Terms Geriatric Flashcards
Activity Theory
The aging theory that suggest that individuals remain active and engage throughout their later years
Atrophy
Wasting away
Ageism
Discrimination against older persons.
Autoimmune theory
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
Aging
Normal, inevitable, progressive process that produces irreversible changes over an extended period.
Antioxidants
Agents that prevent the formation of free radicals and may affect the aging process.
Cerumen
Was buildup found in the ear.
Clockwork theory
A theory of aging suggesting that connective tissue cells have an internal clock that determines the length of life.
Delirium
An acute response in brain functioning that manifests itself as an acute impairment in t cognition and attention.
Lumen
The opening or diameter of a vessel.
Life span
The maximum number of years that a species is capable of surviving
Senile lentigo
Common, flat, discolored “age spots” found on the skin
Residual volume
The amount of air left in the lungs after forceful exhalation.
Old
The period between age 75 and 90
Xerostomia
A reduction in saliva and resultant drying of the mouth
Ego integrity
A period of self-satisfaction that occurs during old age
Homeostasis
A balance
Senescence
The symptoms of changes associated w/ normal aging.
Gerontology
The study of the normal aging process.
Lipofuscion
A pigmentated metabolic waste product that has been found in greater amounts in various organs of the aged body.
Demographics
The study of a group of people including the size of the group, changes within the group, and information about where the group lives.
Life expectancy
The average number of years a person is likely to live.
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing
Integumentary system
Skin and related structures
Young old
The period from ages 65-74
Opacity
A clouding of the lens of the eye
Pruritus
Itching
Tinnitus
Ringing in the ears
Very old
The period of age 90 and older
Reminiscence
A process of remembering and discussing key life events
Peristalsis
Wavelike muscular movement in the gastrointestinal tract
Melanocytes
Pigmented skin cells
Free-Radical Theory
A theory of aging that states that highly unstable molecules contribute to the aging process.
Kyphosis
Curvature of the thoracic spine
Wear and tear theory
Theory suggesting that after repeated injury, cells wear out and cease to function, hastening the aging process.
Nephrons
The functional, working units found in the kidneys
Lacrimal ducts
Tear ducts
Disengagement Theory
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.
Keratosis
Sking thickening
