Geriatrics

Aging

Aging

is a lifelong process and entails maturation and change on physical, psychological, and social levels (Riley, 1978)

primary aging

Biological factors such as molecular and cellular changes are called

secondary aging

while aging that occurs due to factors such as lack of physical exercise and poor diet is called ________ (Whitbourne and Whitbourne 2010).

Skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic.

Wrinkles form.

Hair begins to thin and gray.

Men prone to balding start losing hair.

Physical marks of age

65

Traditionally, age __ has been designated as the beginning of old age. But the reason was based in history, not biology.

retirement

Many years ago, age 65 was chosen as the age for ___________ in Germany, the first nation to establish a retirement program, and it continues to be the retirement age for most people in developed societies, although this tradition is changing

objectively

__________, aging is a universal process that starts at birth and is specified by the chronological age criterion

Subjectively

_________, aging is marked by changes in behavior and self-perception and reaction to biological changes

functionally

aging refers to the capabilities of the individual to function in the society

Ageism

Is a bias against individuals and groups based on their age, which may take the form of discrimination at all levels against such individuals and groups, up to and including victimisation and bullying.

Three connected elements of Ageism

- Negative attitudes towards old age and the ageing process

- Discriminatory practices against older people, and institutional practices

- Policies that perpetuate stereotypes about elderly people

Geriatrics

is a medical specialty focused on providing care for the unique health needs of the elderly.

geriatrician

a physician who specializes in the care of older people.

Gerontology

_________ is a comprehensive study of aging and older adults and the various processes associated with it. It studies the processes associated with the bodily changes from middle age through later life.

Biological Aspect

Psychological Aspect

Social Aspect

Gerontology is divided into a 3 major categories

biogerontology

The biological study of aging or often referred to as __________, focuses on the physiological changes that occur as individuals age

Psychogerontology

_____________ explores the cognitive and emotional changes that accompany aging. It includes the study of memory of a older adult, learning ability of a older adult and lastly, the mental health in older adults

Social gerontology

studies the societal roles, relationships and structures that affect the older adults

geriatric nursing

Gerontologic or _______ is a specialized area of nursing that focuses on the care and treatment of older adults.

Geriatric nurses

are responsible for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the care of elderly patients.

patient care

Older adult patients might have difficulty caring for themselves.

Health Assessment

Getriatric nurses regularly assess the physical, mental, and emotional health of older adults.

patient advocacy

Older adults are sometimes vulnerable to neglect, abuse or inadequate care. The geriatric nurses act as patient advocacy for the rights and needs of their patients.

Patient Care

Health Assessment

Patient Advocacy

The responsibilities of geriatric nurses fall into 3 categories:

Development

refers to the process of growth, change, progress, and positive change. or the addition of physical, economic, environmental, social, and demographic components to an existing system or environment.

Process

a series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end.

Chronological age

based solely on the passage of time

Biologic age

refers to changes in the body that commonly occur as people age

Psychologic age

is based on how people act and feel

Functional age

Closely related to psychological age. _________ is an individual's level of capacities relative to others of his age for functioning in a given human society.

Social age

refers to the roles and social habits of an individual with respect to other members of a society

Madame Jeanne Calment

had the longest documented lifespan: 122 years (1875 to 1997).

Heredity

influences whether a person will develop a disorder.

Heredity

Lifestyle

Exposure to Toxins in the Environment

Healthcare

Several factors influence life expectancy: