Week 12 - Health issues for an Ageing Population Part 1 Flashcards
Why does an ageing population occur?
Decreased birth rates
Increased life expectancy
Why is life span longer?
Sanitation Standards of living Medical care Technology Access to health care
What are the impacts of ageing populations?
Labour force participation
Demand for skilled labour
Housing
Health
What is Young Old?
65-74
What is middle old?
75-85 years
What is old old?
85 and older
What are the health issues of ageing?
Reduction in organ or system function
Increased susceptibility to disease and increased morbidity
Higher use of hospital services
What % of people over 85 have 5 or more comorbidities?
70%
What percentage of people over 85 have a disability?
81%
What is frailty?
Ageing related syndrome of physiological decline, characterised by marked vulnerability to adverse health outcomes
What are the 5 main signs of frailty?
Unintentional weight loss Exhaustion Low physical activity level Slow physical performance Weakness
What are the most common conditions affecting older australians?
Cognitive impairment Falls and balance issues Heart disease Osteoarthritis Chronic respiratory illness Hearing impairment Visual impairment Cancer Kidney disease Diabetes
What are neurological changes in ageing?
Brain size reduced Neuronal size reduced Nerve conduction slows Decreased vestibular function Reduction in processing speed and working memory
What are cardiovascular changes in ageing?
Cardiovascular
- reduction in cardiac muscle cells
- more fat and connective tissue
- maximum heart rate declines
- overall reduction in cardiac output
What are physiological changes in ageing?
Cardiovascular Respiratory Musculoskeletal Digestive system Renal system Immune system Vision Hearing
What are respiratory changes in ageing?
Reduced mobility of rib cage
Reduced vital capacity
Changes to ventilation and perfusion
Reduced cough and ciliary action
What are musculoskeletal changes in ageing?
Decreased muscle mass Decreased bone mass Decreased joint ROM Impaired balance Reaction time increases
What are digestive system changes in ageing?
Decreased peristalsis
Dental caries and loss of teeth
Decreased taste
Decreased saliva production
What vision changes in ageing?
Changes in depth and colour perception Increased sensitivity to glare Decline in visual acuity Difficulty accommodating to changes in light Reduced peripheral vision
What are the causes of hearing impairment?
Medical or chemical exposures
Childhood illness
Occupational exposure
Age related cochlear degeneration.
