Nursing Care for Older Adults - Vocabulary Flashcards

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to the nursing care of older adults.

Aging

The process of becoming older, involving decline in physical and mental capacities.

Ageism

Prejudice or discrimination against individuals based on their age, particularly regarding older adults.

Biological age

An estimation of a person's health based on biological markers rather than chronological age.

Chronological age

The actual number of years a person has lived.

Psychological age

A measure of an individual's mental and emotional maturity and functioning.

Social age

The age associated with social roles, expectations, and behaviors as recognized in a culture.

Theories of aging

Conceptual frameworks explaining the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging.

Stochastic theories

Theories suggesting that aging results from random cellular damage and processes.

Non-stochastic theories

Theories proposing that aging follows predetermined genetic factors and processes.

Functional status

An individual's ability to perform tasks or activities essential to living.

Compassionate care

Health care that is empathetic and attentive to the emotional and physical needs of patients.

Institutional ageism

Practical and systemic discrimination against older adults within institutions, like healthcare.

Elderspeak

A form of ageism that involves using simplified language or a condescending tone with older adults.

Social determinants of health (SDOH)

Conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that affect health outcomes.