Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. Chapter 23 The Elder Population

Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. 2 Theories of Aging Explain factors related to aging Three broad categories (Table 23-1): 1.Biological: physiologic process 2.Psychological: behavioral changes and adaptive process 3.Sociological: role and relationship changes

Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. 3 Theories of Aging Culture and elder health –Cultural differences Values, beliefs, and practices

Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. 4 Theories of Aging Family as caregiver –Increased need due to increasing elder population –Females are the majority of caregivers –Older women are usually cared for by adult children while men are usually cared for by spouse

Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. 5 Theories of Aging Family as caregiver –Caregivers report they need the following: Information More time for self Safety at home Balancing family responsibilities Managing emotional and physical stress

Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. 6 Theories of Aging Health assessment of older adults –Ageism –Normal aging

Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. 7 Environmental Conditions Adequate housing Adequate food

Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. 8 Environmental Conditions Safety hazards –Poor lighting –Area rugs –Stairs –Lack of smoke detectors –Kitchen safety –Neighborhood safety, neighbors –Transportation

Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. 9 Environment Conditions Residential housing –Nursing homes –Independent living –Assisted living

Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. 10 Environment Conditions Social –Important in successful aging Identify available persons to assist Identify social support Psychological –Those who remain engaged and feel productive have a brighter outlook

Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. 11 Environment Conditions Majority experience some degree of normal loss –Vision –Hearing –Short term memory –Sleep disturbance

Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. 12 Environment Conditions Severe depression is not a normal result of aging Alcohol abuse Sexuality

Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. 13 Normal Aging Changes to Body Systems All body systems are affected with age Cardiovascular system –Coronary artery disease, hypertension, stroke Pulmonary system –Mild decrease elasticity of alveolar sacs and mucous transport –Most dysfunction due to tobacco use

Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. 14 Normal Aging Changes to Body Systems Gastrointestinal system –Dental changes –Slower peristalsis

Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. 15 Normal Aging Changes to Body Systems Urinary system –Reduced bladder capacity –Increase in residual urine –Prostatic hypertrophy –Decrease in creatinine clearance

Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. 16 Normal Aging Changes to Body Systems Musculoskeletal system –Decreased muscle mass –Slower foot reaction time –Decrease in finger strength and ability to grasp objects –Bone density loss

Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. 17 Normal Aging Changes to Body Systems Neurological system –Dizziness –Swaying

Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. 18 Normal Aging Changes to Body Systems Integumentary system –Decreased perspiration –Increased pigmentation –Increased wrinkling –Thinner, grayer hair –Nail thickening

Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. 19 Normal Aging Changes to Body Systems Reproductive system –Ovaries and uterus atrophy, decreased vaginal secretions, thin vaginal mucosa –Decreased pubic hair, pendulous breasts –Hot flashes, night sweats –Enlarged prostate –Decreased penis and testes size

Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. 20 Normal Aging Changes to Body Systems Special senses –Visual changes –Hearing changes –Decreased taste and smell –Decreased sensitivity to temperature

Copyright © 2008 Delmar. All rights reserved. 21 Health Promotion for Older Adults Illness prevention (Table 23-2) –Health screenings –Immunizations –Education –Diet and exercise –Sexuality –Preventing injuries