NCM 114 (30 fc)

Senescence

All postmaturational changes and the increasing vulnerability individuals face as a result of these changes; leads to decreasing life expectancy with age.

Normal Aging vs. Pathological Aging

Normal changes are inevitable and gradual, while pathological changes are caused by disease.

Integumentary Changes

Skin becomes thinner, fragile, dry, loses elasticity, with more lines and wrinkles.

Sun Exposure and Aging

Excessive sun exposure accelerates skin wrinkling and fragility in older adults.

Subcutaneous Tissue

Layer beneath the skin that decreases with age, leading to dryness and reduced insulation.

Gastrointestinal Changes

Older adults may have difficulty chewing and swallowing due to poor dental health.

Periodontal Disease

Inflammation and infection of gums and supporting structures of the teeth; common in older adults.

Constipation

Abnormally delayed or infrequent passage of feces; most common GI complaint in older adults.

Constipation Causes

Normal aging, reduced physical activity, and environmental changes with less privacy.

Urinary System Changes

Kidneys lose nephrons and glomeruli, reducing filtration efficiency.

Nephrons and Glomeruli

Functional units of the kidney that filter blood; their loss reduces kidney function in aging.

Bladder Tone

The strength and elasticity of the bladder muscles; decreases with aging, leading to reduced capacity.

Incontinence

Involuntary urine leakage; not a normal part of aging but common in older adults.

Nursing for Incontinence

Assessment, Kegel exercises, and scheduled voiding can help manage symptoms.

Musculoskeletal Changes

Muscle and bone mass decrease with age, leading to frailty.

Calcium Loss

Reduction of calcium in bones, causing them to shrink, weaken, and fracture easily.

Fracture Risk

Older adults have higher fracture risk due to bone weakening and reduced muscle mass.

Exercise in Aging

Regular exercise helps preserve muscle and bone strength in older adults.

Neurological Changes

Brain weight decreases, with a shift from gray matter to white matter and reduced blood flow.

Senile Plaques

Abnormal protein clusters in the brain that contribute to neurological decline.

Cognitive Decline

Memory and processing speed decrease due to brain shrinkage and plaques.

Nursing for Neurological Health

Encouraging cognitive activities helps maintain mental function in aging.

Cardiovascular Changes

Heart may enlarge with age, which can be normal or pathological.

Cardiomyopathy

Disease of the heart muscle that causes abnormal enlargement and impaired function.

Cardiac Assessment

Needed to distinguish normal heart enlargement from disease-related changes.

Skin Elasticity

The skin’s ability to stretch and return to shape; decreases with aging.

Swallowing Difficulties

Difficulty chewing and swallowing food due to tooth loss and reduced saliva.

Brain Weight

Total mass of the brain; decreases with age, contributing to slower cognition.

Blood Flow to the Cerebrum

Reduced circulation to the brain in aging, increasing risk of cognitive decline.

Cognitive Activities

Tasks such as puzzles, reading, and socializing that help slow neurological aging.