NUR 220: FINAL- Human Development Adulthood

Senescence

(biological aging)

A normal physiologic process that occurs at the cellular and molecular levels, which is universal and irreversible.

• Normal decrease in organ + system functioning

Life expectancy

Average number of years of life remaining at a given age (varies greatly based on gender, location)

Ageism

Prejudices + stereotypes applied to older people on the basis of their age group

Wear-and-tear theory

Cell atrophy, loss, and decrease in cellular function

• antioxidants + vitamin C + E all limit damage

Cross-linking theory

Protein fibers within connective tissues form bonds or links with one another (cross-link), causing tissue to become less elastic (the longer you live, the greater your chance of it occurring)

• loss of flexibility

• clouding of eye lens

• clogged arteries

Gould’s Theory on aging

Adults dismantle protective devices that gave the illusion of safety as a child

• freeing from childhood restraints + establishing personal identity

Physical changes due to aging

• our peak is before 30 and declines after

• impact of lifestyle behaviors (smoking, exercise), environment, + diet

• skin loses elasticity, bone density, muscle mass decreases, vision changes, hearing loss

Young adulthood age range

18-34 years old

What does the transition phase look like for young adults?

• Vocation (career, life calling)

• Marriage, starting a family

What is the leading cause of death for young adults?

Accidents, drug use, violence

Nurses MUST educate on healthy behaviors (drugs, safe sex, health habbits)

Physical Development for young adults:

• Peak physical growth

• Physical + mental health @ its best… SLOWS after 30

Changes in cognitive development for young adults

• Cognitive abilities = STRONG

• Increase in rational thinking, motor, problem solving skills

Developmental Tasks (young adults)

• Freud: “genital stage” - reawakening of sexual feelings

• Erikson: “intimacy vs. isolation”

Health Risks for young adults

• Tobacco, vaping, alcohol use

• Illicit drug use

• Causes of death: unintentional injury, suicide, homicide

Health Screenings for young adults

• Pap smears

• Immunizations (HPV)

• Skin checks

• STI screenings

Diet + physical activity for young adults

• healthy, balanced diet

• 30 minutes moderate exercise 5 days/week (decreases risk of disease, obesity, DM)

Mental Health in young adults

• Prioritize anxiety + depression screenings

Sexual Behavior in young adults

• Risky sexual behavior = increases STI risks

• Education on safe sex practices

Middle Adulthood age range

35-65 yo

Physical changes in middle adulthood

• wrinkles

• hair thins

• waist thickens

• sarcopenia (age-related decrease in muscle mass + strength)

Cognitive Development in middle adulthood

General slowing of the CNS = change in mental ability

Developmental tasks for middle adulthood

Erikson: generativity vs stagnation

Health risks in middle adulthood

• leading causes of death = 1. cancer 2. CV disease

Health concerns for middle adulthood

• Heart disease, DM, obesity, HTN, arthritis

• nurses should promote: rest, exercise, nutrition

• screenings: BP checks, colonoscopies, prostate exams, mammograms, pap smears

Older Adulthood age range

65+

Physical changes in Older Adulthood

• height decline

• reactions slow

• cataracts + glaucoma

• mobility decreases as muscle strength decreases

Is cognitive decline normal in older adulthood?

Cognitive decline is NOT a normal/expected part of aging!

Dementia

A group of disorders that cause memory loss and functional decline

• alzheimers

Depression can be mistaken as what?

Mistaken as “normal aging”

Delirium

Decreased attention span + waning/waxing type of confusion

• Transient, usually reversible cerebral dysfunction

• PREVENTABLE

Developmental Tasks for older adulthood

Erikson: ego integrity vs despair

Psychosocial changes in older adulthood

Reliance on pension + social security for income, some may need to still work

Living arrangements for older adulthood

Smaller/low maintenance housing

Sexuality in older adulthood

Basic human need for intimacy + companionship

Nurses: strong communication skills, scientific knowledge

Health risks for older adulthood

Disease is NOT a “normal” outcome of aging

• CV disease, COPD (from smoking), musculoskeletal disorders, DM

Health screenings + promotion for older adulthood

• Dental, eye, and hearing check-ups

• Screening for HTN, DM, fall risk, mental health

Changing roles + relationships in older adulthood

• living alone and/or in institutional settings

• limited income

Assistive Technology in older adulthood

• “smart homes”

• fall detection devices

Nursing Home Resident’s Bill of Rights

Have the right to…

• be informed of rights

• select own physician

• privacy + confidentiality

• free from abuse