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Chapter 23

The Elder Population

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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

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3

Theories of Aging

• Culture and elder health– Cultural differences

• Values, beliefs, and practices

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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

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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

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6

Theories of Aging

• Health assessment of older adults– Ageism– Normal aging

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7

Environmental Conditions

• Adequate housing

• Adequate food

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8

Environmental Conditions

• Safety hazards– Poor lighting– Area rugs– Stairs– Lack of smoke detectors– Kitchen safety– Neighborhood safety, neighbors– Transportation

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9

Environment Conditions

• Residential housing– Nursing homes– Independent living– Assisted living

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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

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11

Environment Conditions

• Majority experience some degree of normal loss– Vision– Hearing– Short term memory– Sleep disturbance

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12

Environment Conditions

• Severe depression is not a normal result of aging

• Alcohol abuse

• Sexuality

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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

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14

Normal Aging Changes to Body Systems

• Gastrointestinal system– Dental changes– Slower peristalsis

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15

Normal Aging Changes to Body Systems

• Urinary system– Reduced bladder capacity– Increase in residual urine– Prostatic hypertrophy– Decrease in creatinine clearance

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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

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17

Normal Aging Changes to Body Systems

• Neurological system– Dizziness– Swaying

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18

Normal Aging Changes to Body Systems

• Integumentary system – Decreased perspiration – Increased pigmentation– Increased wrinkling– Thinner, grayer hair– Nail thickening

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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

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20

Normal Aging Changes to Body Systems

• Special senses– Visual changes– Hearing changes– Decreased taste and smell– Decreased sensitivity to temperature

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21

Health Promotion for Older Adults

• Illness prevention (Table 23-2) – Health screenings– Immunizations– Education– Diet and exercise– Sexuality– Preventing injuries