NCM 114: Aging and Health Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering core concepts, biological theories of aging, key scientists, and body system physiological changes from the NCM 114 lecture notes.

Aging

A developmental process involving a combination of complex relationships between biological, psychological, and social variables as individuals grow older.

Geriatric Nurses

Nurses educated to understand and treat the complex physical and mental health needs of older people, helping them protect their health and remain active and independent.

Mano Po

A customary Filipino greeting gesture where a child takes an older relative's hand and places it on their forehead to express respect.

Disengagement Theory

A theory proposing that old age involves a gradual withdrawal of the individual from society and of society from the individual.

Activity Theory

A theory of aging proposing that older adults are happiest when they stay active and maintain social interactions, which help replace lost life roles after retirement.

Neuroendocrine Theory

Also known as the aging clock theory or pacemaker theory, this theory states that the effectiveness of homeostatic adjustments declines with aging, leading to adaptive mechanism failure, aging, and death.

Vladimir Dilman

The researcher who developed the Neuroendocrine Theory of aging.

Free Radical Theory

A theory conceived by Denham Harman in the 1950s proposing that cellular and organ damage produced by free radicals during aging causes them to stop functioning.

Denham Harman

The scientist who conceived the Free Radical Theory of aging in the 1950s.

Membrane Theory of Aging

A theory proposing that age-related changes impair the cell's ability to transfer chemicals, heat, and electrical processes as the cell membrane becomes less lipid and accumulates cellular toxins.

Lipofuscin

A cellular toxin deposit, also referred to as the aging pigment, that accumulates in the brain, heart, lungs, skin, and heart muscle cells as people grow older.

Family Decline Theory

A theory suggesting that families as an institution are in a state of decline because societal shifts in values and norms threaten the primary functions of bearing and nurturing children.

Endocrine Theory

The idea that regular, continuous changes in hormone levels cause aging.

Immunological Theory

A theory stating that the immune system is programmed to decline over time, leaving individuals more susceptible to diseases.

Cross-Linking Theory

Also known as the glycosylation theory of aging, this theory attributes aging to the accumulation of cross-linked proteins that damage cells and tissues, leading to increased tissue stiffness.

Johan Bjorksten

The scientist who proposed the Cross-Linking Theory of aging in 1942.

Programmed Theory

Also known as a theory of change (TOC), this biological theory proposes that aging is a planned, timed occurrence governed by a genetically programmed limited life span.

Chemoreceptors

Sensory receptors that detect $CO_2$, $H^+$, and $O_2$ levels in the blood to help regulate respiration.

Marfan Syndrome

An inherited disorder affecting connective tissue and structures of the heart and aorta.

Hematopoiesis

The formation of red blood cells and platelets, which in adults occurs primarily in the bone marrow.

Erythrocytes

Red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen and hemoglobin throughout the body.

Leukocytes

White blood cells that support the immune system.

Lymphocytes

A category of white blood cells that help fight off viral infections.

Neutrophils

A type of white blood cell that helps fight bacterial and fungal infections.

Eosinophils

White blood cells involved in the inflammatory response and fighting parasite infections.

Basophils

White blood cells that release histamines necessary for initiating the inflammatory response.

Macrophages

White blood cells responsible for digesting cellular debris, including bacteria.

Thrombocytes

Platelets that assist in the blood clotting process.

Glycocalyx

The cell coat of lymphatic vessels that decreases with age, resulting in looser gap junctions and leakier vessels.

Dysphagia

Difficulty in swallowing that may result from age-related physiological changes in pharyngeal skills and esophageal motility.

Urinary Incontinence

A bladder control issue characterized by the inability to hold urine.

Urinary Retention

A condition in which an individual is unable to completely empty the bladder.

Presbyopia

An age-related visual impairment causing difficulty in seeing objects up close.

Cataracts

An age-related eye condition characterized by the formation of a film on the eye lenses.