1 Geriatric Aide Curriculum NC Division of Health Service Regulation Module 1

2 Meet the Resident Objectives 1. Discuss the image of the older adult in the US. 2. Review selected statistics about the older population in the US. 3. Recognize how attitudes about older adults affect behavior towards older adults. 4. Dispel myths about the older adult.

3 The Older Adult

4 Since 1900, the percent of Americans 65 years and older has more than tripled and will continue to grow.

5 U.S. Population 65 and Older In 2000, the U.S. Census Bureau counted million people in the United States. Of this number: 72.3 million, or 26%, of the U.S. population were under age 18; million, or 62%, were age 18 to 64; and 35.9 million, or over 12%, were age 65 and over.

6 Characteristics of the 65 and over population There are about 1/3 more women than there are men that are 65 and over. 56% of people 65 and over are married, 32% are widowed, 7% are divorced and 5% never married. 5% 7% 32% 56% Married Widowed Divorced Never married

7 Characteristics of the 65 and over population The percent of person 65 & older living in nursing homes is 4.5%. 66% of the 65 and over population live with others. 28% of the population 65 and over live alone in households. 66% 28% 4.5%

8 Characteristics of the 65 and over population In 2003, 72% of those 65 and over were high school graduates and 17% had at least a bachelor’s degree. About 10% of those 65 and over are foreign born. The 65 and over population is 83.6% Non-Hispanic white, 8.1% African American, 5% Hispanics and 2.3% Asian.

9 Characteristics of the 65 and over population Heart disease, cancer, and stroke continue to be the leading causes of death among older Americans. Among disabilities reported by the 65-and-over population, physical disabilities and difficulty going outside the home were the most common.

10 Statistics say that the person 65 years and older is typically:  Female  White  Married  English speaking  Living with spouse or others in a household  A high school graduate  Dealing with a physical disability  Having difficulty going outside their residence. Hello!

11 ＿ Female? ＿ White? ＿ Married? ＿ English speaking? ＿ Living in a household? ＿ A high school graduate? ＿ Dealing with a physical disability? ＿ Having difficulty going outside their residence? How many of your residents are: Hello!

12 How Negative Attitudes Towards The Older Adult Affect The Older Adult May begin to believe the negative attitudes about aging May act “old” even though this person didn’t act old before

13 How Negative Attitudes Towards The Older Adult Affect The Older Adult Because of the older adult’s change in attitude, the person may: –stop seeking health care when needed –stop getting together with other people –lose self-esteem –feel self hatred, shame and depression or even commit suicide

14 How Negative Attitudes Towards The Older Adult Affect The Older Adult May be seen as objects instead of human beings. This view can lead to loss of opportunities and rights such as: –Misdiagnosis or denial of medical treatment because senior adults are seen as old and incurable –Denial of employment or promotions at work –Increased likelihood of abuse and other cruel treatment

15 How Negative Attitudes Towards The Older Adult Affect The Older Adult Negative thinking about the older adult is opposite to our beliefs as health care givers which include respect for the worth and dignity of all human beings. If older adults are undervalued, we will lose a large amount of experience, skill and knowledge.

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17 2x2 Bingo: How to mark a 2x2 square

18 2x2 Bingo Losing one’s memory is expected as you age. Urinary incontinence is a natural part of aging. Most older adults live in nursing homes. Older adults are unable to learn anything new. Older adults should have decisions made for them because they are incapable of making them alone. The average older adult is either uninterested in or physically unable to participate in sexual activity. Older adults need less sleep. Older adults have changes in vision. Most older adults will develop dementia. Most older adults have incomes below the poverty level. Older adults lose muscle mass as they age. The bones of older adults become more brittle with age. In general, all older adults are alike. Most older adults lose all their teeth. Older adults become grouchy as they age. To be old is to be sick.

19 Myths About Aging Most older adults will develop dementia. The average older adult is either uninterested in or physically unable to participate in sexual activity. Older adults prefer to become less involved with their family and community as they age.

20 Myths About Aging In general, all adults are alike. Losing one’s memory is expected as you age. Urinary incontinence is a natural part of aging. Older adults are incapable of making their own decisions. Most older adults live below the poverty level.

21 Myths About Aging Most older adults live in nursing homes. Older adults are unable to learn new things. Most older adults lose all their teeth. Older adults become grouchy as they age.

22 Change Changing to a positive attitude about older adults will result in positive behavior towards older adults.

23 What have I learned today?

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