older adulthood

Why do women generally have a longer life span than men?

biological differences, lower risk-taking behaviors, stronger social support, and lower rates of chronic conditions.

biological differences

Women have certain genetic advantages, including the presence of two X chromosomes, which may provide a buffer against genetic diseases. Hormonal differences, particularly estrogen, are thought to offer protective cardiovascular effects.

health behaviors

Women are often more proactive about seeking medical care and are generally more health-conscious. They tend to engage in healthier lifestyles, including better diets and lower rates of smoking and alcohol consumption.

risk-taking behavior

Men are statistically more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as reckless driving, substance abuse, and dangerous occupations, which can lead to higher rates of accidents and mortality.

soical support

Women typically have stronger social networks and support systems, which can contribute to better mental and physical health outcomes.

chronic conditions

Men are more likely to suffer from certain chronic conditions that can lead to earlier

What are some biological theories of older adulthood?

Cellular Clock Theory, Free Radical Theory, Hormonal Stress Theory.

cellular clock theory

Cells have a limited number of divisions

free radical theory

Accumulation of free radicals damages cells

Hormonal Stress theory

Hormonal changes over a lifespan impact aging

What are some normal physical changes in older adulthood?

Decreased lung expansion, Increased skin fragility, Decreased bone mass, Increased urinary urgency and frequency, Decreased gastric acidity, Increased tendency for indigestion, Decreased reaction time, Prostate enlargement, Decreased Immune response, Insulin resistance, Dereased GI motility, Impaired balance, Decreased renal filtration, Exertional dyspnea, Decreased elasticity of the arteries, Brain changes by result in cognitive decline, Decreased Thyroid Function, Decreased visual acuity

What are some potential visual sensory changes in older adulthood?

visual, yellowing of lens- color perception may change (traffic light), Decreased ability to

accommodate to darkness- Needs more light to see; driving

presbyopia treatment

bifocals

what can dry eye be caused by

meds

cataracts

cloudy or opacity of lens - common - can be surgically corrected

mascular degeneration

spot in the center of retina; can lead to blindness

glaucoma

increase in intraocular pressure; can lead to blindness

What are some potential sensory changes in older adulthood?Auditory

Hearing impairments (more in men)

Loss of high-pitched sounds - presbycusis (sensorineural)

Sensory overload and deficit

Cerumen impaction (conduction) impacts understanding of instructions and socialization

Hearing aids can help

What are reasons older adults are at risk for falls?

Muscle weakness, poor balance, medication side effects, vision problems, environmental hazards like rugs, chronic conditions, foot problems, and cognitive decline.

How is sleep impacted during the aging process?

Decreased melatonin production increased prevalence of insomnia, physical discomfort, emotional discomfort, external environment, sleep pattern changes, and restless leg syndrome, early morning awakenings

How is sexuality impacted in aging?

Changes in libido, physical changes, illness in one or both partners

myths about sexuality

less interest, medical illness, and impotence is normal

sexuality physical changes

• Vaginal wall is dryer, decreased length and width

• Prostate increases

• Mobility limitations

What chronic illnesses prevail in older adulthood?

Heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's, cancer, and stroke.

What are benefits of physical activity for older adults?

Improved sleep, decreased constipation, lower cholesterol, decreased depression, improved digestion, and fewer falls, decreased BP, weight gain or loss, increased socialization, improved function/ quality of life

Why might nutrition be a problem for an older adult?

Decreased appetite, digestive problems, chewing and swallowing problems, saliva, difficulty preparing meals, special diet with decreased sodium, loneliness, depression, decreased physical activity, fixed income, sensory changes, and cognitive changes, pain, meds

What are ADLs

basic self-care tasks like bathing dressing and eating

what are IADL

Complex tasks like managing finances, cooking

and transportation

What is dementia?

This is a general term for a decline in cognitive

function that interferes with daily life

most common dementia disease

alzheimers

alzheimers

memory loss, difficulties with language, and impaired reasoning.

What is delirium?

This is an acute and often fluctuating state of

confusion and altered consciousness, typically caused by a medical condition, medication, or substance withdrawal. It can develop rapidly and is

usually reversible with treatment

What is depression in older adults?

A mood disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and various physical symptoms.

what can depression look like in older adults

Depression in older adults can sometimes mimic or exacerbate cognitive decline.

How is memory affected in aging?

- Decline in episodic memory (memory of specific events)

- Semantic memory (general knowledge) is often preserved

- Procedural memory (skills and habits) may remain intact

What is Erikson's Stage for Older Adulthood?

Integrity vs. Despair, where individuals reflect on their lives and assess their experiences

integrity

If individuals feel a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction with their life, believing they have lived a meaningful life, they experience integrity. This often leads to feelings of wisdom and contentment

despair

Conversely, if individuals look back on their lives with regrets, unfulfilled goals, or a sense of failure, they may experience despair. This can result in feelings of bitterness, disappointment, and hopelessness.

Integrity vs. Despair virtue

wisdom

why is resoultion of Integrity vs. Despair stage cruical

for overall well-being and can impact how individuals cope with aging and the end of life. A sense of integrity can foster acceptance of one's life and contribute to a peaceful state of mind in later years.

What are some psychosocial theories of successful aging?

Disengagement, activity, and continuity theories.

Disengagement Theory

The older adult and society withdraw from each other in a mutually sought and satisfying separation

activity theory

There is a connection between activity & life satisfaction

Continuity Theory

Coping skills and goal achievement in younger years determine if there is successfully coping in later years

What are common living arrangements for older adults?

Living alone, with adult children, independent living, assisted living, nursing homes, and adult day care.

assisted living

semi-independent living; residents receive personal care, med administration, housekeeping, etc. Individual must be ambulatory, walker, or propel self in wheelchair, feed self, elimination controlled

nursing home facilities

expensive; likeliness of needing nursing home increases with age; relocation syndrome

What types of elder abuse are there?

Physical, emotional, financial abuse, and neglect.

Who is most at risk for elder abuse?

Females, those in poverty, poor health, and those needing help with ADLs.

What does self-neglect mean?

Elderly individuals have the right to refuse help from adult protective services and to make their own decisions.

what to do if you think an elderly is being abused

Call Adult Protective Services

Adult Services will decide if respite or something more is necessary

What characteristics describe the abusers/perpetrators?

Mostly adult children or spouse

May have a history of mental illness (the abusers)

May be unemployed or financially strained

Why might older adults experience social isolation?

Drug use and abuse (including prescription drugs), inability to drive, alcohol use, depression, suicide, and loss of loved ones, gambling addiction

suicide assessment

70% visited doctor within past month

What is social security for?

Retirement benefits: offers a source of income for retirees based on their work history and contributions to the system

Who does Medicare pay for/ cover

Health care for those over 65 who are eligible.

medicare is

the largest single payer for health care in the U.S that is federally funded program

What is Medicaid used for?

Non-hospital costs for low-income individuals after personal funds are depleted.

what is medicaid

Jointly funded by federal & state govts using tax dollars; low income, needy persons

With recent health reform plan medicaid

number of enrollees increased due to federal mandate - states struggling to meet the demand