NURS 306: Week 2 - What Happens to Our Bodies as we Grow Older? Part 1

What happens to our brains as we grow older?

- Brain volume shrinks

- Slower neuronal communication

- Reduced dopamine and acetylcholine levels

- Mild memory lapses

- Myelin degradation

- Changes in circadian rhythm

- Reduced neuroplasticity

Everyone ages the same (True/False).

False

What are some cognitive changes that can occurs as we age?

- Slower processing speed

- Word-finding difficulties

- Decreased multitasking ability

- Better performance with routine and familiarity

Slower cognitive processing means that someone has dementia (True/False).

False

What are some characteristics of normal aging?

- Independent in ADLs

- Claiming memory loss but can recall incidents of forgetfulness

- More concerned about memory loss

- Intact recent memory

- Occasional difficulty in finding words

- No history of getting lost in familiar territory

- Able to operate common appliances

- Normal interpersonal and social skills

What are some characteristics of dementia?

- Dependent on others for ADLs

- Can't report instances of forgetfulness

- Family members more concerned about memory loss

- Notable decline in recent memory

- Frequently experiences difficulty in finding words

- History of getting lost in familiar territory

- Unable to operate common appliances

- Loss of interpersonal and social skills

What are some common neurological conditions in older adults?

- Dementia

- Parkinson's disease

- Stroke

What are some appropriate nursing considerations for cognitive changes in older adults?

- Monitoring for atypical presentations

- Supporting cognitive functions through routines, cueing, and validation

- Encouraging meaningful activity to preserve identity

- Coordinating care with other professions

What are some normal cardiovascular changes that occur as we grow older?

- Increased arterial stiffness

- Thickening of the left ventricle

- Reduced cardiac output on exertion

- Slower baroreceptor response

- Calcification of the heart valves

- Decreased b-adrenergic responsiveness

- Decreased maximal heart rate

- Increased risk of arrhythmia

- Reduced baroreceptor sensitivity

- Reduced cardiac reserve

- Decreased heart rate

- Plaque formation

- Decreased vasodilation

- Ischemia

What are some functional impacts of cardiovascular changes in older adults?

- Less tolerance for physical exertion

- Longer recovery time

- More prone to orthostatic hypotension

- Higher baseline BP

Normal aging means increased susceptibility and not disease (True/False).

True

What are some common chronic cardiovascular conditions in older adults?

- Hypertension

- Congestive heart failure

- Coronary artery disease

- Atrial fibrillation

What do cardiovascular changes affect in the lives of older adults?

- Energy levels

- Fatigue

- Mobility

- Exercise tolerance

- Sleep quality

- Breathlessness

- Fluid retention

- Dietary limits

What are some appropriate nursing considerations for cardiovascular changes in older adults?

- Monitor fluid overload, weight gain, and edema

- Support energy conservation and safe environment

- Educate on medications, diet, and symptom monitoring

- Encourage tolerable light activity

- Support emotional wellness

What are some normal respiratory changes that occur as we grow older?

- Decreased lung elasticity

- Reduced respiratory muscle strength

- Decreased alveolar surface area

- Weaker cough reflex and ciliary function

- Decreased chest wall compliance

- Decreased response to hypoxia and hypercapnia

- Increased ventilation-perfusion mismatch

- Impaired immune defenses in the lungs

- Decreased vital capacity

- Increased residual volume

- Flattening of diaphragm

What are some functional impacts of respiratory changes in older adults?

- Reduced exercise capacity

- Increased fatigue with activity

- More shallow breathing

- Increased risk of lung infections

- Slower recovery from illness

What are some common chronic respiratory conditions in older adults?

- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

- Asthma

- Pulmonary fibrosis

- Pneumonia

What is the main problem with COPD?

Obstruction of the airways.

What is the main problem with pulmonary fibrosis?

Scarring of lung tissue.

What is the main problem with pneumonia?

Alveoli are filled with fluid.

With COPD, patient's have trouble getting air in, as oppose to patient's with pulmonary fibrosis that have trouble getting air out (True/False).

False

While pneumonia is an acute condition, COPD and pulmonary fibrosis are chronic conditions (True/False).

True

How does chronic respiratory illness affect older adults?

- Breathlessness with basic tasks

- Pacing, posture, and rest breaks in everything

- Sleep disruption

- Increased anxiety

- Use of inhalers, oxygen, or nebulizers

- Social withdrawal

What are some appropriate nursing considerations for respiratory changes in older adults?

- Monitor respiratory rate, effort, and oxygen saturation

- Teach pursed lip breathing and energy conservation strategies

- Encourage upright posture and mobility as tolerated

- Support medication adherence

- Reduce infection risk

- Collaborate with other professionals

What are some positive impacts of leisure in older adults?

- Tied to identity, autonomy, and purpose

- Becomes a way of expression

- Helps maintain connection to values, memories, and selfhood

- Helps cope with transitions

- Can bring comfort or renewal

- Promotes emotional regulation and resilience

What is agency?

The right to choose and decide what brings joy.

What does continuity theory postulate?

Maintaining links to past identities supports coping.

What can a sudden drop in leisure activities signal in older adults?

- Depression or social isolation

- Early cognitive decline

- Undetected pain or fatigue

- Transportation or accessibility challenger

Leisure can act as a therapeutic tool when caring for older adults (True/False).

True

What are some barriers to leisure?

- Income

- Geography

- Mobility and disability

- Cultural inclusion

- Gendered expectations

Older men tend to prioritize the needs of others over their own leisure time compared to older women (True/False).

False

What are some strategies to support equitable leisure access?

- Ask meaningful questions

- Include leisure in care plans

- Connect with right resources

- Have deeper conversations

- Include family/caregivers in leisure

- View leisure as a vital sign

Leisure is only an optional part of life and doesn't apply to everyone (True/False).

False

Bacon thinks that leisure is a vital sign of wellbeing and can be just as important as the standard vital signs. Is he correct?

He's a genius!