total population
3) life-span perspective
What is defined as, as they age, persons live in their own elder-friendly residences and receive supportive services for their changing needs, rather than moving to another location or alternative type of housing?
aging in place
What type of residence for older adults are planned and built specifically for independent living and downsizing?
retirement communities
What type of residence for older adults offers a wide range of living accommodations on a large campus-like setting?
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)
What 5 types of accommodations are offered in continuing care retirement communities (CCRC)?
1) residential living
2) assisted living
3) skilled nursing care
4) rehabilitation
5) dementia care
What type of facilities for older adults are congregate residential settings that provide or coordinate personal services, 24-hr supervision/assistance, activities, and health-related services?
Assisted Living Facilities (ALF)
What type of facilities provide skilled and unskilled nursing care for older adults and adults with disabilities?
Nursing care facilities (Nursing Homes)
What are the 3 sub-stages of older adulthood?
1) young-old (65-74)
2) middle-old (75-84)
3) oldest-old (85+)
T/F: The fastest growing segment of older adults is the oldest-old, some of whom are the frail elderly and centenarians.
True
Do older adults lose their intelligence as they age?
No. They may learn new material more slowly, though.
What 2 theories attempt to explain the psychosocial development of older adults?
- Disengagement Theory
- Activity Theory
Is dementia a normal result of aging?
No
What other issues can be confused with dementia? What factors precipitate these issues?
- depression
- acute confusion
- delirium
Can be caused by dehydration, infection, medication side effect/OD
Older adults should have an annual physical exam, including a focused assessment of ______ _____.
functional status
Define frailty:
a set of characteristics that describe a heightened state of vulnerability for developing adverse health outcomes.
Is abuse of adults common?
Yes, we should assess all patients for signs of abuse.
T/F: It is ok for a nurse to stay silent when there is a suspicion of abuse of the older adult.
False - duh!
What are the 4 theories of aging as listed in the book? (pp. 205 -206)
1) Wear-and-Tear Theory
2) Genetic Theories
3) Cellular Malfunction
4) Autoimmune Reaction
What is the basis of the Disengagement Theory?
The older adult and society gradually and mutually withdraw or disengage from each other.
What are some factors that contribute to disengagement of/from the older adult?
- mandatory retirement
- chronic illness
- deaths of relatives/friends
- poverty
What is the basis of the Activity Theory?
The individual should stay active and engaged as possible to enjoy the highest life satisfaction.
