Principles of Geronotology 1 Lecture Note PowerPoint Presentation Principles of Geronotology

Gerontology Gerontology: Study of all aspects of aging and its consequences Ageism: when older adults are stereotyped Gerontologic nursing: specialized nursing with knowledge of illness and health of the aging

AGEISM What are some stereotypic characteristics of the elderly that you have heard? Or believe? Dependent ? Frail ? Poor ? Lonely ? Unreliable d/t memory loss ? Rigid; narrow-minded ? Unable to learn ?

Older Adult Young Old 60-74 Middle Old 75-84 Old Old 85 & older Presently: 12.8% of population 2030: will increase to 20% of population

Identify mortality data according to race, gender, and age. LEARNING OUTCOME 1 Identify mortality data according to race, gender, and age.

The Goals of Gerontological Nursing Are to Study, Diagnose, and Treat Disease Principles include health promotion and health protection

The Gerontologic Nurse May Be Found in Skilled nursing facilities Retirement communities Adult day care Residential care facilities Transitional care units Rehabilitation hospitals Community based home care

All Nations Have an Aging Population The greatest increases will be in developing countries In 2005, 13% of the U.S. population was over age 60 18.3 million aged 65–74 12.9 million aged 75–84 4.7% aged 85 or older

Figure 1-1 Population over the age of 60, worldwide and developing regions.

Feminization of Later Life Women comprise 55% of the older population Women have a longer life expectancy The average life expectancy of women in the United States is 81 years The average life expectancy of men in the United States is 75.2 years

Figure 1-3 Number of males per 100 females by age, 2002.

Feminization of Later Life Male exposure to risk factors may account for the differences Increases in female exposures to risk factors will reduce difference in life expectancy

Describe leading causes of disability among older adults. LEARNING OUTCOME 2 Describe leading causes of disability among older adults.

Epidemiology Study of health among populations

Table 1-1 Top Causes of Death for People Age 65 and Over

Chronic Conditions Develop Over Time Chronic disorders can start about age 20

Nurses Can Intervene Using the Three Levels of Prevention Primary Health promotion Secondary Early diagnosis and prompt treatment Tertiary Restoration and rehabilitation

Chronic Conditions in Seniors 80% have at least one chronic condition Two of the three leading causes of death declined by one third Heart disease and stroke

Morbidity Two of the three leading causes of death declined by one third Heart disease and stroke Leading causes Hypertension Heart disease Diabetes Respiratory disorders

Seventy Percent of Physical Decline Related to Modifiable Risk Factors Smoking Poor nutrition Physical inactivity Failure to use preventative and screening services

Identify common myths of aging and their contribution to ageism. LEARNING OUTCOME 3 Identify common myths of aging and their contribution to ageism.

Fears of Aging Relate to Perception of Inevitable Disease Disability Decline

Myths Can Lead to Ageism Reduced healthcare services Segregation of elders from mainstream society Difficulty recruiting nurses to work with the elderly

Common Aging Myths Old means being sick Older people cannot learn new things Health promotion is wasted on older people The elderly do not pull their own weigh. It is too late to change bad habits Older people have no interest in sex

Role of the Gerontological Nurse Educate colleagues and peers

Describe the effects of chronic disease. LEARNING OUTCOME 4 Describe the effects of chronic disease.

The Number of Individuals Impacted by Chronic Illness 125 million people in the United States One in ten people in the United States (30 million) have a related activity limitation.

Financial Impact of Chronic Disease $470 billion in 1995 25% increase expected by 2030 Anticipated to be $864 billion in 2040

Racial Differences Related to Chronic Disease African-Americans more likely to have limitations in ADLs Older African-Americans with arthritis more likely to have activity limitations 60% of older African-Americans report hypertension

Racial Differences Related to Chronic Disease Increases in diabetes in African-Americans and Hispanics Life expectancy difference between African-American and White populations is 5.7 years

Gender Differences Related to Chronic Disease Women report more help needed with ADLs than men Need for assistance increases with age

Impact of Chronic Disease on Emotional Health Women with a chronic condition rate health as poor African-Americans have least positive assessment of emotional well-being

Challenges Faced Increased managed healthcare cost Providing accessible health care to all persons Recognizing differing healthcare needs

Opportunities to Improve Older Adults’ Health and Quality of Life Healthy lifestyles Early disease detection Immunization Injury prevention Self-management techniques

Healthy People 2010 Goals Increase quality and years of life Eliminate health disparities

Contrast several major theories of aging. LEARNING OUTCOME 5 Contrast several major theories of aging.

Types of Aging Changes Benign and superficial Senescence Plastic Graying hair Wrinkles Senescence Progressive body system deterioration Plastic Modifiable changes that can be slowed

Organ Reserve Changes Reduced organ reserve with aging Homeostasis Maintenance of body equilibrium Homeostenosis Inability of body to restore homeostasis after environmental changes

Aging Theories Biological Programmed theories Hypothesize that the body’s genetic codes contain instructions for regulation of cellular reproduction and death Programmed Longevity Endocrine Theory Immunological Theory

Aging Theories Biological Error theories Hypothesize that environmental assaults and the body’s constant need to make energy and fuel metabolic activities cause toxic by- products Wear and Tear Theory Cross-Link Theory Free Radical Theory Somatic DNA Damage Theory Emerging Biological Theories

Aging Theories Psychological aging theories Coping or adaptive strategies must occur for a person to age successfully. Jung’s Theory of Individualism Erickson’s Developmental Theory

Aging Theories Sociological aging theories Focus on roles and relationships that occur later in life Disengagement Theory Activity Theory Continuity Theory

LEARNING OUTCOME 6 Evaluate the natural history of disease using principles of epidemiology.

National Institute on Aging Created by Congress in 1974

History of Gerontology Past focus: study, diagnose, and treat disease Current focus: improvement of health holistically Physical Mental Emotional Spiritual well-being