Chapter 2 - The Aging Population Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering core terms, concepts, and demographics from Chapter 2 on the aging population.

Major global aging trend

The proportion and absolute number of older adults are increasing.

Dependency ratio

A comparison of people commonly considered economically dependent with the working-age population.

Developed-country dependency trend

Old-age dependency rises sharply while child dependency remains comparatively lower.

Developing-country dependency trend

Child dependency historically is higher but declines while old-age dependency rises.

Centenarian

An adult age 100 years or older.

Genomics

Identification/study of gene sequences in DNA and the genome.

Genetics

Study of heredity and transmission of genes through generations.

Health disparity

A preventable difference in disease/injury/violence burden or opportunity for optimal health experienced by socially disadvantaged populations/communities.

Disparity areas emphasized

Vaccination, colorectal cancer screening, coronary heart disease/stroke, preventable hospitalizations, and hypertension/control.

African American health concerns emphasized

Diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease.

H-C-S-D-L

Heart disease, Cancer, Stroke, Diabetes, chronic lower respiratory disease—the Hispanic leading-death memory cue.

Asian/Pacific Islander diversity

More than 40 ethnic groups with different economic, educational, and health profiles.

Native American/Alaska Native diversity

574 nations, tribes, bands, and Native villages are included in the census grouping.

Native American/Alaska Native higher-rate conditions

Diabetes, hypertension, back pain, and vision loss.

Key disability assessment principle

Establish baseline function and communication; do not automatically attribute new symptoms to a preexisting disability.

Accelerated aging in prisoners

Prisoners age 50–55 may show changes associated with free-world adults at least 10 years older.

Morbidity

Illness or disease burden.

Mortality

Death.

Multimorbidity

Presence of multiple chronic conditions.

Successful aging challenge

Reduce chronic disease across the lifespan and optimize the additional years of life.

Healthy aging nursing focus

Maintain function, independence, participation, safety, and quality of life while preventing/managing illness.