Terms Geriatric

Question 1

Activity Theory

Answer 1

The aging theory that suggest that individuals remain active and engage throughout their later years

Question 2

Atrophy

Answer 2

Wasting away

Question 3

Ageism

Answer 3

Discrimination against older persons.

Question 4

Autoimmune theory

Answer 4

A theory of aging that suggests that aging is related to the body’s weakening immune system, which fails to recognize its own tissues and may destroy itself

Question 5

Aging

Answer 5

Normal, inevitable, progressive process that produces irreversible changes over an extended period.

Question 6

Antioxidants

Answer 6

Agents that prevent the formation of free radicals and may affect the aging process.

Question 7

Cerumen

Answer 7

Was buildup found in the ear.

Question 8

Clockwork theory

Answer 8

A theory of aging suggesting that connective tissue cells have an internal clock that determines the length of life.

Question 9

Delirium

Answer 9

An acute response in brain functioning that manifests itself as an acute impairment in t cognition and attention.

Question 10

Lumen

Answer 10

The opening or diameter of a vessel.

Question 11

Life span

Answer 11

The maximum number of years that a species is capable of surviving

Question 12

Senile lentigo

Answer 12

Common, flat, discolored “age spots” found on the skin

Question 13

Residual volume

Answer 13

The amount of air left in the lungs after forceful exhalation.

Question 14

Old

Answer 14

The period between age 75 and 90

Question 15

Xerostomia

Answer 15

A reduction in saliva and resultant drying of the mouth

Question 16

Ego integrity

Answer 16

A period of self-satisfaction that occurs during old age

Question 17

Homeostasis

Answer 17

A balance

Question 18

Senescence

Answer 18

The symptoms of changes associated w/ normal aging.

Question 19

Gerontology

Answer 19

The study of the normal aging process.

Question 20

Lipofuscion

Answer 20

A pigmentated metabolic waste product that has been found in greater amounts in various organs of the aged body.

Question 21

Demographics

Answer 21

The study of a group of people including the size of the group, changes within the group, and information about where the group lives.

Question 22

Life expectancy

Answer 22

The average number of years a person is likely to live.

Question 23

Dysphagia

Answer 23

Difficulty swallowing

Question 24

Integumentary system

Answer 24

Skin and related structures

Question 25

Young old

Answer 25

The period from ages 65-74

Question 26

Opacity

Answer 26

A clouding of the lens of the eye

Question 27

Pruritus

Answer 27

Itching

Question 28

Tinnitus

Answer 28

Ringing in the ears

Question 29

Very old

Answer 29

The period of age 90 and older

Question 30

Reminiscence

Answer 30

A process of remembering and discussing key life events

Question 31

Peristalsis

Answer 31

Wavelike muscular movement in the gastrointestinal tract

Question 32

Melanocytes

Answer 32

Pigmented skin cells

Question 33

Free-Radical Theory

Answer 33

A theory of aging that states that highly unstable molecules contribute to the aging process.

Question 34

Kyphosis

Answer 34

Curvature of the thoracic spine

Question 35

Wear and tear theory

Answer 35

Theory suggesting that after repeated injury, cells wear out and cease to function, hastening the aging process.

Question 36

Nephrons

Answer 36

The functional, working units found in the kidneys

Question 37

Lacrimal ducts

Answer 37

Tear ducts

Question 38

Disengagement Theory

Answer 38

The theory of aging that suggests that the older person and society gradually withdraw from one another to assist the transfer of power from the old to the young.

Question 39

Keratosis

Answer 39

Sking thickening