the effects of aging in the elderly Flashcards
Integumentary changes
Largest organ. Physical barrier against the external environment, medium for sensory information.
Collagen fibers in the dermis progressively stiffen and break apart.
Elastic fibers lose elasticity and clump together
Langerhans cells decrease in numbers- immune response decreases
Adipose layer becomes thinner
Walls of blood cells stiffens
Growth of hair and nails slows
How to prevent these skin conditions
Preventing sunburn
Use of sunscreen
Good nutrition; adequate fluids
Dehydration increases risk of skin injury
Common reasons for ulcers
Shearing and friction Moisture Decreased movement Decreased sensation Circulatory problems Poor nutrition Age
possible symptoms associated with pressure ulcers
Pain and discomfort in those with intact sensation
Osteomelitis, cellulitis, and bacteremia associated with pressure ulcers
properties of OP and women over what age are likely to experience OP
Bone mass decreases Increase in bone porosity Decrease in mineral content Decrease resistance to fracture By 65 yrs ½ of all women have developed some form of osteoporosis
most likely areas to fracture with OP
The most common fracture sites are: Neck of the femur Distal forearm – Colles’ fracture Vertebrae Pelvis
Fractures of the femur are the most serious as death can occur:
Shock
Hemorrhage
Other complications
How to determine OP
Bone density measured by specialized CT scan – photon-bone densitometer.
Can predict and determine rate of bone loss
When person will reach fracture threshold (point of which the bone can break with mild stress)
50% of women reaches threshold at 65 yrs
2% of men reaches threshold at 70 yrs
Women with what condition are more at risk of OP
Women have a faster rate of bone mass loss during menopause
Given the smaller bone size of women compared to men, women are susceptible to developing osteopenia with menopause
Risk of osteoporosis in the post menopausal woman is 50%
What are some other signs of OP
Back pain
Loss in height
Multiple vertebral crush fractures
Dorsal kyhoscoliosis (dowager’s hump)
Risk factors for OP
Being Caucasian
Lack of weight bearing exercise (insufficient amount)
Inappropriate nutrition (limited Vitamin D)
Avoiding food high in calcium – cheese, milk, tofu
Family history
Excessive protein intake
Excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine
Cigarette smoking
Prolonged immobility
Ways to help prevent OP
Weight bearing exercises (walking) at least 20 minutes ; 3x/ week
Adequate calcium intake, magnesium
Adequate nutrition (protein)
Lifestyle changes (eliminating excessive alcohol, caffeine and cease from smoking)
Routine exposure to sunlight
Medications
No drugs that weaken bone
Exercise or hormone replacement therapy (or both) can add bone mineral density
Use loading exercise
Exercises – activities with weight training
Wearing weighted vest during stair climbing
