Gerontological Changes & Care

Thirty key vocabulary flashcards covering biological, psychosocial, and pharmacologic aspects of aging for exam preparation.

Gerontology / Geriatrics

The scientific study of aging and the health care of older adults.

Chronological Age

The actual time a person has lived, which may not reflect functional or biological status.

Biological Age

A measure of functional capacity and health status that may differ from chronological age.

Ageism

Stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination against individuals based solely on their age.

Myths of Aging

Common but inaccurate beliefs that all older adults are frail, forgetful, socially isolated, or unable to learn new skills.

Neuroplasticity in Older Adults

The brain’s retained ability to form new neural connections and learn, even late in life.

Stochastic (Wear-and-Tear) Theory

Theory proposing that aging results from cumulative random damage to DNA, cells, and tissues over time.

Evolutionary Theory of Aging

Theory suggesting harmful genetic traits persist because evolutionary pressure decreases after reproductive age.

Sarcopenia

Age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength beginning in mid-30s and accelerating with age.

Integrity vs. Despair

Erikson’s final psychosocial stage in which older adults reflect on life with satisfaction (integrity) or regret (despair).

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Basic self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)

Complex skills for independent living, e.g., shopping, cooking, managing finances, and using transportation.

Polypharmacy

The concurrent use of five or more medications, common in older adults and linked to higher adverse drug risk.

Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR)

Unintended, harmful event caused by medication therapy; older adults are especially vulnerable.

Geriatric Pharmacokinetic Changes

Age-related decreases in renal and hepatic clearance requiring medication dose adjustments.

Acetaminophen Geriatric Dose

Maximum recommended daily dose of 2,000 mg (vs. 4,000 mg in younger adults) to prevent toxicity.

Presbyopia

Age-related loss of near-vision accommodation typically requiring reading glasses.

Cataract

Progressive clouding of the eye’s lens leading to decreased vision in older adults.

Macular Degeneration

Degenerative retinal disorder causing central vision loss, prevalent in aging populations.

Presbycusis

Gradual, bilateral, sensorineural hearing loss associated with aging.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Non-malignant enlargement of the prostate gland causing urinary hesitancy and weak stream in older men.

Orthostatic (Postural) Hypotension

Sudden BP drop when rising; managed by slow position changes in older adults.

Venous Stasis

Pooling of blood in dilated leg veins due to reduced valve efficiency and muscle pumping with age.

Reduced Stroke Volume

Age-related decrease in the amount of blood ejected per heartbeat, lowering exercise tolerance.

Decreased Alveolar Surface

Loss of alveoli and elastic recoil leading to diminished respiratory efficiency in elders.

Renal Aging

Kidney size and nephron number decline, reducing glomerular filtration and drug clearance.

Incomplete Bladder Emptying

Common geriatric issue increasing risk of urinary tract infections.

Dry Eye (Reduced Tear Secretion)

Diminished lacrimal gland output causing ocular discomfort in older adults.

Hypothyroidism in Aging

Reduced thyroid function and slower metabolism increasing prevalence of clinical or subclinical hypothyroidism.

Andropause

Gradual age-related decline in testosterone levels affecting energy, muscle mass, and libido.

Osteoporosis

Skeletal disorder characterized by decreased bone density, often accelerated by post-menopausal estrogen loss.