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Anyone over the age of what is considered an older adult
65
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Genetic theory on aging =
genetic clocks - determine the occurance and rate of metabolic processes
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wear and tear theory =
organisms wear out from increased metabolic functioning
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Immunity theory =
- a decline in the function of the immune sys.
- thymus looses size and function
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cross-linkage theory =
- -chemical reaction that produces damage to DNA and cell death
- -cross links acumulate with age, which interfere with normal cell function
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Ageism =
discrimination based solely on a persons age
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4% of older adults in
nursing home
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do most older adults have chronic illnesses
yes 80%
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what determines a persons level of health and illness
the person ability to adapt
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The biggest threat to health is loss of
- physiologic reserves
- illness increases physical and emotional stress
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what happens to skin as we age
- uses elasticity
- becomes thinner
- bruises easier
- wounds heal slower
- sweat and sebaceous glands decrease in number and function
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common skin lesions in older adults =
- senile lentigo
- cherry angiomas
- keratoses
- hair - men balding/ women - thinning, more facial hair/ loss of pigmentation
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Keratoses =
rasied, thickened pigmentation, scaly, crusty
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what happens to nails as we age
- grow slower
- become brittle and yellow
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musculoskeletal changes in the age
- mobility slows
- muscel mass decreases
- bone demineralization
- joints stiffen
- narrowed verterbral spaces (loss of height - posture)
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what amount of older adults fall each year
1/3
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primary etiology for accidental deaths in older adults =
falls
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common causes of falls
- accident - fall from bed
- Gait disturbance (arthritis)
- Vertigo
- Polypharmacy
- Acute illness
- confusion and cognitive impairment
- orthostatic hypotension
- visual disorders
- decreasedmuscle strength
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Nervous system changes in older adults
- CNS responds more slowly
- short term memory decreased
- long term memory remains the same
- temp, pain, pressure sensitivity decrease
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abstract reasoning declines
after 30 years
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psychomotor skills peak at
20 and decrease in the elderly
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sleep pattern changes in the aging
- sleep at night shortens
- increased night awakenings
- cat naps become common
- decreased sleep in stages 3 and 4
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cardiac change in aging
- loss of elasticity in blood vessels - increased BP
- venous return less efficient
- fatty plaque deposits
- cardiac output decreases
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Pulmonary changes in aging
- lungs become smaller and more rigid
- decrease in effectiveness in cilia
- lack of basilar inlflation-decreased lung sounds in the bases
- rigid thoracic cage, ribs less mobile, increased A&P diameter
- Decrease exchange of O2 and CO2
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GI changes in aging
- teeth in poor condition
- dentures
- decreased saliva
- decreased esophageal motility
- DO NOT LAY THEM DOWN AFTER EATING atleast 30-60 MINUTES
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Genitourinary changes in the aging
- blood flow to kidneys is decreased
- # of functioning nephrones decreases by 50%
- waste products are filtered and excreted more slowly
- fluid and electrolytes remain WNL but balance is fragile
- bladder capacity decreased
- nocturia 2-3 times/night is usual
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Is incontinence normal with ageing
not normal change but must be a functional cause
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sodium level low causes
confusion
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femal sexuality changes in aging
- decreased hormones - estrogen/progesterone
- atrophy of labia, dryness of vagina
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male sexuality changes in aging
- increased time for erection and ejaculation
- semen volume decreased
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is there an increase in AIDS in the aging
yes
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presbyopia
inability to focus or accommodate properly due to decreased elasticity of the lens
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vision changes in the aging
- pupil size decreases
- presbyopia
- visual field narrows
- night vision difficult
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Presbycusis =
- age related hearing loss caused by nerve degeneration in the inner ear
- loos of high-frequency sounds
- difficult to hear s, sh, ch
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sensory changes in aging
- sense of smell decreases
- taste sensitivity decreases - put more salt on
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Immune system changes in aging =
- it is depressed
- infections are significant risk
- increase risk for autoimmune diseases
- increased risk for cancers
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older adult eriksons theory begins at and includes
- 60
- reflect on life
- search for meaning
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developmental task of aging
- Adjusting to decreasing health and physical strength
- Adjusting to retirement and reduced or fixed income
- Adjusting to the health of one’s spouse
- Accepting self as aging person
- Maintaining satisfactory living arrangements
- Redefining relationships with adult children
- Finding ways to maintain quality of life
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types of elder abuse
- physical
- emotional
- financial
- sexual
- neglect
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who do you report elder abuse too
Adult Protective Services
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