DEVELOPMENT AND AGING

CHILDHOOD  Embryo – first 8 weeks  Fetus – from 3 rd month to birth  Neonate – first month after birth  Infant – 1 month to 1 year  Toddler – 1to 3 years  Preschooler – 3 to 6 years  School-aged children – 6 to 12 years  Adolescent – puberty to 18 years

Embryo and Fetus  Gestation  Develops from a single fertilized egg  All body organ systems grow and develop  By birth, the average newborn weighs 7.5 lbs and is 20 inches long

Neonate  Breathing becomes independent of umbilical cord  Displays certain reflexes (sucking, swallowing, blinking, sneezing, yawning)  Body temp responds quickly to environment  Senses develop: see in color and form, hear and turn towards sound, smell and taste, touch and pain  Stool and urine are eliminated from body  Active crying state and quiet alert state

Infant  Brain grows to ½ adult size, heart doubles in wt.  Teething (4-6 months)  Crawl, walk, feeding him/herself  Few key words spoken  Attachments and bonds formed  Social play: ball rolling, peek-a- boo (relationships)  Cognitive play: basic puzzles (learning)

Toddler  Brain grows rapidly –form many neuron connections  Arms, legs, muscles grow  Learns to: pick up small objects, walk, run, kick, climb, drink from cup, use utensils, turn, draw  Learning bladder control  Short sentences  Sense of self and gender identity  Increased independence from parents

Preschool Child  Head size is close to adult size  Less chubby, more coordinated  Baby teeth fall out  Learns: to skip, throw, copy figures, alphabet  Socialization increases  Curiosity and improved reasoning ability

School-Aged Child  Brain is 90-90% adult size  By 12, has nearly all permanent teeth  Thinks logically and uses reasoning to solve problems  Peer relationships become major means of determining status, skill, likeability

Adolescent  Begins with puberty  Feet, hands, limbs grow rapidly; increase muscle mass  Genitals mature, secondary sex characteristics develop  Puberty – ability to reproduce  Reasoning- hypothetical, abstract  Self-centeredness, daydreaming

ADULTHOOD  Young Adult – 18 to 40 years  Middle-Aged Adult – 40 to 65 years  Older Adult – over 65 years

Young Adult  Full growth and development complete by mid-20s  Hair begins to thin and turn gray  Skin develops wrinkles  More creative in thought, more objective and realistic, less self-centered  Choosing vocation and establishing family

Middle-Aged Adult  Gradual and individualized change  Menopause  Increased personal freedom, economic stability, social relationships  Increased responsibility  Awareness of one’s mortality

Older Adult  Decline in body functions  Various effects of aging  Strong sense of self-identity  Different abilities to cope with  RetirementLoss of healthIsolationDeath

DEATH and DYING  Terminal illnesses: Hospice Care  Provides support and comfort  Hospitals, home carehome care  RIGHT TO DIE: ethical dilemma Withholding care

Dr. Kubler-Ross: 5 STAGES of GRIEF  As they pertain to the elderly when they are near the end of their life:  DENIAL: “NOT ME!”  Anger: “It’s Your Fault”  Bargaining: “I’ll Do Anything”  Depression: withdrawn, regretful  Acceptance: making final arrangement Simpsons Clip Giraffe Clip

Confusion/Disorientation in ELDERLY  Keep area safe (keep dangerous items out of area, secure windows & doors)  Follow routine  Keep activities simple and short  Be calm and gentle

REALITY ORIENTATION- for caregivers  Address person by name they prefer  Avoid using ‘Sweetie’,‘Honey’, ‘Baby’  State your name & correct the person if he/she calls you the wrong name  Make constant references to day, time, place  Use clocks, calendars, & information boards

 Keep person oriented to day-night cycles  Speak slowly/clearly, ask simple questions  Never rush or hurry the individual  Repeat instructions  Encourage conversations about familiar things or events  Encourage use of TV or radio, but avoid overstimulation

 Make sure individual uses sensory aids  Keep familiar objects & pictures in view  Do not agree with incorrect statements  Do not hesitate to use touch to communicate (unless it causes agitation)  Avoid arguments  Encourage independence and self-help whenever possible

Meeting Cultural Needs  Language  Food  Dress  Work  Religion  Meeting patients’ rights

OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM  Ombudsman: specially trained individual who works with the elderly and families  Resolve complaints, suggest improvements  Monitor and enforce state/fed regulations