T1: Common Aging Changes (CH 5) Flashcards
Living is a process of ___ change
continual
Changes of aging are highly ___
individualized
Alterations in changes in aging are influenced by things such as:
Genetic Factors, environment, diet, health, stress, and lifestyle changes
Aging changes start at the basic ___ level
cellular
Cell number reduces, leaving decreased number of __ __
functional cells
Lean body mass ___
decreases
Total body fat __
increases
Extracellular fluid remains __; intracellular fluid __, resulting in __ total body fluid
constant
reduces
less
Noticeable changes occur after the __ decade of life
fourth
What are 3 signs of aging?
Hair loss, gray hair, and wrinkles
What are some signs of aging when talking about the loss of tissue elasticity?
-elongated ears, baggy eyelids, and double chin
There is a ___ of tissue elasticity.
loss
There is a ___ of subcutaneous fat, which results in a ___ in body’s natural insulation.
Loss
decline
There is diminished stature related to reduced ___, loss of ___, and thinning of __.
hydration
cartilage
vertebrae
There is a ___ in respiratory activity.
Reduction
___ of costal cartilage makes the trachea and rib cage more rigid
Calcification
There is a ___ of cough and laryngeal reflexes
Reduction
There is ___ residual capacity and reduced vital capacity
Increased
Older adults are at a high risk for __ __.
respiratory infection
Heart dimensions are ___ in the absence of pathology
unchanged
The heart muscle loses __ and __ __ , which results in reduced cardiac output with physiologic stress
efficiency and contractile strength
The heart muscle loses efficiency and contractile strength, which results in reduced ____
cardiac output with physiologic stress
The heart valves become ___ and ___
thick and rigid
The blood vessels have reduced ___.
elasticity
Oxygen is used ___ efficiently
less
Is tooth loss a normal part of aging?
No
The older adult has less acute taste ___.
sensations
They have a decreased esophageal ___.
motility
There is atrophy of the __
small & large intestines.
They are at risk for:
3
aspiration, indigestion, and constipation.
There is a decline of __ blood flow & __ __ by approximately 50% by age of 90
renal
glomerular filtration
There is a reduced __ capacity.
bladder
___ is not a normal part of aging.
Incontinence
Changes to reproductive system for men:
reduction in sperm
prostate enlargement
Changes to reproductive system for women:
- atrophy of vulva (dried vaginal canal)
- estrogen depletion
Do both sexes engage in & enjoy intercourse?
yes
__ & ___ cause decrease in height
Thinning disks & shortening vertebrae
There is decreased bone __ and __.
mineral
mass
There is diminished __ absorption.
calcium
The diminished calcium absorption leads to an increased risk for ___
fractures
There is a decline in weight and reduced blood flow of the brain; does it affecting thinking & behavior?
No
(Brain) Reduction in __, __ __, and __ __ __ .
neurons
nerve fibers
cerebral blood flow
Slower response to change in ___
balance
Hypothalamus less effective in temperature ___
regulation
Changes in sleep patterns with frequent ___ during sleep
awakening
Definition: inability to focus on close objects clearly
Presbyopia
Narrowing of the visual field leads to:
decreased peripheral vision
__ size reduced and less reactive to light
Pupil
Depth perception is ___
distorted
Visual acuity __
declines
Definition: progressive loss of hearing
Presbycusis
Distortion of __-pitched sounds
high
__ increased in ear canal: affects hearing
Cerumen
There is an alteration in ___ when cerumen gets stuck in the ear canal.
equilibrium
Taste acuity becomes dependent on ___
smell
Atrophy of tongue can diminish ___
taste
What 3 things can affect taste?
Decreased saliva, poor oral hygiene, and medications
There is a reduction of tactile ___.
sensation
Reduced ability to sense __, discomfort, and deviations in __
pressure
temperature
___ gland activity decreases
Thyroid
___ (hormone) secretion decreases with age.
ACTH
andrenotocorticotropic hormone
Pituitary gland decreases in ___.
volume
___ release by beta cells delayed and insufficient
Insulin
The ability to metabolize glucose is reduced. T/F?
True
Higher __ __ in nondiabetics is possible.
blood glucose
What are the 5 changes to the skin?
- Skin less __, more dry, and fragile
- Decreased ___ fat
- Increased benign and malignant skin ___
- Thinning, ___ of hair
- Reduced __ gland activity
elastic subcutaneous neoplasm graying sweat
What are 4 changes to the immune system, not including that it is depressed?
- __ activity declines
- Cell-mediated __ declines
- Risk for __ becomes significant
- __ defenses decline; presents atypically
T-cell
immunity
infection
Inflammatory
What are 3 changes to the body’s thermoregulation?
- Normal body temperatures ___ in older age (96.9-98.3F)
- ___ temperature reduced
- __ to heat altered
lowered
Ability to respond to cold
Response
All of these factors can affect the \_\_\_. Health status Genetic factors Educational achievements Activities Physical changes Social changes
mind
No ___ type labels all older adults
personality
What can cause a change in personality?
- Retirement
- Death of spouse
- Loss of independence
- Reduced income
- Disability.
Do personality remain consistent with that of the earlier years in the absence of disease?
yes
What are the 3 types of memory?
Short term
Long term
Sensory
Changes to intelligence?
- Basic intelligence is upheld
- Crystallized intelligence is maintained
- Fluid intelligence may decline
- Chronic psychological stress associated with increased incidence of mild cognitive impairment
What intelligence is maintained?
Crystallized or Fluid
crystallized
Is learning ability usually changed?
No
You learn best when:
New information relates to previous learned information
Understanding of __ __ is essential for competent gerontological nursing practice
aging changes
Emphasis on __ and __ possessed by the older adult
capabilities and assets
