Intro in Aging

Erikson's Theory

A theory of human development consisting of eight stages of psychosocial growth influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.

Basic conflict in Old Age

Integrity vs. despair, where individuals assess and make sense of their life and contributions.

Virtue attained in old age according to Erikson

Wisdom.

Different levels of care for older adults

Independent living, home care, memory care, respite care, hospice care, adult daycare, palliative care.

Living well refers to

Refers to older people living independently or with assistance.

Crisis care for elderly patients

Hospital-based care for acute medical needs.

Dying well

Inpatient hospice care focusing on comfort during the end of life.

Older Americans Act

Legislation that promotes the well-being of older individuals by providing programs to help them live independently.

Medicare

Federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, covering various medical needs.

Medicaid

A joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for people with limited income.

Youngest Old

Individuals aged 65 to 74 years.

Middle Old

Individuals aged 75 to 84 years.

Oldest Old

Individuals aged 85 years and up.

Chronological Age

The number of years lived since birth.

Functional Age

The description of an individual's physical, psychological, and social abilities as perceived by gerontologists.

Perceived Age

An age perceived based on appearance rather than chronological age.

Statistical fact about women 65 and older

50% of women aged 65 and older are widowed.

Common living arrangement for older men

Men are more likely to be married or remarried compared to older women.

Income sources for older adults

Social Security, assets, with many elderly being asset-rich but cash-poor.

Medicare Plan Types

Medicare consists of Parts A, B, C, and D, covering different aspects of health insurance.

Demographic shift due to Baby Boomers

A rapidly growing elderly population due to the post-World War II baby boom.

Impact of aging population on healthcare

Higher government healthcare expenses and demand for services.

Misconceptions about aging

Ageism involves stereotypes like older people being sick or living in nursing homes.

Life review process

Encouragement of storytelling and self-reflection among older adults.

Physical changes in aging

Decreased number of muscle cells, increased body fat, and changes in fluid balance.

Risk due to aging thermoregulation

Increased risk of hypothermia and heat exhaustion due to inefficient response to temperature changes.

Common physical changes in older adults

Narrow gait in women, wider gaits in men, decreased height.

Aging Mind changes

Altering personality and declining memory are common but not all changes are normal.

Short-term memory decline

Notable decline in the ability to recall recent events.

Episodic memory

The ability to recall specific past events, dates, and places.

Semantic memory

Declines in the ability to recall words, concepts, or numbers.

Working memory in aging

Decline in the ability to retain and manipulate information.

Memory aids for older adults

Tools such as sticky notes and lists to assist with memory retention.

Crystallized intelligence

Knowledge accumulated over a lifetime, maintained and used in problem-solving.

Fluid intelligence

The ability to think quickly and handle new information declines with age.

Learning ability in aging

The ability to learn is maintained, though readiness may decrease.

Attention span in elderly

Decreased ability to retain attention for longer periods.

Difficulty with complex tasks in old age

Older adults may find it harder to perform complicated tasks.

Impact of gerontology on care

Gerontological knowledge guides the care and responses to aging.

Importance of hydration in aging

Maintaining hydration is vital for health in older adults.

Nursing facilities for elderly care

Skilled nursing facilities provide necessary care for older adults with medical needs.

Economic factors affecting older adults

Many older adults have assets but live on fixed incomes, leading to financial challenges.

Role of technology for older adults

Greater usage of high-tech products and the internet among older generations.

Physical fitness in older adults

Many older adults engage in fitness activities, reflecting an active lifestyle.

Volunteerism among older adults

Increased participation in volunteer work, often tied to grandparenting roles.

Cultural perceptions of aging

Societal stereotypes can hinder understanding of older adults’ capabilities.

Therapeutic interventions for the elderly

Alternative therapies and activities that support the health of older adults.

Living with frailty

older adults who require to live in skilled nursing facility.

Living with illness

older adults who live in assisted living facilities.