week 12- advanced old age

biological clock theory of aging

programmed, aging is the result of predictable cellular death (programmed cell death, apoptosis)

immune theory of aging

programmed accumulation of damage and decline in immune function

gene theory

 longevity genetic, associated with traits

wear and tear theory

• deterioration over time due to continued use

free radicals theory

result of random damage from free radicals (errors from unstable, unpaired ions)

physiological changes (senescence in old age)

Bones and cartilage, height, blood vessels narrow, lungs- difficulty breathing, prone to infection, metabolism slows down, kidneys and bladder- not filtering as quickly, nervous system, digestion, senses, teeth- sensory issues, skin, eyes, ears

alternative living settings

modifications in the home, widened doorways, door levers, ramps, lighting, smart home devices, walk in bathtub w bench and safety bars which can lead to caregiver strain

outside the home living situations

Assisted living nursing home or long term care facility- higher level of care than assisted living (needs minimal or moderate assistance/supervision and care)

sleep problems/issues

• High prevalence of sleep disorders- decrease in total hours required

• Increase in nocturnal awakenings, shorter periods in REM, decrease in slow wave activity- waking to go to the bathroom

sleep early and wake early (think grandmas lol)

sensory vision issues

decreased tear production- not as much water intake as well, decreased visual activity color discrimination, pupil size- night driving, annual eye exams, cataracts (yellowing of lens) and glaucoma

presbyopia

age related vision loss of accommodation, need for reading glasses

hearing sensory problems in old age

inner ear atrophy, cell degeneration, loss of ear hair cells, tympanic membrane atrophy/sclerosis

presbycusis

progressive sensorineural hearing loss associated with aging

skin changes from old age

thinner, wrinkled, fragile, safety issues from decreased sensations, decreased function/ # of sweat glands- temperature regulation difficulty, risk of decubitus ulcers- compression against bone

taste/smell related issues from aging

loss of taste buds- large amount of sugar and salt in foods- or loss of eating at all

Food safety issues with loss of smell, decreased acuity of olfactory nerve

elimination issues, gastrointestinal and bladder

constipation, urinary incontinence (holding it in), decline in GI absorption, metabolism

dementia

• NOT inevitable outcome of aging, umbrella term for memory loss

• Confusion and memory loss can have metabolic causes

dementia progress

Chronic or progressive, medication treatment, encourage self care, routines and stimulation interventions (falling, wandering)- when wandering and heavy confusion comes into play, interventions can help

alzheimer’s disease

• Most common form of dementia- progressive memory loss

• Forgetfulness, inattentiveness, disorganized thinking, altered level of consciousness, disorientation, sleep-wake disorders, perceptual disturbances

depression in old age

Older adult at highest risk, factors- isolation, change in environment, low self esteem, medical conditions, medications

family moving away, friends and family passing, loneliness big factor

erikson’s stage at this age

immortality vs extinction

• reflecting on their own accomplishments and legacies brings ego integrity and satisfaction, their life will continue through a legacy or they feel their existence is meaningless