KCEP 210: Aging and Frailty

Flashcards covering key terminology and concepts related to aging and frailty as discussed in the lecture.

Senior

A person who is typically considered elderly, usually over the age of 65.

Frailty

A condition typically found in elderly adults characterized by physical and cognitive decline due to aging.

Sarcopenia

Age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass, linked to higher vulnerability.

Osteopenia

Age-related loss of bone mineral density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.

Hypertension

The most common condition found among the elderly

Chronic Condition

A long-lasting health condition that can be controlled but not cured, common in older adults.

Allostatic Load

The long-term effects of chronic stress on the body.

Cardiovascular Changes with Aging

Decreased VO2 peak, increased resting and exercise blood pressure.

Musculoskeletal Changes with Aging

Loss of muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and muscle mass.

Exercise Recommendations for Frail Seniors

Include:

Aerobic (Functional capacity & independence)

Strength (↑ overall muscular strength + endurance, ↑ mobility, prevent or reverse frailty)

Flexibility (Increase or maintain ROM, Injury prevention)

Neuromuscular activities (Increase balance and coordination, Fall prevention and Decrease reaction time

Psychosocial Factors

Social engagement that can help lower stress and improve overall health in seniors.

Disability Threshold

The point at which a person cannot perform daily activities, which can be decreased by strength training.

Physical Exhaustion

A state of extreme tiredness associated with decreased physical activity and overall health in elderly.

Cognitive Decline

Deterioration in cognitive function often seen in aging populations.

Urinary Incontinence

A condition where one is unable to control urination, often associated with aging.

Aging in canada

1/6 Canadians are seniors

What is the frailty diagnosis based on?

-Muscle Weakness

-Decrease in PA

-Decrease in walking speed

-Physical exhaustion

-Unintentional weight loss

Holistic definition of frailty

Increase in vulnerability to internal and external stressors

Frailty prevention

Exercise, quality nutrition and socialization

Balance Disorders

Disturbance that causes an individual to feel unsteady, or have a sensation of movement (ex: spinning) when standing or lying down

Nervous system changes associated with aging

-↓ in nerve conduction velocity by 20% because of neuronal degeneration

-↑ Time of reaction

-↓ Sensory System

Metabolic Changes with Aging

-↓ Basal Metabolic Rate (Increased diabetes risk) and ↓ Lean Body Mass

-↑ Body Fat

Variables that has showed the strongest correlation with the risk of falls in older adults?

Increased reaction time

Postural Changes Associated with Frail Older Adults

•Forward head position

•Rounded Shoulders

•Kyphosis (rounded back)

•Knee flexion

Gait Changes in the Older Adult

Decreased velocity, step length, step rate, swing phase, hip, knee & ankle flexion, power generation at pushoff.

Increased stance phase

Intensity recommendations for aerobic exercise

RPE 9-11 (light intensity)

Duration recommendations for aerobic training

30min/session

Weight recommendations for strength training

Start without weight and slowly put on weight