Chapter 10.2 Physical Changes of Aging

Most physical changes that occur with aging are ____ and take place over a/an _____ of time. In addition, the ____ and ____ of change varies with different individuals. Previous ____,_____,_____ status and ______ environment can also have an effect. If an individual can recognize the changes as a/an ____ part of aging, the individual can usually learn to ____ and _____ with the changes (Fill in the blank)

gradual, long period, rate and degree, economic and social, normal, adapt, and cope

List the three (3) physical changes that may occur in each of the following systems: Integrumentary

skin becomes less elastic and dry. Itching is common. Increase sensitivity to temperature develops, and the elderly adult frequently feels cold.

List the three (3) physical changes that may occur in each of the following systems: Musculoskeletal

Bones become brittle and more likely to fracture or break, Gradual loss in height, decreased mobility, and weakness. Movement is slower, and the sense of balance.

List the three (3) physical changes that may occur in each of the following systems: Circulatory

weakness, dizziness, numbness in the hands and /or feet, and a rapid heart rate

List the three (3) physical changes that may occur in each of the following systems: Respiratory

the rib cage becomes more rigid. The elderly individual to experience dispense. Breathing becomes more rapid, and they have difficulty coughing up secretions from the lungs.

List the three (3) physical changes that may occur in each of the following systems: Nervous

Blood flow to the brain decreases. There is a progressive loss of brain cells. The sense of taste, smell, vision, and hearing diminish

List the three (3) physical changes that may occur in each of the following systems: Digestive

Fewer digestive juices and enzymes are produced, muscle actions becomes slower and peristalsis decreases, teeth are lost, and liver function drcreases.

List the three (3) physical changes that may occur in each of the following systems: Urinary

Causes poor functioning of the kidneys, waste substances can build up in the bloodstream and cause serious illness.

List the three (3) physical changes that may occur in each of the following systems: Endocrine

production of some hormones, the basal metabolic rate decreases, resulting in complaints of feeling cold , tired, and less alert.

List the three (3) physical changes that may occur in each of the following systems: Reproductive

Vaginal infections, causes the uterus to sag downward and the breast sag when fat is redistributed.

Identify the following common diseases or conditions in the elderly. Calcium and minerals are lost from bones become brittle and more likely to fracture:

Osteoporosis

Identify the following common diseases or conditions in the elderly.

Inflammation of the joints:

Arthritis

Identify the following common diseases or conditions in the elderly.

Formation of a blood clot:

Thrombus

Identify the following common diseases or conditions in the elderly.

Alveoli lose their elasticity:

Emphysema

Identify the following common diseases or conditions in the elderly.

Lens of eye becomes cloudy or opaque:

Cataracts

Identify the following common diseases or conditions in the elderly.

Increased intraocular pressure in the eye:

Glaucoma

Identify the following common diseases or conditions in the elderly.

Difficulty in swallowing:

Dysphagia

Identify the following common diseases or conditions in the elderly.

Inability to control urination:

Incontinence

Identify the following common diseases or conditions in the elderly.

Dark yellow or brown colored spots on the skin:

Senile lentigines

In each of the following situations, a physical change of aging has occurred Briefly describe how a health care worker can assist the individual in learning how to cope or adapt to the change.

Mrs. Gonzalez complains of dry and itchy skin.

Frequently, bath oils or moisturizing lotions are recommended to combat dryness and itching.

In each of the following situations, a physical change of aging has occurred Briefly describe how a health care worker can assist the individual in learning how to cope or adapt to the change.

Mr. Polinski constantly complains of feeling cold

Socks, sweaters, lap blanket, and layers of clothing can all help alleviate the feeling of coldness.

In each of the following situations, a physical change of aging has occurred Briefly describe how a health care worker can assist the individual in learning how to cope or adapt to the change.

Mr. Stark is irritable and tired during the day because he gets up three or four time at night to urinate

To decrease incidents of nocturia, most fluids should be taken before evening.

In each of the following situations, a physical change of aging has occurred Briefly describe how a health care worker can assist the individual in learning how to cope or adapt to the change.

Because of arthritis, Mrs. Mendosa is unable to button her blouses. However, she insists on dressing herself.

She could get clothes that don't require buttons

In each of the following situations, a physical change of aging has occurred Briefly describe how a health care worker can assist the individual in learning how to cope or adapt to the change.

Mr. Pease lives at home but refuses to take a bath. He is afraid of falling in the tub.

He could grab bars or rails to hold on to.

In each of the following situations, a physical change of aging has occurred Briefly describe how a health care worker can assist the individual in learning how to cope or adapt to the change.

Mrs. Paradiso refuses to sleep in a bed because she becomes short of breath while lying down.

The elderly individual with respiratory problems frequently sleeps in a semi-fowler's position with two or three pillows elevating the upper body to make breathing easier

In each of the following situations, a physical change of aging has occurred Briefly describe how a health care worker can assist the individual in learning how to cope or adapt to the change.

Mr. Chang uses excessive salt, pepper, and sugar on all his food but still complains that the food has no taste.

Attractive foods with a variety of textures and tastes may help stimulate the appetite.

In each of the following situations, a physical change of aging has occurred Briefly describe how a health care worker can assist the individual in learning how to cope or adapt to the change.

Mrs. Pearce wants to exercise and walk two miles each day, but she gets very tired and short of breath.

Elderly individuals should be encourages to exercise as much as their physical conditions permit.

In each of the following situations, a physical change of aging has occurred Briefly describe how a health care worker can assist the individual in learning how to cope or adapt to the change.

Mr. Mende constantly talks very loudly and asks everyone to speak up or repeat what has been said.

He would need hearing aids to help him hear better.

In each of the following situations, a physical change of aging has occurred Briefly describe how a health care worker can assist the individual in learning how to cope or adapt to the change.

Mrs. Valentino refuses to leave her room because she says, "I have been wetting my pants, and it is embarrassing."

Regular trips to the bathroom, wearing easy-to-remove clothing, and using absorbent pads as needed can help the individual who has mild incontinence.