the ageing process

Question 1

Ageing

Answer 1

Considerable increase of older population

Expected over 1000 mil worldwide by 2020

Question 2

Old age
WHO…
UK…
Ethnic groups…

Answer 2

WHO

• elderly = 60-74
• old = 75-89
• very old = 90+

UK - retirement age

Minority ethnic groups - younger age structure

Question 3

Services available

Answer 3

Local community
Within home - meals on wheels
Shopping services
Charities
Post-hospital charge

Question 4

Factors influencing food choice

Answer 4

Local food available
Economic availability
Cultural availability/habit
‘Gatekeeper’ has most control

Question 5

4 issues major conern

Answer 5

Fluid balance + renal function
Skeletal changes
Physical fitness
Changes in immune system
ALL => anorexia of ageing

Question 6

Skin

Answer 6

Wrinkling
Loss hair
Decreased function sweat glands
Thinner so higher water loss

Question 7

Heart

Answer 7

Loss heart muscle
Increased fibrous tissue
Decreased cardiac output

Question 8

Renal function

Answer 8

20-30% loss kidney weight => decreased filtration rate + increased glucose threshold

Thirst mechanism not as sensitive

Question 9

Dehydration

Answer 9

Drowsiness
Constipation
Risk pressure ulcers
UTIs
Altered cardiac function
Electrolyte disturbances

Question 10

Bone

Answer 10

Increased resorption (tissue in bone broken down)
Osteoporosis + fractures
Decreased height due to vertebral collapse

Question 11

Immune system

Answer 11

Impaired T-cell function

Increased susceptibility to viral infections, food posioning etc

Question 12

GI effects

Answer 12

Diverticular disease
Decreased motor function + muscle tone => constipation
Increased taste threshold so may add more salt
Impaired digestive capacity

Question 13

Dentition

Answer 13

Better oral health -> better diet + nutritional status
Better at home
Sugar -> tooth decay

Question 14

Muscle tone + strength

Answer 14

Loss tension
Muscle atrophy
Activity may be limited

Question 15

Hearing + vision

Answer 15

Sounds need to be certain volume or pitch
Diminished colour perception
Decreased visual acuity
Loss perception high freq

Question 16

Pain, touch + temp

Answer 16

Touch + pain threshold increases

Less aware of environmental changes, e.g. lower temp

Question 17

Body composition

Answer 17

Proportion fat mass increases

Proportion lean body mass decreases

Question 18

BMI

Answer 18

High not predictor of mortality but low may be
Usual standards too restrictive
Height decreases
Practical issues, e.g. bed bound
Doesnt distinguish between muscle + fat free mass