| definition of older adult | Definition: persons over the age of 65 yrs
However many people, today, at age 65 yrs are very productive in society; they are very active, very healthy, & lead a constructive life in the community |
| what contributes to aging | Genetics play a role – some people look ‘very old’ at 60yrs, others look youthful at 80yrs
Disease / disability – as we age disability increases.
But contributing to disease/disability is a person’s lifestyle –includes things like smoking, a person’s diet, lack of exercise, etc.. |
| Examples of physiological ageing for normal age related changes | Alterations in hormonal levels brings changes to the reproductive system but increases the risk of age related diseases
Loss of elasticity in the lungs results in an increase in respiratory rate
Decreased peristalsis in the gastrointestinal tract increases the incidence of constipation
Decrease in muscle & bone mass increases disability. But exercise can reduce the incidence of this
An inability of the eye to adjust to dim lights
thurst mechanism
hearing loss |
| Examples of physiological ageing for disease releated changes | Loss of thought processes, language, inability to calculate,& poor judgment
Loss of bladder control causing a range of incontinence problems
Poor diet & smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular changes & diabetes type 2
Age related diseases – osteoarthritis |
| age related changes to the body | increased risk to hypoglycaemia - beacuse liver becomes slower
sleep quality decreases
hearing loss
skin elasticity |
| Erikson: Integrity versus Despair for older adults | As people age there is a need to evaluate, sum up and accept one’s life & to accept approaching death
Integrity is to accept life without regrets
Despair is to feel bitter, frustrated and a sense of hopelessness |
| what contributes to healthy aging | his is important because when illness strikes recovery is faster in ‘healthy’ older adults compared to ‘disabled’ older adults.
Having had a good education helps to make decisions
Having access to medical care
Be financially ’successful’ – planned for retirement,
Environmental factors – an adequate diet
Accepting ‘self’ & maintaining quality of life |
| Correlating quality care with quality RNs | RN’s need to competent to undertake the necessary assessments
N’s need to understand what constitutes normal aging & what constitutes disease.
RN’s need to understand how these age related changes impact on normal functioning |
| nursing assessment of the older person | aged related changes (changes in joints slower Nervous system bones weaker) , negative functional consequences ( loss of muscle strength),
using mobility aids
mobility patterns
safety of environment |
| dementia definition | Dementia – this diagnosis describes a range of conditions affecting the brain
What is it? A gradual, progressive disease whereby there is a disruption to neuronal messaging. It results in atrophy of the brain. |
